Frank R. Denevi

1933 - 2015

FRANK R. DENEVI
November 18, 1933 - December 12, 2015
"Dublin, Berkeley, Cupertino, San Lorenzo, San Jose..."
We have lost a Bay Area icon; a man who loved life, lived big and gave 100% to everything he did. Frank Denevi of Denevi Camera and Video Reflections had humble beginnings; he was born in Oakland and raised on a farm in San Lorenzo. He discovered his passion and talent for photography while at Hayward High School and it was at Hayward High School where he met and fell in love with the dazzling Delores (Orrey) Denevi to whom he was married for 56 years. He got a degree in business from City College of SF and served in the US Army. In 1959 he started his own business on Bockman Rd in San Lorenzo as a Wedding and Portrait photographer. He grew that business into a very successful network of Camera Stores then transformed it into Denevi Video Transfer and Digital Imaging. A true family man, he ran the business with his son Michael, the administrative support of his wife Dee and help from his son Rick. Frank loved and appreciated his family and friends above all else. He was outgoing and magnanimous, and could win people over with his charming smile. Frank had the most wonderfully eclectic group of friends and business associates; people of all ages and backgrounds. A big hearted generous man, he helped countless people get started in business, get their first job, buy their first camera and learn photography. He also knew how to have fun, throw a great party, and entertain people with his captivating stories. Frank embodied the best of "the old school" values; hard working, keeping his word, delivering top quality service and products. Business was personal. Yet at the same time Frank was progressive ; reinventing his business more than once, embracing technology, networking before Facebook or Twitter made it easy, widely sharing photos before Instagram and sending out newsletters and making daily calls before email or instant messaging. Everyone who encountered Frank felt his unmatched energy. His mind was a creative factory generating brilliant and sometimes crazy novel ideas on a seemingly endless basis. Frank was a huge sports fan. He was a loyal supporter of Bay Area teams, most notably the Oakland Raiders and Golden State Warriors (even during the lean years). Frank was a photographer on the field at Raider games for years and traveled with the team to their Super Bowls. He started The Raider Lineman's Club in the 1970's, and produced the Raiderette calendar. Many players and coaches considered him a good friend. Frank is survived by his daughter Karin DeNevi, sons Michael and Rick Denevi, grandchildren Tyler, Carly, Kylene, Ariana and Trevor and his great granddaughter Payton. He was loved and adored by all his children and grandchildren. The family is having a private service on December 29th, and then a Celebration of Life event to remember Frank on Jan 31st. Please contact the family for details. In lieu of flowers or donations we ask that you honor Frank by channeling his generous spirit and extend a helping hand or an act of kindness to someone in need. And when the camera is pointed at you think of Frank and smile.


View the online memorial for FRANK R. DENEVI