Joseph Denney

On Saturday, Dec. 11, 2010, Joseph Patrick Denney, 76, of Haverhill, was called home to God after he succumbed to a brief illness.He was born in Boston on May 28, 1934 and was a lifelong resident of Haverhill. He was the son of the late, Edward W. and Elizabeth (Quimby) Denney. Raised in the Acre section of this city, he was a graduate of St. James Grammar School and Haverhill Trade School, he also attended Northern Essex Community College, and was a member of St. James Parish.A Marine Corps Veteran.Mr. Denney joined the service with his lifelong friend, Jack Reardon, proudly serving his country and was honorably discharged as a seargent in 1961. He was employed as a firefighter in the City of Haverhill for over 25 years, retiring in 1989. He also enjoyed doing electrical work, helping his friends and family, and in doing so, was able to provide for his family and become a licensed electrician.In his youth, he played ice hockey on all the local ponds in Haverhill and also skated for years at the Frost Arena with his good friend Merle Gaudreau. He was also an avid golfer where he was a member at Crystal Springs Golf Club.He was married to Barbara A. (Dwyer) Denney for 25 years, who predeceased him in 2008, and now leaves his beloved children, Joseph D. Denney and his wife Garrett, of Flemington, N.J., Brian D. Denney and his wife Jean (Ryan) of Haverhill, Nancy Denney-Vadeboncoeur of Haverhill cherished grandchildren, Stefani Vadeboncoeur of Haverhill, Joshua Theide of Groton, Brendan and Briana Denney of Haverhill, Evan and Paige Denney, and Jordan and Reagan Mitchell, all of Flemington, N.J. and several nieces and nephews.ARRANGEMENTS: Friends and family are respectfully invited to call on Tuesday, Dec. 14, from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Kevin B. Comeau Funeral Home, 486 Main St. (Route 125), Haverhill. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday at 10 a.m. from the funeral home with a Mass of Christian burial to be celebrated at 11 a.m. in St. James Church, Winter Street, Haverhill. Burial with Military Honors will follow in St. James Cemetery, Primrose Street, Haverhill. Memorial donations may be made to “Toys for Tots” c/o MA State Police Toys for Tots Coordinator, 124 Acton St., Maynard, MA 01754. www.comeaufuneral.com.