Donald E. "Don" Denick

Obituary of Donald E. Denick Donald "Don" Denick Beloved Husband, Father, Teacher, Friend, and Faithful Servant of God Donald "Don" Denick passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of joy, wisdom, resilience, and unwavering faith. He was the devoted husband of Mary, his beloved wife of over 60 years, and proud father to their son, Dan. The eldest of five children, Don was a natural leader from the start. A proud graduate of Upper Merion High School, Class of 1959, he went on to attend Bloomsburg University, graduating with the Class of 1963-a time filled with cherished memories, lifelong friendships, and a spot on the football team. Don's college days were filled with laughter and unforgettable stories-like the time his accordion made the local paper after a dorm fire, though in truth, the accordion was left behind while the case, full of empty beer cans, was saved instead. Don later earned his Master's Degree from West Chester University and began a teaching career that would touch thousands of lives. As a 7th grade biology teacher, Don was known as "a natural" in the classroom-energetic, imaginative, and deeply connected to his students. Whether he was giving students nicknames, filleting fish in class, taking them on leaf hunts, or leading the annual trip to the Pennsylvania Farm Show, Don made science-and life-exciting. He was inducted into the Upper Merion Hall of Fame in 2000, a testament to his 34-year teaching legacy and the deep relationships he built with students and colleagues alike. Being of Italian heritage, Don had a true passion for food. He loved grocery shopping, exploring new markets, sharing recipes, and of course, cooking and feeding others. Summers were spent tending to his garden-ordering seeds from Italy, harvesting fresh vegetables, and making his signature tomato juice for homemade sauce (always no salt). Food was his love language, and everyone who knew Don shared in its joy. After retirement, Don found his slice of paradise in Islamorada in the Florida Keys, where he enjoyed sunshine and fishing with his brother Dave. Known affectionately as "Duker," Don's circle of friends expanded as he made memories full of laughter, storytelling, and good company. Don had a gift for conversation. He never met a stranger, and his stories could hold any room captive. He brought this gift to every stage of life-from casual encounters to sharing his deep and abiding faith. A man of strong convictions and heart, Don came to a personal relationship with Jesus during the Charismatic Renewal of the 1970s and lived his life as a testimony to God's grace and guidance. Through decades of prayer meetings and faith-filled conversations, Don uplifted others with his trust in God. A man of fortitude, Don had that in spades. Despite facing many health challenges, including a long battle with diabetes and five years of dialysis, Don remained positive and encouraging. He never complained but took life as it came. A lesser man would have given up years ago but that was not Don Denick. His time at Fresenius Medical Care, under the leadership of Dr. Edward Hovick, MD, became a kind of second community, where he shared recipes, stories, and the warmth of friendship with staff and fellow patients alike. His perseverance and spirit inspired all who met him. Don deeply respected the men and women who served in the military and remained a true patriot. Though he did not serve himself, he held a special admiration for those who did, especially his nephew, Collin, who completed multiple deployments. Don loved his country, lived his values, and trusted fully in God's plan for his life. Now free from the burdens of illness, Don is at peace-rejoicing in Heaven in the presence of the Lord he served and shared with so many. He leaves behind a lifetime of love, laughter, and stories that will continue to echo in the hearts of all who knew him. Don was a storyteller, a mentor, a man of deep faith, and someone who always made time for others. His humor was infectious, his heart was open, and his presence was a gift. Don trusted in God's sovereignty and allowed His teaching to guide him through life, a believer and a patriot from start to finish. He lived fully, loved deeply, and is now joyfully home. Don leaves behind his devoted wife, Mary "Memily" Hamel Denick and son, Dan Denick, siblings: Thom Denick (wife, Carol) of N. Stonington, Connecticut, Paul Denick (wife, Sue) of Camden Wyoming, Delaware and Joy Denick of Norristown, PA. He is preceded in death by his parents, Thomas and Rose (Proietto) Denick and brother Dave Denick. A Funeral mass will be held on Wednesday, July 16, 2025 at 11:00 AM at St. Columbkill's Church, 200 Indian Springs Road, Boyertown, PA 19512. A visitation will be held prior to the service from 9:45-10:45 in the church. In lieu of flowers, donations in Don's memory can be made to Tunnels to Towers. Online condolences or memorial donations can be made at www.rstrunkfuneralhome.com To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Donald Denick, please visit Tribute Store