Dennis James "Denny" Laczo

Dennis "Denny" James Laczo, age 80, passed away peacefully on October 11, 2025, in Summerfield, Florida.

Born on August 21, 1945, in Allentown, Pennsylvania, Denny was the son of Ernest Laczo and Dorothea (Haller) Holota. He graduated from Allentown Central Catholic High School and enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in July 1963. He rose to the rank of Lance Corporal and was honored to serve as an attendant for astronauts Gordon Cooper and Charles Conrad aboard the U.S.S. Lake Champlain during the Gemini V space mission-an experience he cherished throughout his life.

After two years of service at sea, Denny continued his military career at the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard. Upon completing his service, he settled in Philadelphia, where he began a family and a long, successful career in transportation. He worked for R.E.A. Express until its closure and then joined United Parcel Service (UPS) as a tractor-trailer driver.

Denny was a proud and active member of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters. He served as President and Business Agent of Local 623 in Philadelphia and later as a representative for the International office. After more than 30 years in the trucking industry, he retired from UPS and moved to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, where he began a vibrant new chapter of life.

In retirement, Denny pursued his lifelong passion for food. At age 59, he enrolled in college and earned a degree in Food and Hospitality, receiving multiple awards for excellence. He spent several years catering and refining his culinary craft, bringing joy to others through his cooking.

A devout Catholic, Denny was a member of St. Michael Catholic Church in Myrtle Beach and the parish Knights of Columbus. After more than a decade in Myrtle Beach, he relocated to Summerfield, Florida, where he enjoyed a well-earned retirement filled with golf, community service, and travel. At the time of his passing, he was a devoted member of St. Theresa's Catholic Church in Belleview, Florida.

Denny will be remembered for his unwavering work ethic, sharp sense of humor, and deep devotion to family and service.

He is survived by his daughter Dorothea (Walter) Miller; his son Daniel Laczo (Teri Shultz); grandson Adam Bellano; stepdaughters Kelly (Bobby) Everton, Mickey Reynolds, and Jackie (Rick) Creighton; stepson Billy Gordon; and many more grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Denny will be laid to rest with his beloved wife, Audrey "Mickey" Laczo, at the Delaware Veterans Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Denny's memory to the Disabled American Veterans (help.dav.org)