Donald F. Denley Sr.

Donald F. Denley Sr. passed away surrounded by family members on Saturday, May 10, 2014. He was a beloved husband of Mildred Denley for 50 years; the loving companion of Pauline Miley for 15 years; a father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.

He was born at home in a poor farmhouse in Adams, Massachusetts, on Dec. 13, 1923. He grew up in the Great Depression and went on to become a World War II hero and an iconic Manchester restaurateur.

He was 22 years old when, as a World War II United States Marine sergeant, he led U.S. Marines over the slippery, volcanic, black ash beaches of Iwo Jima and secured fortifications. He witnessed the raising of the flag over Mount Surabachi. He was positioned at the shores of Japan for an invasion when the war ended. When he returned, he married Mildred "Millie" Denley and opened his first Manchester restaurant, The Ferndale, on Main Street in 1948. The Ferndale is now the Sunny Side Up restaurant. In 1954, he opened up the Kopper Kettle and in 1957 it became and remains the Brass Key. In the 1950s, Main Street was the heart of Manchester's business district. People rode the trolley up and down the street to shop at Woolworth's, Grant's, and Marlow's, and stopped in the Brass Key for a nickel cup of coffee or a handmade soda. In 1981, at age 58, he sold the Brass Key and opened up the Hungry Tiger Café with his oldest son, Donald Denley Jr. He owned and operated it until his retirement at age 75. Don Jr. has carried on the family tradition and still owns and operates the family business.

In 1998, following the passing of his beloved wife, he met his companion, Pauline Miley, and moved to Bonita Springs, Florida. He felt blessed to spend his last years with a loving woman in a beautiful ocean home and celebrated his 90th birthday.

He is predeceased by his son, Kent, and wife, Millie. He is survived by his companion, Pauline Miley, and her family; his son, Donald Denley Jr. and wife, Karin; his son, Mark Denley and wife, Janet; grandson, Mark Denley Jr. and wife, Donna; granddaughter, Erica and husband, Chris Johnson; and his great-grandchildren, Lorelei, Bridget, Cole, and Caitlyn.

He will be laid to rest in the Denley family grounds at East Cemetery, Manchester, on Saturday, May 31, 2014, at 11 a.m. with military honors. Family and friends are welcomed to attend. A reception will be held at the Elks Club on Bissell Street, Manchester.

Donations in his memory may be made to the DeQuattro Community Cancer Center Foundation, 44 Haynes St., Manchester.

Watkins Funeral Home, 142 E. Center St., Manchester, is handling the arrangements.