Death date: Oct 21, 2024
Dr. Jerome Rene Wilett, 89, died peacefully in Gainesville, FL on October 21, 2024 at 89 years young, following complications from a fall after an extraordinary life. Dr. Wilett is survived by his daughter, Nicole Wilett, of Wash Read Obituary
I was a sophomore student at St. Joseph Seminary in 1962 when Rene was Father Rene to our geometry class. He was a very excellent teacher who was well prepared and had the respect of our class of 45 students. I had heard he later left the priesthood and took up Pyschology. I appreciate seeing his obituary and learning so much of the rest of his life.
I only learned today about Dr. Wilette's passing. He was a guide to me at a very weak time in my life. I had always hoped to let him know, how his words and tools DID kick in and taught me to deal with one of the hardest times In my life. He humanized himself by sharing stories, even giving me a much needed hug. I wish I had known then about what a fantastic interesting life he had led before we met. I'm so sorry for your loss. He was a wonderful man.
Virginia sinesi Syracuse NY
Hey Rene, you were/are a dear friend and a dear friend to many. My heart is saddened and heavy at this news of your taking leave of your body. That your phone refused my recent inquiry about whether your LA property burned, I wondered if you had transitioned and I found you here on Siri. In the past, not hearing from you for spells, I remember texting you to indicate "Y" if still alive and "N" if not. This time I got the "N". My memories of you were always sweet and loving. We talked about 6 months ago and you shared apprehension about having to speak at a friends funeral in Syracuse. I wondered how that went. I shared this leaving with our mutual friend, Michael Sheehan, who traveled with me to your Syracuse wedding with Sheila. He said he had been thinking of you recently and was going to call you, but found it interesting that you made contact this way. The three of us fondly remembered our trucking days at St. Louis University growing as therapists, playing basketball in an intramural league, hustling at poker, partying together, and sharing much laughter. Yes you were an excellent poker player and I enjoyed the couple of Franciscans who joined us at the table. I remember your calling me on Saturday afternoons wanting a one-on-one basketball challenge to break up the tedium of grad study. We shared some spiritual quest together around my Guru, Baba Muktananda, whose ashram also is in upstate New York. I remember giving you and Sheila a reading from Baba at the time of your wedding that you picked at random and was struck that the reading hit you "right on" on the occasion of your wedding. I believe one of your sisters was present also and maybe a nephew. Remember your visit at my home in Napa sharing a hottub together. Maybe I am running out of space here, so just wanting to communicate thru the ether my gratitude for our wonderful relationship and times filled with caring, laughter and concern. Keep a lookout for me when my time here has ended. Should any of your family care to reach out to me, that would be great. My email is [email protected]. address is Dr. Robert Heying, Napa, CA 94559, 707-332-7422 cell, Love you always my brother Rene. Robert Heying
Rest in peace Rene. Your work here is done. You lived life to its fullest. Your family, friends ,colleagues, and those who received your wisdom in therapy are grateful for your presence in their lives. They will miss you as will I. Heartfelt sympathy to Nicolle, Felicity and the extended family.
I did know Rene well! I only saw and interacted with him as we passed one another on runs in the Syracuse University area. Occasionally we would greet each other as he might be pushing his son Marc on one of our frequent runs in the SU area or on one of several road races in the SU area. Rene always had a smile as we passed each other on our training runs. It also appears as though we may have passed one another like two ships at sea during the night as I spent 2 summers working in a Presbyterian community Center at 23rd and St Louis Ave during the summers of 65 and 66. It was during this period I cemented my interest in social work and frequently found myself interacting with children attending youth programs at the Greely United Presbyterian Church… often them to actives in and around St Louis University, and the Zoo. Rene always had a smile and a wave as we greeted one another during our runs… and often he had his son Marc with him. Though our relationship was limited to our occasional wave and greeting, I am sure he will be missed by many… especially his family and friends who knew him much better than I… and to think it has been years since I have scene him! Family you have much to recall and reflect on…
Willam (Bill) Pollard
SU Social Work Dean (89-99)
I too shared many runs with Rene. He was my mentor when I was a graduate student and a counselor-in-residence at SU. I am pleased to know that he had a long and productive life. Rest in peace.
A lot of runs and races. The 9:00pm phone calls to go for a short run that lasted two hours. The 18 mile run that ended in a rain storm in November. Thank goodness for the quarter you found and could phone Felicity to pick us up. The last push for the last mile and last hill. Everytime.
Renee shared his love of SU basketball with myself and friends when we were young, inviting us over to share a bowl of chili and cheer on the team. In recent years, I had a chance to introduce Renee to my husband while on MV. I’m grateful to share these memories and for the time we spent together.
