DENNY MARCIN

1942 - 2017

DENNY MARCIN obituary, 1942-2017, Southport, NC

DENNY MARCIN

1942 - 2017

DENNY MARCIN Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Sep. 23, 2017.
DENNY MARCIN Dennis (Denny) A. Marcin, age 75, of Southport, NC, passed away on Wednesday, September 20, 2017. He was born in Cleveland, OH on April 24, 1942 to John and Mildred Marcin. The "Old Ball Coach" spent most of his life on a football field, from his playing days at Benedictine HS and Miami (Ohio) University to his 50 years of coaching at the high school, college, and professional level. Soon after graduating from Miami in 1964, Denny married Elizabeth (Betsey) Merritt on January 30, 1965, and together they had four children. Denny began his coaching career as an assistant at St. Edward HS in Lakewood, OH in 1964, and was head coach at St. Edward in 1972-73. From there, he joined the collegiate coaching ranks in 1974 at his alma mater, Miami University, where he stayed for 4 years before moving on to the University of North Carolina. He spent 10 years leading the UNC defense, which was followed by a 9-year stint at the University of Illinois. Denny made the jump to the NFL as an assistant coach with the New York Giants in 1997, and coached in Super Bowl XXXV. After 7 years with the Giants, he finished his coaching career with the New York Jets from 2004-2007. In 2003, Denny was inducted into the Miami University Cradle of Coaches, joining other greats who played and coached at his alma mater. While Denny coached numerous all-conference players and two NFL Hall of Famers, he treated all players, from walk-ons to all-stars, with respect and his special sense of humor. He greatly enjoyed catching up with his former players and following their careers, and retained a great memory of stories that he loved to share. After retiring from coaching, Denny and Betsey retired to Southport, NC. He received his Master Gardener certification and took immense pride in his lawn and garden. Denny was active as a volunteer with Kiwanis of Southport-Oak Island, Meals on Wheels, and with Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Denny is survived by his beloved wife of 52 years, Betsey; loving father to sons Jeff (Lynn) and Denny (Lynn) and daughters Melinda and Susan; devoted and proud grandfather to 6 grandchildren: Carlton, Maliik, Micah, Michael, Jeffrey, and Peyton; brother Phil (Linda) and nephews Philip (Maggie) and Joshua; and faithful dog, Sunshine. The family will greet friends from 5:00pm to 8:00pm at Peacock, Newnam & White Funeral Home, 1411 North Howe St., Southport, NC on Monday, September 25th. The funeral mass will be held at 10:00am on Tuesday, September 26th at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 5269 Dosher Cut Off, Southport, NC. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: Kiwanis Club of Southport-Oak Island, P.O. Box 11487, Southport, NC 28461 or the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation, 230 East Ohio St., Suite 500, Chicago, IL 60611. Online condolences may be made at www.peacocknewnamwhite.com. Peacock -Newnam & White Funeral and Cremation Service in Southport is serving the Marcin family.

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October 3, 2017

Abby Jones posted to the memorial.

October 2, 2017

Isabella Caugh posted to the memorial.

September 27, 2017

Someone posted to the memorial.

Abby Jones

October 3, 2017

Mrs. Betsey & family,

I am so sorry to hear of Coach's passing. I had the pleasure of meeting Coach and Mrs. Betsey years prior at my Uncle's restaurant in Oak Island. Coach was always a hoot, so humble and so interesting to converse with! You all are in my continued prayers. His smile will always be remembered!

Isabella Caugh

October 2, 2017

Dear Betsy, Terry and I were heartbroken to learn of Denny's death. We were out of town at the time and only learned about it today, Oct. 2nd. Denny was a lovely man, ever optimistic, cheerful and an inspiration.

Please, if you need anything, let us know.

With loving thoughts and sincere sympanthy,
Terry and Isabella Caugh

September 27, 2017

To Betsey and the Marcin family our condolences and our prayers to you from the Ferry family. I talked to Coach in June and from over the phone you would have no idea about the struggle he was going thru, typical for the coach. In July of 1964 Dennis came to St. Edward to coach football on the staff of Jerry Hanlon. I was a junior guard and linebacker, who had no clue. Well with Coach Marcin as my position coach for two years, my teammates and I learned how to play the game, respect the game, and do what was right off the field. He also made two a days fun, really. Because of Dennis I went to Miami and finished there in "71. BTW Betsey you also mentored me , by telling me of Tuffy's,( High St. & Tallawanda), frosted and toasted cinnamon rolls.God Bless you Dennis Rest In Peace. Chris Ferry St Edward Eagle/ Miami Redskin

Jennifer Barker

September 25, 2017

Sending wishes of Love, Comfort, & Peace from all the Barkers. Denny is forever in our hearts & now he & Rudy have special seats in Blue Heaven. God Bless you all. ~Beverly, Jennifer, Jason & Lynn, Brian & Cheryl, Sydney & Will Barker

Mike Waddell

September 25, 2017

I first met coach as an underage football camper at UNC back in the summer of 1978. I was the youngest kid there and was incredibly homesick, but Coach came in to check on me every morning and made sure I made it to breakfast and would keep tabs on me throughout the day. We remained friends after he left UNC and throughout the years via Facebook. I was no particular football talent, but he was a guy who truly took an interest in people, regardless of talent. I mourn his passing with passion. He was a giant.

September 25, 2017

Liz and Family,
So sorry for your loss and the loss of one of my best friends for almost 50 years. You both took me in as a rookie coach and Denny taught me everything about the game of football. And you always had me over for dinner and treated me so well. And after marrying Alice, we all spent nights together playing pinochle as the kids grew older. We loved visiting you in Miami, Chapel Hill, Champaign and Wayne NJ. They were great times and will never be forgotten. The Marcin Family has been a big part of our life and we cherish the memory of Dennis and his smile, loyalty and love of life. He will be missed.
With love from all the Flahertys

Dr. Frank Bossu, President

September 25, 2017

The thoughts and prayers of the Cleveland Benedictine High School Community are with you. We are proud to have Denny as an alumnus.

Tom Stine

September 24, 2017

I played football, basketball and baseball every year from the time I turned 8 through college. Through all that time and all those teams I never had a coach who cared more and did more for his players on and off the field. I loved this man for his discipline, his caring, his respect for his players and for all he taught me about football and baseball. He was the best. My heart goes out to Betsey. And some team in heaven just got a heck of coach.

September 24, 2017

Coach,
You were an awesome man. Didn't meet you until 4 years ago, but my Sunday conversations with you after Mass have touched me greatly. From our discussions of great local Polish food, your prayers for me during my divorce, to our conversation last Sunday looking for a boat to charter for your past players has been an inspiration and a joy to me.

You touched a lot of people and I am proud to say I knew you.

God Bless Your Family!

Fair Winds and Following Seas My Friend,
Greg Antolak

Jets vs tamp Bay Bucs

Richard Fugaro

September 24, 2017

Fond memories for Lorelei and I will live forever of the "The Old Ball Coach"
His love for family, football, life, and a occasional "coconut cream tart" was what I truly remember best of this GREAT MAN.
He touched our lives like no other.
Our sincere condolences to his family.
Rick and Lorelei Fugaro

Les Vann

September 24, 2017

Shannon and the boys and I are so sad about this loss. Our thoughts are with the family. Never a better person, never a better coach, never a better friend. Get sacks from the skies above and help us all keep grub worms away !!

All the best,

Les, Shannon, Kyle and John Vann

Conni Hinkel

September 23, 2017

Rest in Peace, Coach Marcin. Denny and Betsey have been friends of our family practically as long as I can remember. Our condolences to the Marcin family.

September 23, 2017

Met Denny through Kiwanis. Great guy. Full of life and humor. Blessed to have known him. Thoughts and prayers to family.

Fred and Carolyn Gallo

Joseph Drasny

September 23, 2017

Real sorry for your loss, you have my prayers for your family, I was friends with Dennis when we're in high school we played baseball against each other, an attend after game party's together

Pauline and Sherlene Hankins

September 23, 2017

May the Marcin family be comforted by the wonderful memories of Coach Marcin. Sending our condolences and prayers....

Our prayers are with the Marcin family.

Sherlene Hankins

September 23, 2017

Fred Stephens

September 23, 2017

Pleased to get to know Denny when he joined the Board of Directors of Brunswick Family Assistance. A good thing for me personally and for BFA. Denny will be missed.

Stu Holt

September 22, 2017

Coach Marcin has been a friend of our family for many years. Just a special & unique person! Thank you for your wisdom, advice & friendship. Rest In Peace Coach.

Tyler Boragno

September 22, 2017

My condolences to the family . Hugs and prayers going out for you all . May god be with u in this difficult time .

Nicole Boragno

September 22, 2017

We are so blessed to have known Denny. I met him on the interstial lung disease support group . He was very positive and encouraging . He found out I had a son who played football and he offered to mentor him . He was so nice and encouraging . He was very knowledgeable and loved to hear about the great things my son wasn't doing he even watched his game films and would critique him. Even though it was a short friendship he has forever touched our lives as he did many others and he will be missed . Prayers and hugs going out to all who knew and loved him . I will never look at football the same after talking to him .... he has opened my eyes and has given my son amazing goals to achieve.

David Mallory

September 22, 2017

Denny and I were roommates at Miami for all four years and played football together. I was his best man when he married Betsey. We were like brothers. He was the best of the best. He was a first team All Ohio guard at Cleveland Benedictine High School and stayed on the first team, of what ever he did, the rest of his life. All of us who were lucky enough to know him were left better by his presence. Job well done-Good and faithful servant!!!
Dave Mallory Miami Redskin '64

Jack Oldham

September 22, 2017

Condolences to the Family from Jack and Betty Oldham(Oak Island)

David Hatgas

September 22, 2017

There are many of us that enjoyed our time and shared many wins with you as Eagles and Redskins. Thanks to Betsy and the Marcin family for sharing you with us - you are in my thoughts and prayers at this time. RIP Denny.

Pat Wolfert

September 22, 2017

Dear Betsey, Kids and Grandkids: I remember Denny, you and the kids from Oxford when he was coaching there and from St. Mary Church. What a fine, fun family! He lived his life to the fullest. May God grant him peace and rest. With sincere sympathy and Love, Pat

September 22, 2017

Betsey, so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the family.
Cathie Heron Ralph and husband, Larry

Joann

September 22, 2017

Betsey,

We will miss Denny so much! I always loved you and Denny coming to barbq's at the house in New Jersey!!! Denny will be forever in our hearts! Joann (Giants)

Nancy and Mike Deal

September 22, 2017

We have so many treasured memories of times shared with a guy who loved life and people. He was always collecting votes. He was truly larger than life. Can still hear his laugh and see his smile. He always made sure the lunchroom was stocked with old fashioned loaf and cheese for roll ups. Can still see him grazing his way through training table. Our hearts are empty and full at the same time when we think of him. God speed, Denny. Proud to call you friend.

September 22, 2017

We had some great times when we were young and played tag & hide & seek etc. at Denny's mother's house. She always made such great pastries.. The guys would play cards and give the winnings to the kids. Will miss him and all the best to Betsy & the family. Jeannine Hendricks Bellarosa

Larry Pabin

September 22, 2017

Betsy,
My condolences to you and your family. I am saddened to hear of Denny's passing. I remember him as a team mate at Miami and what a nice guy he was with a great sence of humor.
Larry Pabin

Dominque Cole-Johnson

September 22, 2017

Our prayer is that our heavenly Father wraps His loving arms around you & your family as you remember your Dad. We are here Denny!
Your family @ the Farrington office of Bank Of North Carolina/Pinnacle Financial Partners

September 22, 2017

It is an honor and a privilege to have worked with "Coach" during his time at ILLINOIS. He always said I had the toughest job in college football but that he would always have my back. And he did. He was a talented coach and touch leader. His players and colleagues truly respected him. I have on old orange sideline coat with Marcin written in marker on the back. It's a bit too big for me but I wear it with pride on those chilly, football weather, days. The only thing Coach loved more than football was his family. With deepest condolences,
Lynn Cialoni Chaney
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

September 22, 2017

What a guy! Denny touched us all and those memories are precious. Funny...but serious when it was needed, loyal to family, friends and God, successful in his profession and caring toward his players and fellow coaches. He will be missed...but his legacy will live on.
Bill & Ellie Mallory

Lou Reid

September 22, 2017

Betsey and family all our prayers and sympathy Tamara and Lou Reid

Tina Bailey

September 22, 2017

Forever in our hearts coach.

Amy Jacobs

September 22, 2017

Prayers to the family. Denny was a special guy. Very honored that I got the chance to meet him.

Kimberly Faison-Royal

September 22, 2017

Melinda keeping you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.

Larry Marmie

September 22, 2017

Rest In Peace Denny, you have touched so many people in such a positive way on a daily basis, most importantly your FAMILY. For a half of century you committed to the coaching profession on a daily basis teaching life lessons as well as football lessons in a positive, demanding and humorous way and earning the respect of all people around you. My family and I enjoyed our 4 years together with you and your family, had a lot of fun and WON A FEW GAMES ALONG THE WAY Larry,Linda,Vicki,Cozy and Boo Marmie. # The Trotter Ridge Gang

September 22, 2017

Tom and I could not be sadder on the passing of Denny. He was such an incredible man. Please know we are sending thoughts and prayers to Betsy and the entire family. Wish we were there to give you hugs. Love to all. Tom and Sheryl Dowd

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1411 North Howe Street, Southport, NC 28461

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October 3, 2017

Abby Jones posted to the memorial.

October 2, 2017

Isabella Caugh posted to the memorial.

September 27, 2017

Someone posted to the memorial.