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Denis MEHIGAN Obituary
Our most beloved Denny will be remembered for his generous heart and strength of character. His love and courage has left indelible marks on each person who knew and loved him.
Denny was born to Mr. and Mrs. J Howard Mehigan in Akron, Ohio, on April 30, 1939. He graduated from Saint Vincent/Saint Mary High School in 1957 and University of Akron in 1961. Commissioned in the U.S. Army in1961, he served with distinction for 30 years in various posts around the world.
After completing Ranger School in 1963, Denny completed tours in Korea, Vietnam, and Thailand. During his foreign service he was awarded the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, and the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, among others.
In 1968 he was stationed in Thailand serving with Joint U.S. Military Assistant Group as a military advisor to the Thai Army when he fell in love and married his cherished wife, Judy. Together they traveled the world and built a family along the way.
The first stop on their 40 year journey together was in Virginia where Denny served at the Pentagon and they started their family with the addition of their two sons, Jason and Michael. Next, it was back to Korea and the special surprise addition of their daughter, Katie. Moves to Texas and Hawaii were quick to follow and Denny's accomplishments grew. In Hawaii, he served at U.S. Pacific Command at Camp H.M. Smith and completed an MBA from Pepperdine University while enjoying all the beautiful beaches Hawaii has to offer. Asia beckoned again with a tour in Japan and his command as Cdr & Editor in Chief of Pacific Stars and Stripes in 1984. Then finally fulfilling a long awaited promise to his wife, the family moved to Europe and he served at the U.S. European Command in Germany at Patch Barracks. In 1988 Denny returned to Virginia serving at Fort Eustis until his retirement in 1991. Denny and Judy settled in Williamsburg, Va., and continued their eternal romance. Denny became an involved member of Saint Bede's church as a choir member and as a lector. After his second retirement in 2006 he became a Master Gardener.
He is survived by his wife, Judith Frances Mehigan; his son, daughter-in-law, and grandson, Jason, Tiffany and Elijah Denis Mehigan; his son and daughter-in-law, Michael and Kristen Mehigan; his daughter and son-in-law, Kathleen Mehigan and Josh Peters; his sister, Marjorie Durbin; and his brother, Howard Mehigan. He was a beloved brother-in-law and uncle and a wonderful friend to many.
A memorial mass will be held at St. Bede's in Williamsburg on Oct. 12, 2010, at 9 a.m. Denny's internment with Full Military Honors will be at Arlington National Cemetery on Oct. 13, 2010, at 3 p.m. View and post condolences on our online guestbook at dailypress.com/guestbooks.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Denis MEHIGAN
Howard&Jennie Mehigan
August 4, 2011
Dear Judy,Jason,Mike and Katie. We will always remember Denny as he remembered us. He was always there even though we were separated by great distances. As children we played together. We did all the things that kids do, riding bikes, swimming, pitching baseballs, shooting basketball at the hoop on the garage, sleeping out in the back yard in the summer and riding bikes to school. We grew up and went our separate ways but always carried those fond memories with us.
Denny was a great brother, husband, father and friend.
Jane Goff
August 2, 2011
Dear Judy and Kids,
As I remember, Denny had a very good sense of humor and loved all of you very much and he will be missed very much.
Love,
Jane
Justin Goff
August 2, 2011
Uncle Denny was a great uncle who always gave me words of encouragement. You will be greatly missed.
Love,
Justin
Debbie Pollock
August 1, 2011
Dear Judy and Kids,
I'ts been a little over a year since Denny passed away. It's still hard to believe and accept. I think all of you have handled this year with grace and dignity and Denny would be proud of you. We miss him everyday too.
We love you all very much.
Lamar & Debbie
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Ray Crockett, Col. USAF Retired
December 31, 2010
Just learned of Denny's death and am immensely saddened. We served together in Europe and I knew him as a fine soldier and a terrific human being. Carolyn and I extend our heartfelt regrets and our best wishes to Judy and the family.
Nathan D'Angelo
October 10, 2010
Uncle Denny taught me what true courage and integrity is. I will greatly miss him.
Love,
Nathan
Janet Tipton
October 10, 2010
By law Denny was my brother in law, but in my heart he was my brother. He and Judy were there for me whenever I needed them. He was a gentle man with a marvelous sense of humor and a wonderful smile. He will forever be missed.
Love,
Janet
David Bender
August 25, 2010
Bravo and God speed, Denny.
Love,
Dave
Wilma Wilson
August 10, 2010
Judy, you and Jason, Michael and Katie are in our thoughts and prayers. We love you.
Wilma and Floyd
Lauren Skokan
August 9, 2010
It will be the little things
that you will remember,
the quiet moments,
the smiles, the laughter.
And although it may seem
hard right now,
it will be the memories
of these little things
that help to push
away the pain
and bring the smiles
back again.
With Loving Memories
David and Gloria Bender
August 8, 2010
Denny,
You stand as a most honorable man. You protected our country and us all with wisdom, commitment and kindness. Your warmth, easy smile, great conversation and sense of humor made being around you a treat. But most all we will love you and remember you always as wonderful, loving husband and father to our dear ones--Judy, Jason, Michael and Katie.
All our love,
Peg Crews
August 6, 2010
I met Denny a little over a year ago through Master Gardeners where he was an integral part of the Help Desk Committee. Denny was already sick when I met him, but I never heard him complain about his illness. He was wonderful to work with. His need for analyzing data matched my own desire to have all the facts. Although I only knew him for a short time, his quiet good humor will be missed.
Jamie Rogers
August 6, 2010
Judy,
It is rare that one gets to meet a truly great soul. Other words come immediately to mind when thinking of Denny: kind, true, merciful, generous, honest, and patient to name but a few. So many wonderful memories Denny has given to all who have been fortunate to have known him. Denny will be missed on earth but will continue to live in our hearts forever!
Love,
Jamie, Abby, DotCom, BoogieWoogie and BigBlue
Judy Sweeney
August 5, 2010
In May of 1969, Judy, my dear friend from college, wrote to me that she was moving to Bangkok, Thailand in August to teach. "I'm going to Bangkok at last," she said. "City of silver bells, yellow robes, and multi-tiered umbrellas. May a little of the magic rub on me." Magic, indeed, was waiting! That Christmas she wrote again. "I have been dating and falling in love with a wonderful man" who had persuaded her not to return home to St. Louis. "I love him so much that tears come when I think of it," she wrote. "He is an Irish Catholic Army Major from Akron, Ohio. We're getting married in Feb. l970. How's that for starting a decade out properly. May he be as happy with me in 10 years as he is now." And so began their magical and inspirational marriage filled with adventure, humor, passion, and friendship. True soul mates enjoying life to the fullest with joy and love lasting far beyond the ten years Judy hoped for! Dearest Judy, I hope your cherished memories of all those happy years bring comfort to you now. All my love is with you and your children.
Love,
Judy
Holly Chesebrough
August 2, 2010
Dear Judy,
I am sorry to hear of Denny's passing. I am so glad I had the opportunity to get to know Denny and you. I will be thinking of you!
Fondly,
Holly
Marge Durbin
August 1, 2010
August 1, 2010
Dearest Brother,
You will always be special to me. You will always be my baby brother and as I've told you many times, I remember clearly crying my eyes out when Mom cut off your beautiful curls when you were about a year old. I'll remember your wonderful smile and the way you called me "Sis". I'm sure you were smiling in heaven as you watched Mike's wedding yesterday. Joe and I enjoyed all our visits with you and Judy over the years. Thank you for sharing your exciting life with us. We love you, we miss you and we'll share Eternal Life with you someday.
Love,
Marge & Joe
Carol Fryer
July 28, 2010
Although I only knew Denny for 3 years, I always thought of him as a gentleman, a scholar, and the kind of person you like to spend time with. I worked with Denny on a few Master Gardener projects, and was impressed by his genuineness, kindness, and skills to accomplish tasks and work with people.
I had no knowledge of the depth of his military accomplishment, but his skills and wonderful personality always shone through in everything he did. We miss him from our Master Gardener network, and are glad we knew him if even for a short time.
Bob Haas
July 27, 2010
Denny and I go back to 2nd grade at St.
Sebastians grade school. We graduated in 1953 and attended St. Vincent High school and the University of Akron. I can vividly recall doing our homework together in Denny's basement during grade school and high school. Some mornings I would walk to Denny's house on Noble Avenue and getting a ride to school with his dad in a beautiful Buick. During our military careers we were never stationed at the same post. It was only years later when Denny was diagnosed with cancer that we saw more of each other when he and Judy came to MD Anderson in Houston, where I was living. I will miss my good friend, knowing that he is in the loving arms of our Lord.
Bob Haas
John Cummings
July 25, 2010
Denny – many years ago we meet, bonded and became friends. We reconnected and became stronger. You taught me patience and good will. See you on the Drop zone.
Robert Finney
July 21, 2010
I worked with Denny after he retired from the Army and started work at Cubic Applications supporting the Joint Warfare Command. We worked on many projects together and remained in contact even when I moved away to Florida. He was one of the finest individuals that I have known in my life. He was a good friend, a great co-worker, obviously in love with his wife and family, and a caring person. I never saw him angry. He always looked for the good in others. My life has been richer for knowing Denny and is now sadder that he is no longer with us. He will not be forgotten by me. While my condolences may do little to ease the grief of the family I send them with the hope that they find comfort and peace. Denny was a special person and I will always remember him. Judy I also want to say thank you again for a very pleasant evening at your home when the three of us had dinner and spent the hours talking after dinner. It was obvious to me that I was in a home that was filled with love.
Beth and Warren Dorer
July 20, 2010
Denny had a smile and a kind word for everyone, and we were fortunate enough to experience it around 4:30 most weekdays. After each hectic school day, we'd often gather in Judy's room to decompress together. Judy, of course, always put a fabulous twist on things and made everyone feel better with her wonderful sense of humor. Then Denny would walk in to pick up Judy. The first thing that hit us was the obvious love the two of them had for one another. Then Denny would smile his gentle smile and ask after each of us. Finally he would take his Judy home. Sharing these few minutes with them was a great way to close out each workday. Denny, you had the gift to touch each of us with your warmth and kindness. Thank you.
Judy, we love you always.
Jim Kavitz
July 20, 2010
I met Denny during our Master Gardener training class. I have never met such a great man before. He was a professional joy to work with. In his honor I completed the electronic help log for the Master Gardener Help Desk group that he always wanted so much.
Crista Yazzie
July 15, 2010
Mr. Mehigan, You are an erudite, a cut above and beyond the common man. The sage advice you gave me before my deployment to Iraq carried me through war and home, and for that I am eternally grateful. Equally, I'm sure your words have carried your wife and family throughout their lives. More than your words, though, your actions without words inspired, one prime example being watching you walk Katie down the aisle at her wedding. Now you are no longer suffering, and instead looking over your family and friends. Thank you for all you have given us. Thank you for serving your country and serving your family honorably. Your spirit lives on in your children and Judy.
Rest in Peace.
July 15, 2010
Judy you and your family are in our hearts and prayers.
Ann and Barry Barley
Mark and Lisa Durbin
July 13, 2010
Other than my father, Uncle Denny was probably the biggest influence in my life. He saw the world but never forgot where his home was. In fact, no matter where he and his family traveled -- Germany, Hawaii, Japan, Williamsburg -- something always reminded him of Akron. I am sure Jason, Michael and Katie cam attest to this! His marriage to Aunt Judy was a true American love story. Nice Jewish girl from St. Louis meets a dashing young Roman Catholic officer from Ohio -- in Thailand of all places! -- during the Vietnam War. And when they came home to have a reception at the Akron Woman's City Club, I remember trying to convince one of the waiters that I should have champagne because Uncle Denny was my Godfather -- no luck. I was able to stay with the Mehigans twice overseas -- in Japan and Germany. I even got to see Uncle Denny as "Stewpot" in South Pacific while in Japan -- he had such a wonderful singing voice. I was blessed to be adopted into his wonderful family, and when I found a woman much like Aunt Judy and made her my wife, Lisa was also welcomed into that family with open arms. Several trips to Williamsburg, and an awesome wedding with Jason and Tiffany in Tahoe added to the memory collection. When Katie's fiancee Josh was in harms way in Iraq we sent him care packages and then really got to know him when we visited Williamsburg after Christmas this past year. We all piled in the van -- including mom and dad -- to see Denny and Judy one last time together in their lovely house. I just had a feeling I would never see him again and I wanted him to know how much he meant to me. I salute you Denis Michael Mehigan -- a devoted son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, uncle, Godfather and soldier. And a true son of Akron. While you will be missed, our memories of you will always burn bright.
Neil and Peggy Durbin
July 13, 2010
Aunt Judy, Jason, Michael and Katie, we pray that our loving God will hold you in the palm of His hand during these difficult days and into the future. Aunt Judy, you once observed that Grandpa Mehigan had been a man of great integrity. Uncle Denny was truly his father's son. Because of geography, we were not able to spend nearly as much time with your family as we would have liked. Mom and Dad and I will treasure the memory of our visit with you while Uncle Denny served in Germany, and we appeciated his gracious guidance during our European adventure. Peggy and I fondly recall your hospitality in Williamsburg and we cherish the memories of your visits with us. The world is poorer as a result of Uncle Deny's death, but it will be immeasurably richer for all time because of his life. He served God, his family and his country so very well. We love you.
Beverley & Carl Tull
July 13, 2010
We first met Judy and Denny on a "learning to ski" trip to Adelboden, Switzerland in 1986. Friendship blossomed from there primarily because you both are such good people. We cherish the memory of all the trips we made, both with and without the kids, during our years in Germany. His passing is a heartfelt loss to us all because he truly was one of the good guys. His legacy resides in all that he taught us about life.
MICHAEL DENIS DURBIN
July 13, 2010
DEAR FRIENDS AND FAMILY OF MY VERY COOL UNCLE DENIS,
EVEN THOUGH I SPENT LESS TIME WITH HIM THAN ANY OF MY RELATIVES DUE TO HIS MILITARY SERVICE, MY WIFE SAYS I'M MORE LIKE HIM THAN ANYONE ELSE IN MY FAMILY- WHICH QUITE A COMPLIMENT TO ME! HOWEVER, THERE IS A DOWN SIDE FOR MY WIFE THERESA THAT AUNT JUDY EXPLANED TO ME ONCE. SHE SAID, "DO YOU KNOW HOW HARD IT IS TO WIN AN ARGUEMENT WITH A HUSBAND WHO JUST WON'T FIGHT?" SURE ENOUGH, THERESA KNOWS JUST HOW AUNT JUDY FEELS.
AND ANOTHER THING, I WONDER HOW MANY TIMES UNCLE DENIS HAD TO EXPLAIN TO KIDS AT SCHOOL THAT HIS NAME WAS NOT SPELLED WRONG- THAT'S HOW WE IRISH SPELL IT! DENIS IS ONLY MY MIDDLE NAME AND I HAD THAT DISCUSSION AT LEAST A DOZEN TIMES.
WHAT AN EXAMPLE HE WAS TO ME. FAITH, HOPE, COURAGE, VALOR, LOVE- WHAT A LIGHT HE WAS TO ALL WHO KNEW HIM! I PRAY THAT GOD HOLDS US ALL IN THE PALM OF HIS HAND AND CARRIES US THROUGH THIS DARK VALLEY.
A special lunch out with two of the best people I know!
Grace McGraw
July 13, 2010
A dear friend has been carried by the angels into the arms of God and all his friends and family that are awaiting his arrival. We all are feeling a great loss now without his presence, but will somehow gather strength and courage to take one day at a time with his love and generous Spirit filling our hearts. My love to you, Judy and your family, and my deepest sympathies to each of you. What an accomplished life, and loving Spirit he had with you by his side. We shall always be here for you and yours. Love to all of you, Grace and Family
Ted Ramsaur
July 12, 2010
Judy, Denny's warmth and kindness always made Kathy and I feel like special friends. No one can replace him but the remembering of him makes me smile and feel embraced by his quiet strength and goodness.
Jerry and Joan Clarke
July 12, 2010
Denny was our dear friend for nearly twenty years. He was admired and respected by all who knew him because he was such and honorable man. He will be greatly missed. We are thinking of you all in your sorrow and wishing you comfort in the memories and the love that you shared. We love all of you. Rest in peace, Denny.
Lee Ogle
July 12, 2010
Judy, Denny was a wonderful man and I'm fortunate that I was able to share time with him and they rest of your family over the year. You, Jason and everyone else are in my prays. Love, Lee
rob roadarmel
July 11, 2010
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Shelley & Mike Gross
July 11, 2010
May you rest in peace. I know how tough it was, especially at the end. Your family and friends have many wonderful memories. You will be greatly missed.
Earl Kennedy
July 11, 2010
A gentleman of extraordinary character, creativity and calm, Denny smiled easily, laughed sincerely and cared deeply. Farewell to a honorable Soldier, a wonderful father and husband, and a friend.
Debbie Pollock
July 11, 2010
Denny was a cherished member of our family for 40 years and will be greatly missed. He gave you and the kids a wonderful life full of special memories and made our lives better just for him being in it. We love you all.
Debbie & Lamar Pollock
Janet Kennedy
July 11, 2010
Judy, what a beautiful life you and and Denny have lived. I am much richer for having known the both of you. The world will shine with a little less light without Denny's presence but he is remembered by so many with the highest regard and the deepest friendship. Much love to you and your family.
Patrick Hester
July 11, 2010
Denny was a great guy and will really be missed!
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