LEWISTON —
Thomas P. Denn, 79, of Lewiston, NY, passed away on Monday, January 21, 2013 at his home. Born on June 27, 1933 in Syracuse, NY, he was the loving son of Nicholas and Mary (Hanley) Denn. Tom moved with his family to Utica, NY, in 1940 and attended St. Francis de Sales High School, serving as Senior Class President.
In 1951, he enrolled at Niagara University and graduated Cum Laude in 1955, where he was President of Student Government and a member of the Sigma Alpha Sigma Honor Society. He married Nan (Urtel) at St. Mary's of the Cataract Church in Niagara Falls on June 18, 1966. Shortly after college graduation, Tom joined MarineMidland Bank (HSBC) as a Management Trainee and ascended to the role of Niagara District Vice President from 1973-1976. In 1976, he joined Lytle Associates serving as Vice President of Annuity Operations. He formed Thomas P. Denn Investments (Denn Financial Services) in 1987 and worked as consultant for his son, Steven, since 1996.
Thomas was a longtime member of the Niagara Falls Country Club and served as a member of the Board of Governors for 12 years and President in 1977. He was an active volunteer in the Porter Cup Tournament for over 40 years, chairing the event in 1982. Tom was a member of the Porter Cup Executive Committee for many years, was a 1st Tee Starter and announcer of the Annual Long-Drive Contest. He was an active member of St. Peter's R.C. Church where he volunteered as a lector. For over 20 years, he was Chairman of the Catholic Charities campaign soliciting Large Gifts and led St. Peters' $1.3 million Capital Fund Drive in 2000. Tom was awarded the St. Joseph The Worker Medal by Bishop Henry Mansell in 1999.
Tom was a member of the Niagara University Board of Advisor's and was a season-ticket holder of Niagara University basketball. Shortly after organizing the "Great Class of '55 Challenge" which produced the highest class percentage of givers in history, he received "Alumnus of the Year" recognition from the University on occasion of his 50th reunion. Tom served as Member and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the New York State Higher Education Services Corporation from 1957 until 1975. He was a Member, President and Board Chairman of the University Club of Niagara Falls during which time he negotiated the purchase of the former Carborundum Guest House for the Club residence. He also was a past Member and President of the Lewiston-Porter Board of Education, Mount St. Mary's Hospital Board of Associates and was a former Chairman of the United Way Campaign. Tom was a proud member of the "Lunch Bunch", a group of friends who lunched daily at Gadawski's East Side Emporium.
In addition to his wife of 46 years, Thomas is survived by his son, Steven (Susan) Denn of Buffalo, NY; daughter, Sharon (Darren) Larkins of St. Paul, MN; two grandchildren, Julia and Tommy Larkins; two brothers, Edward Denn of St. Paul, MN, Rev. James Denn of Notre Dame, IN; three sisters, Sr. Maureen Denn of Utica, NY, Sheila (late Lynn) Beaton of Utica, NY and Mary Denn of Eagle Bay, NY; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a brother, William.
The family will be present on Friday from 4-8 PM at the RHONEY FUNERAL HOME, 901 Cayuga Street, LEWISTON, NY. Friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday at 12:00 PM at St. Peter's R.C. Church, 620 Center Street, Lewiston, NY. Interment in Niagara Falls Memorial Park Cemetery. Flowers are gratefully declined. Memorials may be made in his name to Heart, Love & Soul Food Pantry, 939 Ontario Avenue, Niagara Falls, NY 14305.
Please visit www.rhoneyfuneralhome.com for an online guest register.
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