Bernard F. DENNY

NEWPORT NEWS - Bernard "Bernie" Farrar Denny, 91, a resident of The Chesapeake, died Thursday, Oct. 28, 2010.
Born in Norfolk on Oct. 20, 1919, Bernie spent most of his life dedicated to his passion of restoring engines of every vintage and variety, beginning when he was a boy growing up in Ocean View. By age 17, he was "on his way," joining the Merchant Marine and spending time in a Fascist prison during the Spanish Civil War, when his tanker, running fuel to Republican forces, was stopped by one of Franco's destroyers. He was released only through intervention by President Roosevelt. During World War II, he joined the Navy, flying PBYs against German U-Boats in the South Atlantic. He was decorated with Combat Aircrew Wings with a Diamond for attacking and sinking a U-Boat. While still in the Navy, he attended several aviation courses, accumulating credits equivalent to two years of college, then began flying for commercial airlines. In the 37 years he was with Pan American Airways, he flew every plane in the fleet and was a member of the first crew for the new 747.
In 1983, Mr. Denny became a volunteer at The Mariners' Museum. He completed several major projects for the Museum, including the restoration of five engines, three of which are currently on display in the Monitor Center. He used to say that the smell of engine oil was "like Chanel No. 5 for me." The Mariners' Museum honored Bernie with several awards for his time, work, and passion. He also worked closely with the NOAA, during the recovery and restoration of the Monitor, and was honored to visit the excavation site in 1999.
He is survived by his daughter, Nancy Denny Kellogg and her husband, Dean; his grandsons, Trey, Bernie and Ben, all of San Antonio, Texas; his close companion, Betty Brendel of Newport News; beloved nephew, J. Blaine Denny; nieces, Susan Denny Campbell and Bruce Denny Bingham; special friends, Debbie, Lillie and William Ball of Chesapeake; and many other friends. He will be dearly missed.
The family extends a special thank you to The Chesapeake staff, for the extensive care given to Bernie.
A memorial service will be conducted at 2 p.m. Friday, Nov. 12, 2010,
at The Mariners' Museum, 100 Museum Drive, Newport News, VA 23606, in the Huntington Room.
In lieu of flowers, please make memorial contributions to The Mariners' Museum.
Arrangements are by W.J. Smith and Son Funeral Home. Please leave online condolences at www.wjsmithandsonfh.com View and post condolences on our online guestbook at dailypress.com/guestbooks.