John M. Kertis

John M. Kertis~February 5, 1962—May 23, 2018~Age 56 years.


John passed peacefully on May 23 at Brandywine Memorial Hospital. He was the husband of Donna M. Geniesse Kertis, his wife of over 32 years and love of more than a lifetime, and tireless “Papa Hen” to their children: John G., Ian, and Emma Kertis.

John was born in Chester, PA, the son of Frank Kertis Sr. and Josephine N. Kertis. He worked for over 30 years as a proofreader and later customer service manager for American Directory Systems, and then in the produce department of Wegmans. His true passions, however, were literature and music. A pacifist and a poet, he held a lifelong dream of seeing his work published.

John graduated from Ridley High School in 1980 and The Pennsylvania State University (B.A. English) in 1984. When not reading, writing, gardening, or caring for chickens and other varying pets, John was a determined spiritual seeker forever on his journey. He had a long and substantial association with the Downingtown Friends Meeting and will also be remembered for his time at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church of Honey Brook.

Along with his wife, children, and both parents, John is survived by brothers Frank Kertis, Jr. (Kim) of Brandon, MS, William (Rose) of Marcus Hook, PA, and
Stephen (Danielle) of Ridley Park, PA, and by his sister Joanna Kertis, also of Ridley Park. John was predeceased by his much-loved and greatly missed big sister, Janet K. McElroy, formerly of Coatesville, PA. He leaves behind a large extended family, including a multitude of cousins, nieces, and nephews, as well as his dear Aunt Gen to whom he was always “Johnny”. Other survivors include lifelong best friends Jim Marquardt and Bernie Oberoski, and John’s Boston Terrier and irreplaceable muse, Edmund.

A Memorial Celebration will be held at Downingtown Friends Meeting on Saturday, June 2nd at 11AM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent directly to Mighty Writers of West Philadelphia or to Donate Life America.

 

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