In memoriam: Alumnus John Joseph Fenton, Ph.D.

John Joseph Fenton, 81, of Fenwick Island, died on Sunday, July 12, 2020 at his home. Born on November 16, 1938 in Brooklyn, N.Y., he was the son of the late Patrick and John Joseph Fenton and Margaret Fenton.

He is survived by his wife, Marjorie Fenton; two sons, Michael Fenton (Katherine Donahue) and Timothy Fenton (Tia Fenton); six grandchildren, Matthew, Sean, Michael, Laila, Benjamin and Vivian; and a brother, Joseph Fenton. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his siblings, William, Marcella and Robert.

Fenton earned his Bachelor of Science in chemistry from Catholic University and later his doctorate in chemistry from the University of Minnesota, going on to do two post-doctoral fellowships at Sloan Kettering and Loyola University Chicago. He worked as the Hospital Laboratory Director for Crozer Chester Medical Center and also was a Professor at West Chester University. He authored the textbook “Toxicology: A Case Oriented Approach.” He was a member of the Society of Forensic Toxicology and the American Association of Clinical Chemistry.

He was a natural born educator with a growth mindset, an insatiable thirst for knowledge, and never-ending curiosity. Often described as the consummate conversationalist, he possessed a natural ability to endear himself through conversation to anyone he spent time with. His kind, thoughtful, giving nature was felt by all he came in contact with. He will be remembered as a tour guide, National Park enthusiast, history buff avid cyclist and for his love of Astronomy.