Obituary of William M. Denchy

William “Bill” Martin Denchy, Jr., passed away at his home in Rome, NY on Monday April 22 peacefully in his sleep.  

Bill was born in October of 1936 at Mid-Valley Hospital in Blakely, PA. He grew up in Jessup PA with his parents William and Constance Denchy, along with his older sister Rosemarie ( Denchy) Skovira,  and his younger brother Thomas P. Denchy. He was an alumnus of Scranton Preparatory High School and attended Scranton University for 2 years.  In 1958, he enlisted in the United States Air Force and finished his undergraduate education at University of Mississippi. As a Commissioned Officer in the USAF, he then received a Master of Science degree from the Air Force Institute of Technology. He remained in the Air Force for 25 years as an Aircraft Maintenance and Logistics Officer, retiring from the 49th FIS Squadron in 1984.

He married Judith Browning in May 1964. They traveled all over the United States while in the military with their three daughters.  His wife Judith passed away in 2004. In 2005 he would meet the second love of his life Sharon Aileo of Rome, NY,  who he resided with Bill in Lee, NY until his passing.

Bill was a consummate ‘Girl Dad” and was always there to support his daughters and their families :  Constance L. Denchy ( sons- James Benjamin Jack, and William Jeremy Jack);. Ruth Ann Denchy: and Elizabeth (Jeff) Amy LaVelle (son - Ryan Smallwood with spouse Steven; sons - Nathan LaVelle and Nolan LaVelle; and daughter - Rylee LaVelle) 

Anyone who spent time with Bill knew he practiced with his whole heart the motto: For God, Family, Community, and Country – in that order. Life was very family centered. He wanted to know all the happenings of his Children and their friends,  Grandchildren,  nieces,  nephews, and great-nieces & great-nephews, and extended relations. He was always an enthusiastic car lover, even opening a gas station/garage (with his best friend Leo Grunza) while still in their teens. He loved to share his passion for mechanics, classic cars, antiquing and  clock collecting.  Most of all, he shared his sense of adventure and wonder – discovering new things and making new friends everywhere he'd go. 

Among many of his passions and interests he shared with his family, he was a dedicated and committed to community through his active membership of the Masons, VFW Post 2246, and American Legion Post 1794.  He loved marching in the Color Guard, and donating his time at Christmas to play Santa for various non-profit organizations over the years. After the death of his wife Judith , he deepened his commitment to the Lee Legion Post 1794 and held several offices. This was his second family, where he could share his abilities to take charge & organize things that were welcomed and embraced. 

He is preceded in death by his parents, his sister Rosemarie Skovira, her husband Richard, and his wife Judith Denchy.

Family and friends are invited to call at Nunn and Harper Funeral Home, Inc., 418 N. George St. Rome NY 13440, on Monday, April 29^th, from 2-4:00 p.m.

You may view the obituary and send a message of sympathy at www.nunnandharper.com