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BORN
1937
DIED
2022
FUNERAL HOME
Lee DeNike Obituary
Fitchburg State University
Lunenburg
Lee DeNike, 85, of Lunenburg, MA passed away at home on Monday, July 11, 2022, following an illness.
Dr. DeNike was born on February 27, 1937, in Bridgeport, CT, son of the late Harold and Lillian (Wright) DeNike. His early years were spent in Saugerties, in the Catskill Mountains of New York. Later school years were spent in Poughkeepsie, NY.
Lee received a Bachelor of Arts Degree and a Master of Arts Degree from the State University of New York at Albany in 1960-61. A bit later, he earned a Master of Education Degree from the State University of New York at Buffalo. In 1973, he received his Ph.D. from Kent State University in Kent, OH.
Over the span of his teaching career, he taught at Valley Central School in Montgomery, NY, Columbus Public High School in Columbus, WS, Montana State University in Bozeman, MT, Kent State University in Kent, OH and Fitchburg State University in Fitchburg, MA, from which he retired in 2000 having served for many years as the Chairman of the Communications Department, and full professor. He was awarded the title of Professor Emeritus.
Dr. DeNike enjoyed several hobbies from dry fly fishing, stamp collecting, bee keeping, to passenger railroad trips, traveling and gardening.
He leaves his wife of 61 years, M. Jane (Shepherd) DeNike; his two daughters, Holly Lynn DeNike of Fitchburg, MA and Carrie Jane DeNike and grandson, Jax of Encinitas, CA.
In addition to his parents, he was also predeceased by his brother, John DeNike. Dr. DeNike was the last descendant of his line of DeNikes that settled in the Dutch colony of New Netherlands in the lower region of the Hudson River Valley, now New York, in 1644.
There will be no calling hours. His burial at the Poughkeepsie Rural Cemetery, Poughkeepsie, NY will be private.
The family kindly asks that memorial contributions be made in honor of Lee to NEADS World Class Service Dogs by mailing a check to: NEADS, Inc., P.O. Box 1100, Princeton, MA 01541 or online by visiting neads.org/donate.
The Lunenburg Chapel of the Sawyer-Miller-Masciarelli Funeral Homes, 763 Massachusetts Avenue, Lunenburg, MA 01462 has been entrusted with the care of Lee's arrangements.
To leave a condolence for the family or to plant a tree in Lee's memory, please visit our website, www.masciarellifamilyfuneralhomes.net
John F. Masciarelli and Terresa Shea, Funeral Directors.
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Brenda Doty
November 10, 2022
Jane, Holly and Carrie
My deepest condolences to you in the loss of Lee. Your in my prayers.
Paul Reynolds
August 15, 2022
Lee led the Communications department at Fitchburg State when we attended there in the late 70s. The foundation of our success building our educational media company FableVision is due in large measure to the practical, hands-on education we got there under Lee's leadership. He will remain an unforgettable influence in our lives!
Gail Gardner
July 27, 2022
We were blessed to have him as part of our community at Grace Anglican Church. He is missed.
Bill & Jan Pothier
July 18, 2022
Jane -
Bill and I were so sorry to hear of your husband´s passing. Our most sincere sympathy to you and yours. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
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Nilsa Weaver
July 18, 2022
No matter one´s age, loss of a loved one is painfully difficult. I pray Jane, that you find comfort in all the beautiful memories that you hold dear. May you find comfort surrounded by your friends and family, and in knowing that one day you will be with Lee again. My deepest sympathy, Nilsa Weaver
Brad Fors
July 17, 2022
Sorry to hear of Lee's passing. I had many great conversations with him at the state park over the years. We had similar views on the world. I always looked forward to seeing Lee (& buck!). God bless to all his loved one's in this difficult time.
Donna May
July 15, 2022
Dear Jane, Holly, and Carrie,
Our deepest sympathies in your loss. Dr. Lee DeNike would bring in his delicious raspberries at Fitchburg State. He was truly a great beekeeper too with his homemade honey! He was a great advocate for many committees, especially the Lunenburg Cable Advisory Committee. I´m sure he and Lance are talking politics as well! May he Rest In Peace!
Love, Donna and Heidi May & family
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