Gerald Penfield Kynett, Jr. of Shell Point Village, Ft. Myers FL passed into rest at home, surrounded by family, friends and caregivers on Tuesday morning, May 24th, 2022 after a long and adventurous life.
“Gerry” “Bud” Kynett was born December 10, 1925, in Media, PA to Gerald P. and Jean Crothers Kynett. He grew up in Wallingford, PA and as an adult lived in New York, Wallingford, PA, Lighthouse Point FL and lastly, Ft. Myers, FL.
His education at Episcopal Academy in Newtown Square, PA was interrupted by WWII. He enlisted in the Navy at age 17 and served in the Pacific theater, attaining 1st class by war's end. Upon finishing high school at Episcopal Academy, he attended the University of Richmond where, among various activities and sports, he was a paid soloist in the church choir. He later attended the Wharton School of Business. After college, he went on to work for American Home Products in the New York office.
A proud Navy man, he served and was commissioned in the Naval Reserve, rising to the rank of CDR and had Command of the USS Linnett (MSCO-24). While in Wallingford he was a member of the Rotary Club, the Sons of the Revolution and the Swarthmore United Methodist Church.
After success at American Home Products, he became an investment banker at Hopper Soliday, Brook, Sheridan and Bogan, where his father was a partner .His success as a salesman enabled him to retire, a partner, in 1969 to manage his own account at age 43.
He and his wife Virginia ‘Ginny’ enjoyed sailing for over 30 years, cruising extensively around the Chesapeake, Florida, the Florida Keys, the Bahamas, and the Caribbean. In 1986, he braved the open ocean without the advanced weather forecasting of today and made a nearly fateful trip to Bermuda with Ginny and a sister ship captained by friends and with son, Michael, as crew. He was a member of the Cruising Club of America (CCA) and the St Charles Yacht Club where he won a few sailing yacht club races.
Whether at home in Wallingford, Lighthouse Point or Ft. Myers, Fla., Gerry enjoyed fishing, hunting pheasants, skin diving, woodworking, building furniture and clocks, giving magic shows for birthday parties, entertaining and playing his piano. Beekeeping was a hobby and a tool to teach his children entrepreneurship through selling honey. Gerry enjoyed growing things, be they orchids, fruit trees, or portfolios. His love of investing in the stock market continued throughout his years as he stayed current with many publications and trusted advisors. He enjoyed sharing his knowledge and his latest stock purchase recommendation with family and others. He enjoyed helping others in various ways and had a great sense of humor to the end of his days.
Gerry was predeceased by his beautiful wife of 64 years, Virginia ‘Ginny’ Smith Kynett, his sister, Jean Crothers Kynett Colket, nieces, Jean ‘DeeDee’ Fulbister Colket, and Marion Colket Matesevac.
Left to honor his memory are children Linda Smith Kynett Gurley (Barry), Gerald P. ‘Mark’ Kynett III, and Michael Smith Kynett (Gail); grandchildren Jessica Kynett Harris, Thomas B. Harris, III (Amy), Tate Kynett Harris (Joanna), Gerald P. Kynett IV, Elizabeth Shoff Kynett, David Smith Kynett and Samantha Grace Kynett; seven great-grandchildren; cousins Willard ‘Bill’ Kynett and Samuel Crothers III; a nephew, Peter Colket (Nancy) and niece, Elizabeth ‘Beth’ Paxson Colket Tauser (Randy).
A service will be held on Saturday, May 28th, 2022 at 11:00am at the Cocklin Funeral Home, 30 N Chestnut St, Dillsburg, PA 17019. Interment to follow at the Warrington Friends Meeting House cemetery in Wellsville, PA 17365.
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