William Cyril Denike

William Cyril DeNike (Bill) was born November 23, 1955 to parents Joann Marie Gervasi and Cyril Robert DeNike in San Francisco, CA. Bill went to the arms of Jesus on June 5, 2025 with his loving wife Kerri by his side. Bill grew up in San Jose, CA with his three brothers Dan, Tim and Bob where they all would spend their spare time camping, fishing, playing baseball and enjoyed the summers at the family cabin. Bill went on to live in Bakersfield, CA where he graduated from Cal State University Bakersfield with a bachelor's degree in geology. Bill married his wife Kerri DeNike on October 3, 1992 and went on to have two daughters, Shelby Jolyn and Avery Elizabeth.
Bill was a husband and father who was no stranger to hard work and dedication. From working for Advanced Beverage to working for land and hazardous waste companies, real estate, construction and yes even performing singing telegrams as a side business, Bill knew how to bring his creative spirit and contagious joy to all his places of work. More recently Bill had spent working hours as a substitute teacher and investing in the education of children by offering tutoring outside of school.
Although Bill was a man of many talents and excelled at all he set off to do, music and entertainment were his passions and he incorporated them in all aspects of his life. He was multitalented as a singer, guitarist, bassist and pianist and would show case his talents at the local church, appear with local bands, as well as his own living room. If you ever were in the presence of Bill you would hear the humming of songs from some of his favorite bands; The Eagles, The Grateful Dead, Led Zeppelin, Neil Young, to name a few.
Family and nostalgia also resonated with Bill. He spoke as if he was still in the past with loved ones who had passed on, enjoying the large and loud gatherings with Italian family. Copious amounts of food would sit on the tables and stories of the past and dreams of the future would be swapped well into the night. This was what family meant to Bill, culture, legacy, good food and good conversation. And although Bill has left many behind, his legacy will carry on through his wife Kerri, daughter Avery and her husband Armando, his daughter Shelby and her husband Michael and Bill's beloved granddaughter June. He will also live on in the hearts of his parents, brothers, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, extended family and many cherished friends.
A celebration of life will be held at Green Lawn Southwest Cemetery's Celebration of Life Center on Friday June 27 from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm.