Deacon Gerald “Jerry” Joseph Whartenby, a United States Navy veteran and former assistant principal at Bishop McDevitt High School in Wyncote, passed away on Thursday, June 11. He was 79.

Deacon Whartenby graduated from the Submarine Academy as a teenager and served for 10 years in active duty and as a reserve, his obituary said. He went on to serve as a detective and police spokesperson during a 21-year career with the Philadelphia Police Department.

He was ordained a permanent deacon in 1994, serving the role until his passing.

He began a career in education as a Theology teacher at Archbishop Ryan, Little Flower and Roman Catholic High Schools, as the CCD Coordinator for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, and later assistant principal at Bishop McDevitt.

“Jerry was a firm believer that education did not only happen in a classroom which was exemplified in his lifelong membership of the Boy Scouts of America, serving as Camp Director for the Musser Scout Reservation,” his obituary said. “Jerry loved helping make people better versions of themselves and this led him to sharing his talents with young adults by serving as an Associate Director of the School of Entrepreneurship at Muhlenberg University and immortalizing his passions by becoming a published author and lecturer.”

Relatives and friends are invited to attend his viewing on Thursday, June 18, 2026, from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM at St. Anselm Church, 12670 Dunks Ferry Road, Philadelphia, PA 19154 and again on Friday, June 19, 2026, from 9:45 AM until 11:15 AM. Deacon Whartenby’s Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:30 AM. Rite of Committal will take place at precisely 2:00 PM at Washington Crossing National Cemetery.

For all the latest news, follow us on Facebook or sign up for Glenside Local’s “Daily Buzz” newsletter here.