Obituary of Geraldine M. Dingwitz

Gerry, a loving Wife, Mother, and the greatest Mom-Mom ever, also Great Mom-Mom, Aunt, friend, volunteer and LPN nurse. We miss her already!

Legacy & Family 

Gerry was preceded in death by her husband Paul, son & wife, Edward (Kelly) Dilworth, brothers Daniel Fite, William Fite & Sister Gertrude Tiesman. Survived by daughters: Mary Lou (Jerry) Slusar, Marlene Dilworth & Karen McClean, brother Bill Doyle, by six grandchildren, three great-grand-daughters, many nieces and nephews.

Gerry was born in Philadelphia and moved to Westville NJ as a young girl. She met her first husband Rich Dilworth at a Camden skating rink in the late 50’s. Together they had five children, Mary Lou, Richard Jr, Marlene, Edward and Karen. They divorced but remained friends throughout her life.

Gerry went to nursing school after their divorce, while working at Wonder Bread, and became hostess at  Ponzio’s diner after dropping tomato soup on a customer. She got the highest score on nurse’s boards in her class.

Worked as a nurse for 28 years at Jefferson Hospital in Philadelphia.

Back in the day she was an avid bowler, later played shuffle alley for the Krazy-Kat traveling team. Then played shuffleboard for Brooklawn and Woodbury American Legions.

One night in the 70s after bowling Gerry and her best friend Barbara Garrison went to the Merry Go Round where she met the love of her life, a sailor named Paul. He would sail in and out of her life until she finally agreed to marry him. Gerry helped Paul get a job at the hospital in maintenance so they could have dinner together since she worked 3-11. Even though Paul was a retired Master Chief, he wasn’t going to stay home while she worked, that’s what she said.

Gerry was an avid Eagles Fan. Season ticket holder starting in the 90s she rarely missed a game till Covid unless it was too cold. She went to Tampa for Superbowl XXXIX (so worth it). She tried to attend one away game a year with family.

She loved traveling with family and friends. Always ready to go. Loved the Sahara in Las Vegas, Aruba, Cancun and St. Maarten. Usually traveling with a group of best friends. You know who you are.

She also went on group trips to Aruba with the Demo, Jamaica trip with Philly family & friends. Also trips to Daniels in the Poconos with the legion, and the annual ski trips to the Pines with the Old Philly Bar for many years.

She always wanted to spend time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Trips to the Poconos, Massanutten, Disney and down the shore were an excuse to spend more time with them. She was proud of each and every one of them.

She loved shopping and buying unique gifts for all her friend & family.

Every year since the late 80’s she went to the American Legion Convention in Wildwood, with our extended family. Ed would decorate his truck for the ladies to ride in the parade, Jerry took over for Ed when he passed. Gerry made the strongest Jello shots in the land. Also tried to go to the Garrison encampment and VFW Convention. All three in one year was too many, however she did it a couple times.

Gerry was an auxiliary member of American Legion #133 Woodbury, VFW #2174 Westville-Grove, Army Navy Union #52 National Park & Member Mt. Ephraim Demo Club.

Farewell Tribute

Family & Friends are invited to Gerry's viewing on Friday, May 27, 2022 from 6pm-8pm at the McGuinness Funeral Home (34 hunter Street,  Woodbury NJ, 08096) and again on Saturday. May 28, 2022 frin 8:15 to 8:45 at the funeral home.  Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, May 28, 2022 at 10:00 AM at St. Joachim Church 601 W. Browning Road,Bellmawr, NJ 08031.

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