Search by Name

Search by Name

FUNERAL HOME

Donohue Funeral Home - Upper Darby

8401 W Chester Pike

Upper Darby, Pennsylvania

William Denny Obituary

Denny William Age 74, of Bryn Mawr, passed away peacefully in his home on April 21, 2023, surrounded by his loving wife and family. He was the third of 8 children of Joseph and Mary Katherine Denny (nee Schubert). He was the devoted husband of 35 years of Ella Denny (nee Buchanan). He was a loving mentor to many of his nieces and nephews teaching them through example the art of conversation and making others feel comfortable. His niece Christa said, "He always encouraged family loyalty." In addition, he was a talented musician who played piano at many parties, especially Christmas Eve and his annual St. Patrick's Day party. He also played the organ in church, and for five years he marched in the Mummers Parade as saxophonist with the Overbrook String Band. He was extremely generous, had a warm smile, quick wit, and a wonderful sense of humor. His nephew Mike said, "the way he treated me, made me want to be a better man." From his earliest days, he loved all kinds of boats and being on the water. He volunteered with the Literacy Program of Delaware County and served for years on the parish council at St. Margaret's parish in Narberth. Along with 5 of his brothers, he graduated from Msgr. Bonner High School. He attended Villanova University, graduating with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. After graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy from 1970–74, where he attained the rank of Lieutenant. He was a forerunner in the use of Solar Energy in the late 1970s, first with his own company, and then as a regional director for Southern Solar in Atlanta, where he was often featured on radio and television presenting the benefits of solar energy. Later in his career, he was a consultant on Nuclear Power Plants in the East Coast and Midwest. He was an expert on cable safety in power plants and wrote numerous papers for the Atomic Energy Commission. In addition to the love of his life Ella, he is survived by his sister Marie Sweeney (William), brothers Joseph P. (April), Charles F.X. (Helen), Michael S. (Valerie), Timothy E. (Diane) and James S. (Sharon). He is pre-deceased by his brother Rev. John T. (OSA). Friends and family are invited to a Visitation on Thursday, April 27, at 9:30 A.M. at Our Mother of Good Council Church in Bryn Mawr, followed by a Funeral Mass at 11:00 A.M. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Main Line Health Hospice or https://www.mainlinehealth.org/ways-to-give/homecare-and-hospice/make-a-gift-online www.donohuefuneralhome.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Philadelphia Inquirer on Apr. 25, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for William Denny

Sponsored by Donohue Funeral Home - Upper Darby.

Not sure what to say?





6 Entries

Chuck Resch

May 11, 2023

Ella, so very sorry for your loss. Bill's achievements and distinctions are many. And his most outstanding quality was his keen sense of humor and forever smile. Bill was the "gentleman" of "gentlemen" and his kindness
is unforgettable and these are the qualities I will fondly remember, forever.
You remain in my prayers.
Chuck Resch
SLS and Bonner

Single Memorial Tree

Chris Turner & Mary Woestman

Planted Trees

John sarappo

April 26, 2023

Aunt Ella, I am so sorry for your loss. We haven´t seen each other lately but I always thought fondly of Bill and he was always so nice to me and Inger.

Sue Klein

April 26, 2023

Sorry to hear about the passing of Bill´. He was a very smart guy in class at St.Laurence. RIP Bill.
Sorry to Mike for the loss of your brother.

Daniel J D´Alesio Jr

April 26, 2023

Ella, I am so sorry about Bill`s passing this week. He was a wonderful friend since first grade at Saint Laurence.
We remained such good friends over 65 years. We spent a lot of time together in Boy Scouts, explorers, and were heavily involved with music throughout high school. So many fond memories, including the hours that Bill used to tape our doo-wop a cappella group as we were chasing a good echo in the stairwell at Bonner. I cherished his friendship, good humor, and his Denny wit and wisdom. We all know how much he loved you as the love of his life. Please know that I have been praying for the both of you daily for number of years and will continue to keep you doing my daily morning prayer. His soul rest in love with the Lord and may God give you strength and consolation and peace. Dan D´Alesio.

AnnMarie Mackway

April 26, 2023

Bill, you will be missed. The people of the Tedwyn will comfort Ella.
AnnMarie

Showing 1 - 6 of 6 results

Make a Donation
in William Denny's name

Memorial Events
for William Denny

Apr

27

Visitation

9:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Our Mother of Good Counsel Church

31 Pennswood Rd, Bryn Mawr, PA 19010

Apr

27

Funeral service

11:00 a.m.

Our Mother of Good Counsel Church

31 Pennswood Rd, Bryn Mawr, PA 19010

Funeral services provided by:

Donohue Funeral Home - Upper Darby

8401 W Chester Pike (at Lynn Boulevard), Upper Darby, PA 19082

How to support William's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief

Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
Ways to honor William Denny's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more

Sponsored