Obituary of Douglas R. Denny

In Memory of Douglas Denny

(1947-2025)

A beloved father, grandfather, and brother, Douglas Richard Denny passed away peacefully on February 19, 2025, with family by his side.

Born in Cleveland, Ohio, Doug was the son of Richard and Vivian (nee Formanek) Denny. He would share fond stories of growing up with brothers Gregory and Gary, spending summers on his grandparents’ dairy farm, and working as a paper boy in Maple Heights, Ohio. 

A 1965 alumnus of Maple Heights High School, he graduated from the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in 1969 with highest honors. Doug sailed as a Deck Officer on U.S. flag merchant vessels for two years before attending law school; he continued in the Naval Reserve, and would later retire as a Captain. Upon graduating from The Ohio State University College of Law in 1973, he returned to Cleveland and joined the firm currently known as Ray Robinson Law.  Specializing in maritime law, he eventually served as a managing partner for the firm.

Doug married Barbara (Bobbie) Reilly on July 11, 1970, and was a devoted husband for 51 years until her passing in 2021. Married in New York, they eventually settled in the Cleveland area (Parma and, later, Seven Hills), where their two sons grew up. Friendly, outgoing, and generous, Doug and Bobbie developed many dear friendships in the community and enjoyed a close extended family.

Ever the sailor, Doug liked exploring new places with loved ones. In addition to regular family trips when his sons were young, he and Bobbie went on many cruises and other vacations with friends and relatives over the years. One of his fondest travel memories was of catching a 47-pound king salmon in Alaska. After his retirement, Doug savored long walks with his beagle, Buttercup, and meeting up with fellow Navy captains for a monthly lunch. A keen Cleveland and Ohio State sports fan, he was thrilled to watch the Buckeyes win the college football playoff this January.

At the time of his passing, Doug was a resident of Williston Park, NY, where he had moved to be closer to his older son and grandchildren after losing his wife. He delighted in continuing travels to see family, exploring local sites of interest, trying new restaurants, and keeping in contact with his wide circle of relatives and friends.

Doug is survived by his son Christopher and wife Christina; son Matthew and wife Haihai Ye; granddaughters Susanna, Beatrice, and Miriam; brother Gregory and wife Susan; brother Gary and wife Karen; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, brothers- and sisters-in-law; and many dear friends. He will be deeply missed.

His funeral Mass will be held at the Church of St. Aidan, Williston Park, and he will be laid to rest at Calverton National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests honoring Doug with a contribution to help a young friend he met who is currently battling leukemia: https://www.staidanschool.org/team-evelyn