Gerry Lennon died peacefully on Friday.
His son Neil will be absent from Dunfermline Athletic’s trip to Glasgow to face Queen’s Park on Saturday.
The Scottish Championship club said: “Everyone at Dunfermline Athletic is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Gerry Lennon, father of our manager Neil Lennon.
“Our thoughts and prayers go out to Neil and his family at this difficult time.
“Neil will be home in Northern Ireland with his family and will not be in attendance at this weekend’s fixture vs Queen’s Park FC.
“Assistant Manager Iain Brunskill will lead the side for this weekend’s match along with assistant coach Kevin McDonald.”
A family notice said Gerry Lennon died “peacefully at Orchard Lodge Care Home, Armagh, surrounded by the love of his family.”
His funeral will take place at St Paul’s Church, Lurgan, where Requiem Mass will be celebrated at 10am on Monday.
A private committal service will take place at a later date.
Neil Lennon’s father Gerry Lennon (inset) died peacefully on Friday
News Catch Up – Friday 12 December
Lurgan native Lennon – formerly manager of Celtic, Hibernian and Bolton Wanderers – is currently serving a four-match touchline ban, meaning he would not have been in the technical area at the City Stadium regardless.
The Co Armagh man joined the club in March, helped them avoid relegation, and signed a two-year contract running until summer 2027.
At Celtic, he became captain and made over 200 appearances, winning multiple honours.
He earned 40 caps for the Northern Ireland national team, scoring twice.
Dunfermline sit fifth in the Championship, nine points clear of Queen’s Park in second-bottom.
Gerry Lennon’s death comes less than 18 months after the Celtic legend mourned the loss of his mother, Ursula, who passed away last August.
At that time, Lennon had to leave his role as manager of Rapid Bucharest to return home.
His father, Gerry, grew up on a farm, worked in Lurgan’s linen factories, and raised four children. He was forced to retire at just 38 due to a debilitating illness.
Throughout Neil Lennon’s early football journey – and later, during periods when he faced threats and bomb scares – his father remained a steady source of reassurance and support.
“My father is a proud guy, as was his father,” Lennon told the Belfast Telegraph back in 2011.
“It’s a family trait.
“In sport, if you lose your pride, you might as well give up.
“When I went through periods of doubt, my dad would build me up.”
