WEBSTER - William J. Dennehy, Jr., 86, of Webster, died Monday, July 9, 2012 at home surrounded by his family.
He leaves his wife of 54 years, Loretta M. “Lori” (Ryan) Dennehy; 2 sons, William J. Dennehy, III and his wife Rae of Eugene, OR, and Michael J. Dennehy and his wife Sharon of Ashland, VA; a daughter, Cathleen A. Kotarba and her husband John of Webster; a brother, Charles H. Dennehy and his wife Doris of Nashua, NH; a sister, Margaret Coyle and her husband Jim of Waterville, NY; 17 grandchildren; nephews and nieces.
He was born in South Ozone Park, Long Island, NY, the son of William J. Dennehy, Sr. and Margaret (Sterling) Dennehy. He was raised in Jersey City, NJ. He later lived in Norwich, NY before moving to Shrewsbury in 1977 and then to Webster in 1991. He graduated from St. Peter’s College Preparatory School in Jersey City in 1943. He later earned his Associate Degree in Production Management from Utica (NY) College in 1966.
He was a Navy veteran of World War II and served in the South Pacific. He was part of the amphibious forces that saw action at Kerma, Rehtto and Okinawa.
Mr. Dennehy first worked as a junior engineer for Bell Telephone Labs in Summit, NJ from 1947 to 1957. He then was the assistant plant superintendent at Bennett-Ireland Company in Norwich, NY. He then was a manufacturer’s representative for his own company, William Joseph Dennehy and Associates in Shrewsbury with several other outlets throughout the New England States. He retired in 1991.
He was an active member of the Church of the Reconciliation where he served on the vestry for many years and was also the church treasurer for 5 years. He led adult education classes and served both as a lector and Eucharistic minister. He was a former member of the Diocesan Congregational Development Commission. He was a former member of Trinity Episcopal Church in Shrewsbury. He enjoyed building models, sailing and was an avid reader.
The funeral will be held Tuesday, July 17, at 11:00 AM in the Church of the Reconciliation, 5 North Main Street. Entombment will be in the columbarium at St. Joseph Garden of Peace. The Webster-Dudley Veterans Council will perform the military honors at the cemetery. Calling hours will be held from 5:00 to 8:00 PM Monday, July 16, in the Sitkowski & Malboeuf Funeral Home, 340 School Street, Webster. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Church of the Reconciliation, 5 North Main St., Webster, MA 01570.