Gerry O. Denis
"Denee The Clown"
GERRY O. DENIS
AKA
“DENEE THE CLOWN”
1943-2007
Our beloved Balloon Man “Denee the Clown” (Jana’s husband, Gerry O. Denis) lost his cancer battle on April 20, 2007 exactly 9 years to the day when he was diagnosed with cancer. He continued to perform throughout those years and believed the clowning was part of his “medicine”. Gerry also worked for many years as a scribe and tutor for disabled students in the school system. His fun-loving spirit inspired co-workers and students alike. He was still scribing for the student who had become like a son to him when the illness went into crisis.
When Gerry met Jana in 1990 he not only fell in love with her but “got the bug” to get involved in the clowning fun she was enjoying as “Christy Clown”. She suggested the troupe needed a balloon man, and by the summer of 1991 “Denee the Clown” was a self taught “natural”. He had long running “gigs” at Red Lobster and Boston Pizza restaurants. “Christy and Denee” lost count of the birthday parties they performed for as a duo…and they often appeared at events for Kids with Cancer as well as for disabled children. They were also popular with special gatherings for seniors…bringing out the kid in all ages!
Gerry/”Denee” was a true joy-giver, a loving and devoted husband, a beloved father of Jessica and step-dad to Melissa, surrogate “dad” and mentor to Jamie, a faithful friend to many and a zealous witness to his strong faith in God… which earned him the nickname…”The Kingman”.
Gerry faced death the way he lived his life…
with courage and love and the hope that he had made a difference in the lives he touched.
God Bless you Gerry…”Denee the Clown”…
”The Kingman”…How we miss you!
You will live in our hearts always!
