John J. Renner's Obituary
John J. Renner, age 87, of Dewey Beach, DE and Arlington, VA, passed away peacefully at his Delaware home from multiple myeloma on Thursday, April 12, 2007. John was born November 25, 1919 in Dorchester, MA, son of the late William and Mary (McGue) Renner.
Mr. Renner graduated from the Boston Latin School and MIT. He was President and founder of Advanced Technology Systems, Inc. in Arlington, Va from 1969 to 1989. Mr. Renner was a member of St. Edmonds Catholic Church , Rehoboth Beach, DE and also attend St. Ann's Catholic Church, Bethany Beach, DE where he worked in the book store. He was an Honorary Knight of the Knights of Columbus in Arlington, VA. and was a founding member of the IEEE Club (the Old Crows) in Washington, DC. He was a WW II veteran of the Army with responsibility for setting up and maintaining communications on New Caldeonia. Captain John Renner received a bronze star for his meritorious service in New Caledonia while serving on a communications task force. He was an active member of the American Legion Post 28 and VFW Post #7447. He was a beloved volunteer at the Childrens Beach House in Lewes. Mr. Renner also arranged for the set up of communications in Lake Placid, NY for the Winter Olympics.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 43 years, Kathleen Renner; a brother, Gerard Renner; and a sister Margaret O'Connell.
He is survived by his son, John Joseph Renner, II and wife Joan of Alexandria, VA; five daughters: Kathleen Alicia Mirro and husband Danny of Arlington, VA, Mary Beth Kurpiel and husband Tom of Bensenville, IL, Genie Herwig and husband David of Frankford, DE, Rosalie Barnes and husband Jim of Arlington, VA, and Patricia Donnelly of Camden, SC; 15 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; a god daughter, Maryanne Galante of MA; and one brother, William Renner of Baltimore, MD.
The family will receive friends at Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, 16961 Kings Highway, Lewes, on Monday, April 16, 3-6:00 PM with a prayer service beginning at 5:00 PM. The family will receive friends at Murphy' Funeral Home of Arlington, 4510 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, VA. on Tuesday, April 17, 5-8:00 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, April 18, 11 AM at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, 3304 North Washington Blvd., Arlington, VA. Burial will follow at National Memorial Park, Falls Church, VA.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to Delaware Hospice, 20167 Office Circle, Georgetown, DE 19947 or to the American Cancer Society, Relay for Life, P.O. Box 163, Salisbury, MD 21803 or the VFW Scholarship Program, Post 7447, State Road, Rehoboth Beach, DE.
On-line condolences may be sent to: [email protected].
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