Gerald G. Denniston, 84, Summered in Oak Bluffs

Gerald G. Denniston was born in Oak Bluffs in 1919. He was the youngest of five children. His father was the Rev. Oscar E. Denniston, a native of Jamaica, a Baptist minister who came to the Vineyard as a young man. His mother was Medora Denniston. He, like his siblings - Olive, Baron, Dean and Amy - grew up in the homeplace, known as the Bradley Memorial Church.

After attending public schools here, Mr. Denniston graduated from Boston University. Upon graduation, he served in the United States Army, at which time he was assigned to overseas duty. In 1946, he was honorably discharged as a staff sergeant. After his discharge, he met and married Doris Francis; their marriage was full of love and devotion.

Mr. Denniston was employed as an analyst in quality control for the Social Security Administration for 40 years. He and his wife were members of St. Cyprian's Episcopal Church in the Boston area until her death, and he continued his membership there. He was one of the founding members of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Breakfast Committee, and remained a member for more than 30 years.

During the 1980s, he was presented an award of recognition for his contributions to St. Cyprian's. He served in the vestry, was a member of the search committee for the appointment of the present rector, and was a member of the men's fellowship.

Mr. Denniston's love of the Vineyard was obvious to everyone who knew him. He never failed to mention the beauty of the Island in any conversation. Though he worked in Boston, he maintained a second home in Oak Bluffs, where he spent the entire summer season and many holidays.

Those who knew and loved him will cherish his memory. He leaves to mourn his loss a brother, Dean K. Denniston Sr.; nieces Doris L. Clark and her husband, Jerome; Deanna Denniston Clarke; Shirley M. O'Neil, and Barbara A. Scott. His nephews are Dean K. Denniston Jr.; Donald Denniston; Baron M. Denniston, MD, and his wife, Diana, and Sean C. Denniston. He is also survived by a sister in law, Elaine Denniston, and many other relatives and friends.

A requiem mass in thanksgiving for his life was held at St. Cyprian's in Boston on Sunday, Oct. 3. Burial services were held at the Oak Grove Cemetery in Oak Bluffs on Monday, Oct. 4. The Rev. Alden Besse officiated.