- Welcome to Daley Life Celebration Studio, where we Celebrate the Color of Life.
Marvin “Reds” Jenkins
Long before “Penny Lane” there was a barber on Pavilion Street showing photos of every head he’d had the pleasure to have known. Reds filled his shop with the pictures of youngsters’ first haircuts; generations later children got to catch a glimpse of their parents at their age. This was just one of the many way he was devoted to his customers; “we can’t ever close the barber shop” he used to say, but never begrudgingly. He wouldn’t even consider taking a vacation. But, the never-ending kindness he showed his customers paled in comparison to the love he displayed for family. When blessed with children, his home in Riverside was not just for them, but it’s where all the neighborhood kids congregated. When he became a grandfather it wasn’t enough to occasionally babysit. Rather, he had the grandkids stay with his wife and him for most of the summer; trips to the shore and Cooperstown were the norm. But his home and his heart were open to more than just his own relatives. Well into his 80s, he volunteered to drive “older” folks around and although he refused to eat vegetables, he grew lush tomatoes and peppers simply to give them away.rnAs a young man Reds was introduced to a woman named Virginia “Ginny” (nee Mannion) while accompanying a friend to a local restaurant. Before her passing in 2001, their 50 year marriage was blessed by their children: Joanne Bromley (fiancée Mark Payne) of Goodland, FL, Nancy DeDeo (Ray) of Pennsauken and the late Thomas, and again by their grandchildren: Amy Walter, Molly Kinne and Nathan DeDeo.rnCome celebrate Red’s 91 wonderful years (Nov. 6, 1921-Dec. 3, 2012) Friday from 6-8 PM and Saturday from 9-10 AM at the Sweeney Funeral Home, Riverside. Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 10:30 AM Saturday at Jesus the Good Shepherd Church (St. Peter’s Site), Riverside. Interment St. Peter’s Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorial gifts may be made to Samaritan Hospice, 5 Eves Dr. Suite 300 Marlton, NJ 08053.rn
10 Comments
One of the kindest, most giving and gentlest person I have had the honor of knowing. I’ll never forget how freely he showed his emotions when he spoke of his love and concern for each member of his family – especially the stories of “the love of his life – Ginny”. I will always think of the joy he must have had to be reunited with her, and with Tom. I’ll always remember his beautiful wood crafting (along with the occasional “accident”!) and his wonderful kiss on the cheek goodbye- a cross between some quicks pecks a snuffleupagus. I pray that his many wonderful memories are a comfort to his family at this sad time.
I’m so glad that Marvin was able to make the trip to Pennsylvania the other year so that the family was all able to spend some time with him. He was a wonderful person and had a great smile. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.rnrnDonald Jenkins and Family
Sorry , I never had the Joy to meet MR Jenkins ( Jo. B’s Daddy ) but I know his Daughter and have heard wonderful stories of her childhood and the Love her family shared….I am so sorry for their lose , but so happy they shared a wonderful life with their Daddy….God Bless and we love you Jo.B………..Your Goodland family
Reds will be truly missed not only in Riverside but in my family as well. Reds cut our family hair from his first days to his retirement. I still have my picture of my first haircut as well as all my siblings and relatives. The Riverside Historical society will deeply miss him which he truly loved the meetings as well as his insightful remberences of years past. As an usher at St. Peter’s Church Reds was always there to serve for many decades. God will bless him for all his service in all area of his life. Reds was the best friend that you always wanted and his kindness was what the Christian life teaches. Rest in eternal life and peace, my friend.
I remember when my brother and I wanted to grow our hair longer. We’d go to see Reds and we’d tell him how we wanted it cut. Little did we know our Dad had got to Reds before we did. Our hair was cut just the way Dad told Reds he wanted it cut.(crew cut or as they called it then, a wiffle) It took quite a while before we figured it out. I sat in his chair many many times.nWhat great memories. I can still remember the smell of the after shave and talc in the shop. Those were good times back in the fifties when I got my first haircut from him- he just starting cutting hair. I remember his bow tie too! God Bless you Red’s, you will be missed, but never forgotten.
I still have that photo of me, with my parents in the background, Harry Potter-like, one over each shoulder, that graced the wall of “uncle Reds” barbershop in Riverside, NJ. Also visible in the background are the many other photos of the thousands of heads that sat in his chair. Not celebrities, kings or princes. No, because he was not like that. But we were all famous to him, and he was our fan club. A great man leaves the world better for having been in it, and he surely made us all feel his boundless love every time we met him. A great cloud of witnesses watched over him as he quietly worked, and everyone was special to him. He will be sorely missed.
How truly blessed we were to have known such a gem of a man! He was just like a Father to me. Reds and my Mother shared many wonderful times together. I loved how he would call me “Doll” whenever he would see me. He had a special twinkle in his eye whenever he laughed! I enjoyed coming over to watch the Phillies’ Games with him. All the woodworking items he made for me, I will ALWAYS treasure! I will pray for comfort and healing for his wonderful Family. This isn’t “Goodbye” Reds…rather, “Until We Meet Again” Love, Terri
Nancy and Jo, my deepest sympathy. Everyone loved “Uncle” Reds. He was always so very nice to me and will be remembered in my thoughts and prayers for years to come.nLove,nMargie
Uncle Marvin was a humble, beautiful man who always made me feel special. Our lives are all richer because of knowing him. I’m so grateful for the resurrection hope, because to think of never being able to see him again is just not acceptable! What a great day it will be when he and Aunt Ginny come back from their ‘rest’ and enrich our lives once again!
Reds was such a wonderful person to know.John I. loved talking with him…seems they knew everyone in town.Rest in peace.