John J. Renner, 87

DEWEY BEACH - John J. Renner of Dewey Beach and Arlington, Va., passed away peacefully Thursday, April 12, 2007, in his Delaware home from multiple myeloma. He was 87.

Mr. Renner was born Nov. 25, 1919, in Dorchester, Mass., son of the late William and Mary (McGue) Renner.

He was a graduate of the Boston Latin School and MIT.

Mr. Renner was a World War II Army veteran with responsibility for setting up and maintaining communications on New Caldeonia. Capt. Renner received a Bronze Star for his meritorious service in New Caledonia while serving on a communications task force.

He was president and founder of Advanced Technologie Systems in Arlington, Va., from 1969 to 1989.

Mr. Renner was a member of St. Edmonds Catholic Church, Rehoboth Beach and attended St. Ann's Catholic Church, Bethany Beach, where he worked in the book store. He was an Honorary Knight of the Knights of Columbus in Arlington and was a founding member of the IEEE Club (the Old Crows) in Washington, D.C. He was an active member of the American Legion Post 28 and VFW Post 7447. He was a beloved volunteer at the Beach House in Lewes. He also arranged for the set up of communications in Lake Placid, N.Y. for the Winter Olympics.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 43 years, Kathleen Renner; a brother, Gerard Renner; and a sister, Margaret O'Connell.

He is survived by his son and a daughter-in-law, John Joseph II and Joan Renner of Alexandria; five daughters and four sons-in-law, Kathleen Alicia and Danny Mirro of Arlington, Mary Beth and Tom Kurpiel of Bensenville, Ill., Genie and David Herwig of Frankford, Rosalie and Jim Barnes of Arlington and Patricia Donnelly of Camden, S.C.; 15 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; a goddaughter, Maryanne Galante of Massachusetts; and a brother, William Renner of Baltimore.

Friends may call from 3 to 6 p.m. Monday in Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, 16961 Kings Highway, Lewes, with a prayer service at 5 p.m.

Friends may also call from 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday in Murphy Funeral Home of Arlington, 4510 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington.

A Mass of Christian burial will be 11 a.m. Wednesday in St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, 3304 North Washington Blvd., Arlington.

Burial will follow in National Memorial Park, Falls Church, Va.

Instead of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to Delaware Hospice, 20167 Office Circle, Georgetown, DE 19947; or the American Cancer Society, Relay for Life, P.O. Box 163, Salisbury, MD 21803; or the VFW Scholarship Program, Post 7447, State Road, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971.