Francis M. “Fran” Denver
January 29, 1944 - June 18, 2023
Francis M. “Fran” Denver, age 79, of Newark, DE, passed away peacefully after a long and courageous battle with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy on Sunday, June 18, 2023.
Fran was born in Wilmington, DE on January 29, 1944 to the late Clarence and Elizabeth (Carney) Denver. He was a 1962 graduate of Salesianum High School. A true American patriot, Fran loved his country and proudly served 26 years in the Delaware National Guard. Serving as both an active duty and a reserve soldier, he attained the rank of First Sergeant. Fran and his wife served the religious community for 21 years by owning and operating the Alleluia Shop. For the last 10 years of his employment, he worked as the Human Resources Manager for Lowe’s and Home Depot.
Throughout his life Fran was extremely active in his church community. He held positions of Eucharistic minister, Lector and Pastoral Council Member. Fran was a past Grand Knight and a member of the St Michael Council #4548 Knights of Columbus and a 4th degree member of the Cardinal Gibbons Assembly #150. In his spare time, he enjoyed gardening and watching the Eagles and Notre Dame football while loudly and enthusiastically expressing his opinion of the game. Fran will lovingly be remembered as the best husband, dad, pop-pop and friend. The guy who could always be counted on, who loved to help others. The guy who, if someone needed a hand, would unfailingly find a way to help, often anonymously.
Fran is survived by the love of his life and wife of 56 years, Suzanne (Werner) Denver of Newark; children, Chris Denver (Laura) of Lafayette, IN, Amy Doherty (Jim) of Dewey Beach, David Denver (Jennifer) of Middletown, and Megan Denver (Willy Gergits) of Dedham, MA; grandchildren, Joelle (Alex Jaros), Thomas, Samantha and Brian Denver; Nicole and Alex Doherty; Jake, Emily and Molly Denver; and Benji Gergits; sister, Joan Neal; and sister-in-law, Pat Denver (Bill).
The Denver family wishes to express their sincere appreciation to the caring staff at Cadia Capital Dover and Compassionate Care Hospice.
A visitation for family and friends will be held from 10:15 am until 11:15 am on Monday, July 17, 2023, at Holy Family R.C. Church, 15 Gender Road, Newark, DE, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 11:15 am. Interment will follow in Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 2465 Chesapeake City Road, Bear, DE.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Fran’s memory to CurePSP, 1216 Broadway, 2nd Floor, New York, NY 10001 or online by clicking here.
Joann Maloney
Dear Sue and family,
I am so so sorry about the loss of Fran. He has suffered and I’m glad that is over for him. My sincere condolences for your family. I can not attend his funeral due to family issues but Tim will be there. Please know that you all are in our thoughts and prayers. 💕💕
Katie and Joe Antonelli
Fran was truly one of a kind. He was welcoming, funny, kind, loving and a wonderful neighbor and friend. We’ll surely miss his giggle and mischievousness. Our thoughts and prayers are with Sue, his children and grandchildren.
Carol Fenn
I will remember Fran fondly for his terrific sense of humor! Fran was the only male in our little group when we went to Europe. Never complained…always happy…he will be missed!
Laura C.Smith
Dear Amy,Jim, Mrs.Denver,We would like to say THANK YOU to your Dad for his SERVICE AND SACRIFICE. We just wanted to say we are Very Sorry for your loss, his Soul is now flying free and not trapped in his broken body anymore. We can see from all the pictures, that you have a lot of good memories of your Dad. Sending Prayers, Love, Hugs to everyone. Love Laurie, Bill, Trish
Polly Gillis
Fran was greatly loved and will be deeply missed. My prayers and condolences go out to Sue & his family. Rest now in peace Fran.
Bill and Louise Carbaugh
Dear Sue and family,
Please accept our heartfelt sympathy for the passing of your dear husband and father, Fran. It has been many years since our paths crossed at Holy Family Church. PSNP is a very heart wrenching disease. We experienced it first hand with the death of my mother, Louise. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers. The video tribute to Fran is beautiful. May those memories you shared as a family be of comfort to you in the days ahead.
Franny Schiavelli
Fran and I met at Sallies! We sang together and laughed together! He was one of the good guys for sure! My sincerest sympathy to Sue and his family. My prayers for Fran and all of you! RIP Fran!
Boots Cassel
Sue and family,
I was very sorry to hear of Fran’s illness and passing. It has been much too long since we say you, but I have good memories of high school days with Sue and the friendship of our sons during their time at Salesianum. Good people are a joy in our lives and you and your family have been that.
Boots
Mary and Joe Gardner
Great memories of Fran from the good old days hanging out at Delmore Park
Frank Vavala, MG, USA (Ret)
My deepest sympathy and condolences on Fran’s passing. I had the privilege of knowing him and serving with him in the Delaware National Guard and I had the utmost respect and admiration for him. A consummate professional, a man of integrity and character and deeply committed to his faith. The world will be a darker place without him.
The entire family is in my thoughts and prayers. May the Lord bless you and give you comfort and strength in your bereavement.
Rita Devlin Salvo
Dear Sue,
I am so sorry for your loss. Fran fought the good fight against a really cruel disease, and now he is at peace. It doesn’t make it much easier for you, I’m sure. I’ll keep you in my prayers.
Ann and Charles Alfieri
Please accept our heart felt sympathy for Fran’s passing. His smile would light up a room and make all feel very welcome. He will be missed.
Joe Mulrooney
I remember Fran well from the class of ’62, the National Guard , and both he and Bill from South Broom St. and their Jeepster that was a blast. Fran, may God hold you and keep you until we all meet in Paradise. My sincere condolences to Sue and all your family.
Mary Louise Chesley-Cora
Dear Sue and family,
I was saddened to see this in today’s paper. I remember you so well over the years and the wonderful “Alleluia” shop! I was’t aware of Fran’s illness these many years. May you find comfort and peace of heart in the days ahead. May you recognize his “new presence” in surprising ways in the days ahead. I will keep all of you in prayer as you celebrate his wonderful and amazing life. I am unable to be with you for his celebration of life.
Henry and Joan
What a wonderful life you have had together!! We’re very glad we got to meet Fran. God bless you and keep you.
Barb Riebe
So sorry for your loss. As I always said-He had a strong heart. I will always remember that he was the first person I met in the development-we both were looking at our holes dug for our basements. He was always smiling, loved his family, a very kind man. He will be missed dearly.
Mark Connor
Sue – Thoughts and prayers to you and family. My memories of Fran will be him throwing horseshoes with his VFM friends. RIP Fran “Gilligan” Denver.
Sam Palermo
Sue & family:Very sorry for the passing of Fran; we’ve lost a good friend , you’ve lost a lifetime partner. Prayers for him and you.
Sam & Deb Palermo
John Nagle
I would like to express my deepest sympathy to the entire Denver family. Fran and I worked together in the Delaware Army National Guard. I liked visiting his Alleliua Gift Shop. Fran was always a kind, and deeply religious man. You will be missed! May you rest in peace with Jesus, the Blessed Mother and the saints! Sincerely, John Nagle
Steve and Toni Pacitti
We were sad to learn – only just yesterday – of Fran’s death and the suffering he endured.
You, Sue, and Fran were very good friends to us. We have many fond and happy memories of being with you in Delaware and later after we moved to Tennessee. I don’t know what exactly happened to distance us, but there were always only good memories of good friends who were always kind and caring and generous.
We are having a Mass said for Fran. And we are praying for your comfort and peace, as well.
With much affection,
Toni and Steve Pacitti