Jeffrey Pike Ferris

Jeffrey Pike Ferris, 80, died peacefully on December 3, 2024, at home with his loving family. Born to the late Edgar and Evelyn Ferris in Old Greenwich, CT, Jeff attended Greenwich High School and then continued his education at Tufts University and Simmons College. After college, Jeff served as a Captain in the United States Airforce during the Vietnam conflict and was stationed at Takhli Airbase in Thailand as an Air Traffic Controller for one year.

A professional librarian by training, Jeff began his career at Wilmington Library and spent over 20 years with New Castle County Libraries, retiring in 2003 as the director of the Kirkwood Highway and Elsmere Libraries.

Jeff loved music and it was a constant throughout his life. At the age of 11, Jeff was selected to sing the part of the young David in Arthur Honegger’s oratorio and symphonic psalm King David, narrated by Basil Rathbone, at the Second Congregational Church in Greenwich, CT. In 1961, Jeff traveled to Europe with the Greenwich High School Chorus to represent the U.S. at the International Music Educators Conference in Vienna, and performed various concerts in Germany, Switzerland, Italy, and France over a 3-week period. At Tufts, Jeff joined the Beelzebubs, an acapella group, and appears on the ‘Bubs early records. Once settled in Delaware, Jeff joined the Chancel Choir of First and Central Presbyterian Church, where he sang for over 40 years.

While never an official church member, Jeff was active in the congregation of First and Central Presbyterian for over 40 years, singing in the choir, helping lead the church’s youth group, and volunteering in retirement for Meals on Wheels. He liked to think of himself as First and Central’s resident heretic.

Jeff is survived by his wife of 47 years, Brenda, daughter Margaret (Meg) McReynolds, son-in-law Robert, grandson Isaac, sister Althea Vanderpoel, brother-in-law Richard, and nephews Timothy and Charles.

Jeff’s memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 25, 2025 at First and Central Presbyterian Church. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in his memory to Meals on Wheels Delaware or Market Street Music.

Send a Condolence Light a Candle Send Flowers Print Out Obituary

Funeral Services

Jeff’s memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 25, 2025 at First and Central Presbyterian Church in Wilmington, DE.

Condolences

Louise Tabasso writes,

I will miss you my good friend Jeff. I will never forget how you helped my reference skills on the nights you worked at Wilmington and I was just beginning at Concord Pike Reference. Your family is my family. I will always remember our many times together. Love to all. You and Stan can make music together. Louise Tabasso

12/17/2024 04:38 pm

Linda Pierce lit a candle and writes,

I am so thankful to God that I was able to know this “F & C heretic”. He was a good friend and had a great sense of humor. My thoughts and prayers are with you Brenda and the rest of your beautiful family.

12/19/2024 08:30 pm

Peggy Dillner writes,

I knew Jeff (and Brenda) professionally as an active member of Delaware Library Association. Jeff gave much to us as librarians as a great model of kind, ethical, and always professional human being. May the family all recognize what wonderful contributions he made in the world.

12/20/2024 02:18 pm

Diane Wolf writes,

Although long retired from library land, I remember Jeff and Brenda for their leadership and positivity. Brenda, I hope the fond memories of your friends and colleagues brings you some comfort at this time.

12/20/2024 03:18 pm

Alden Johanson writes,

Jeff grew up around the corner from me in the Shorelands neighborhood of Old Greenwich — and we both went through school together, graduating Greenwich High School in 1962, and were together on the European chorus trip mentioned in his obituary. We were close friends, but regrettably drifted apart as we went off to college. He embodied a rare combination of physical strength, appreciation of music and literature, and gentle caring for those around him. Assuming he was joking about the “heretic” label, I look forward to reuniting with him in heaven.

12/20/2024 09:46 pm

Sue Gooden writes,

So sorry to hear about Jeff’s passing. My condolences to Brenda and the rest of his family.

12/21/2024 02:11 pm

Nancy St. Amand writes,

I was so very sorry to hear of Jeff's passing. We shared many wonderful times at the Kirkwood Library. Jeff will always be a legacy for us.

12/26/2024 03:02 pm

Jim Brennan writes,

I too was very sad to hear of Jeff’s passing. We shared two years in the Beelzebubs at Tufts. I grew up in Weston CT, and as far as I know, we were the only two Nutmeggers in the group. I always looked up to Jeff (not just because I’m short), and I remember the professionalism, enthusiasm, and camaraderie he brought to the group as music director. I knew he served in the military after college, and I admired him for that. I know that his was a life well-lived.

01/08/2025 09:49 pm

David Burdash writes,

Dee and I were surprised and saddened by the passing of Jeff. Upon meeting Jeff for the first time in the 1970's, I admired the ease with which we connected, as if knowing each other for many years. He was easy to befriend, an inspired librarian, a gifted vocalist with easy-to-appreciate humor. We scarcely met following his transfer to New Castle County libraries, but when we did meet, Jeff was one with whom it was easy to reminiscw and reflect about common concerns. The world was a better place having experienced the many talents of Jeffery Ferris. Dee and I extend our sincere condolences to Brenda and family.

01/23/2025 09:23 am

JEAN WAKEFIELD lit a candle and writes,

Jeff, you had a powerful tenor and a wicked sense of humor. Thanks to you and Brenda for guiding me through Library Science. Now, Rest in Blessed Peace. Jean

01/23/2025 03:59 pm

Cancel reply

Thank You

Your online condolence will appear once approved by our site administrator.