Denis Racine
January 11, 1924 - January 27, 2020
South Fallsburg, NY
Denis Racine, née Joseph Victor Denis Racine, was born in Quebec City, Quebec, Canada on January 11, 1924 to parents Clara (Breton) and George Racine. He is predeceased by his wife, MaryAnn (Stieglitz) of 54 years and 13 brothers and sisters.
He lived 96 full years. His joie de vivre was contagious. A man of moral fiber, Mr. Racine was a mentor for the students he taught and a character to behold. He commanded respect, but will always be remembered as "Denis the Menace". He was passionate about the roles he accepted. Like the kids dance song Hokey Pokey he "put his whole self in."
A World War II vet, serving in the Canadian Army he was among the first to land on Juno Beach and returned as a medaled hero.
Racine, (translated from French) means root, and Denis was grounded in his community. He was an assistant scout master (Troupe 104), a Fallsburg Lion and candidate for JP, as well as a retired member of the United Federation of Teachers. He took center stage and knew how to engage an audience in his career as a teacher and performer of song, theatre, jokes and storytelling. A graduate of SUNY New Paltz, Denis held a Bachelors and Masters in Education with a minor in Drama. His thespian and vocal talents were spotlighted in Periwinkle Players and Barbershop Quartet. He could belt out La Vie En Rose as melodiously as Gaga or Piaf. His colorful personality took him to new heights as MC and day camp director at Stieglitz Bungalow Colony.
He was a linguist, avid reader, fisherman who loved travel, ice skating and sweets.
Mr. Racine is survived by his son, Denis "Denny" Racine of California; daughter, Annette Stratton; granddaughter, Danielle Stratton and brother-in-law Richard Stieglitz all of South Fallsburg; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and devoted caregivers.
A private memorial for friends and family will be held at a future date.
Arrangements under the care of Colonial Memorial Funeral Home, for further information call 845-434-7363 or visit www.colonialfamilyfuneralhomes.com

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Published by Times Herald-Record from Feb. 4 to Feb. 5, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Denis Racine

Sponsored by Colonial Family of Funeral Homes - Woodbourne.

5 Entries

Kenny Kotcher

April 16, 2021

I remember him when my Mom tutored him for his High School diploma at Stieglitz. He used to take me fishing with his son Denny. A very colorful man. My Mom appreciated a lot he did for her... she had M.S. and didn't walk well. Rest in peace Dennis....

Sharon (Singletary) McCoy

March 16, 2021

Mr. Racine, my most respected, admired, and favorite teacher (my 5th and 6th grade teacher, CES 126, Bronx, NY, 1974-1975 &1975-1976. Yes, he demanded respect, yet also gave it. I'll never forget how he would suddenly get a sharp pain in his right leg on cold rainy days....war injury. I'll also never forget his love for the "pumpkin pie" my mom would bake and send him during the holidays. I'm so glad he lived a full life, 96 years. Truly and forever a hero, a great mentor from the greatest generation. Glad that I finally earned a "gold star" when I tracked him down on the internet around 2003 and reconnected after all those years. He remembered me :-) and later sent me one of my assignments that he had kept! Wow! I thank God for placing such a gentleman in my life.

Jay & Sue Kasofsky

February 6, 2020

Our deepest condolences Annette & Denny. We have so many vivid memories of your father over so many years but particularly at Stieglitz Bungalow Colony when he asked Glenn & Ellen to "look at the frog" (which of course was in the shower hole at the swimming pool)and when they looked he would pull the shower cord and they would get soaked!! He was such a great story teller and loads of fun to be with. He was blessed with such a long life. Whenever we think of him a smile comes to our faces.

Jay & Sue Kasofsky

Elena Capriglione

February 5, 2020

Mr. Racine you were my all time favorite teacher, 4th grade math in Monroe Woodbury School District 1969. You were a great teacher, thank you. I still talk about you today.
May God Bless You and Your Family.
Rest in peace Sir.
~Elena