Robert J. Denn

Denn, Robert J. WINCHESTER, Mass. Robert J. Denn, 75 of Winchester and Wellfleet, Mass. died on August 31, 2022, of heart issues after many months of hospitalization and a courageous battle. Born in Albany on January 7, 1947, he graduated from the Vincentian Institute in Albany, and received a B.A. in English from Albany State University. He went on to receive an M.A. in English from Northeastern University and a Ph.D. in English with a concentration in Colonial American literature and history from Michigan State University. He met his wife of 48 years while they were both teaching at Northeastern University in 1972 and after six years in Michigan where Robert pursued his Ph.D., they settled in the Boston area. He worked for many years as a manager of software engineers at Digital Equipment Corporation and later at Oracle Corporation, finally retiring in 2003 from a position as executive editor at O'Reilly & Associates, Inc. In retirement, he tutored elementary students in math and reading in inner city schools in Boston; enjoyed European travel with his wife, studying the language of every country they visited; took piano lessons at Winchester Community Music School; and continued his lifelong playing of the guitar, both blue grass and classical. Known for his far-ranging intellectual curiosity and dry wit, he had a large capacity for joy, well hidden by a cynical view of world events. He continued to study classical languages and literature, history, and science long after he finished his formal education. He was a lover of literature, folk and classical music, sailing and the sea, all large and small animals, and long walks and the birds he saw on them, including a heron at Horn Pond whom he affectionately named Ted. Robert felt grateful to have a 50-year relationship with his wife that was full of love. Being a father was a central part of who he was and he adored his two daughters. He was frequently heard remarking that he really lucked out with two wonderful sons-in-law and struck gold when his granddaughter, Rosie, was born two years ago. He was looking forward to meeting a second granddaughter later this year. Robert was totally devoted to his family and wanted the world to be a better place for them and those he loved. When asked what he would want his gravestone to read, he said, "he knew a lot of songs." He is survived by his beloved wife, Patricia Finnerty Denn; daughter, Erika Denn McCaffrey and son-in-law, Thom P. McCaffrey of Ipswich, Mass.; son-in-law, Sam E. Kalat of Cary, N.C.; granddaughter, Rosie J. McCaffrey of Ipswich, Mass.; brother, Gary W. Denn of Albany; sister-in-law, Barbara W. Finnerty of Tenafly, N.J.; and two nieces, Lindsay Finnerty of New York, N.Y. and Haley Finnerty-Dardick, of Baltimore, Md. He was preceded in death by parents, John J. Denn and Marion M. Denn of Albany; daughter, Sheila O. Denn of Cary, N.C.; and brother-in-law, John E. Finnerty of Tenafly, N.J. The family will host a gathering/open house at their home to celebrate his life on Saturday, September 24, between 2-5 p.m. at 43 Myrtle Terrace, Winchester, Mass. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a contribution to the Union of Concerned Scientists at www.ucsusa.org or to Winchester Community Music School at www.winchestermusic.org. To send a memorial condolence, please visit www.lanefuneral.com.