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| Father Denny outside his State Street second-hand store in 2011. |
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| Father Denny organized a bike helmet drive for kids in 2009. |
A former priest at St. Patrick's in Kennett many years ago, Fr. Denny suffered a traumatic brain injury in 2005 when he was mugged in Philadelphia. He returned to Kennett and opened his second-hand store, the Kennett General Store, so that he could raise funds to help support fellow victims.
On Sunday, as word spread about his unexpected death, tributes to Father Denny poured in. People shared stories about what a kind and pleasant man he was, always ready with a gentle smile for children and a treat for dogs. It seemed that whenever I walked or drove past his shop, he was standing outside in an apron, doing little chores, puttering with the plants in his windowboxes and ready to strike up a conversation with anyone who passed by.
"Kennett Square won't be the same without him," commented one friend. "He always gave me hope when talking to him about my health issues. Our niece was in a horrible car accident several years ago and suffered a traumatic brain injury; my husband and I were in the store one time and he told us his story and we told him about our niece. He was so helpful in explaining the effects of a TBI and really helped us to understand better what she was going through."
Hal Lewis, who used to own H & R Auto in town, recalled that he "had many good talks with Father Denny at my shop, he stopped by every day...he will be missed."
Said another friend of his:."Look for flowers from Saint Theresa, he loved Saint Theresa! Told me lots about her. He was really smart about a lot of things. Never minded giving him whatever was in my purse/pocket for his cause."
May he rest in peace.
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I met Father Denny in September after attending the funeral of a friend. We had a nice talk. He was so kind. I looked forward to seeing him again when my children took me to Kennett Square for my birthday, December 7. I was very sad and upset to first the flowers at the door and then the sign saying he had passed away. I wanted so much to purchase a small Statue he had in the window of Infant Jesus of Prague. It was still there but the store was closed. I only met you once, Father, but I'll remember and pray for you.
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