William M. Denny

William M. Denny, Age 74, of Bryn Mawr, passed away peacefully in his home on April 21, 2023, surrounded by his loving wife and family. He was the third of eight children of Joseph and Mary Katherine Denny (nee Schubert). He was the devoted husband of 35 years of Ella Denny (nee Buchanan). 

He was a loving mentor to many of his nieces and nephews teaching them through example the art of conversation and making others feel comfortable. His niece Christa said, “He always encouraged family loyalty.” In addition, he was a talented musician who played piano at many parties, especially Christmas Eve and his annual St. Patrick’s Day party. He also played the organ in church, and for five years he marched in the Mummers Parade as saxophonist with the Overbrook String Band. He was extremely generous, had a warm smile, quick wit, and a wonderful sense of humor. His nephew Mike said, “the way he treated me, made me want to be a better man.” From his earliest days, he loved all kinds of boats and being on the water. He volunteered with the Literacy Program of Delaware County and served for years on the parish council at St. Margaret’s parish in Narberth.

Along with five of his brothers, he graduated from Msgr. Bonner High School. He attended Villanova University, graduating with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. After graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy from 1970–74, where he attained the rank of Lieutenant. He was a forerunner in the use of Solar Energy in the late 1970s, first with his own company, and then as a regional director for Southern Solar in Atlanta, where he was often featured on radio and television presenting the benefits of solar energy. Later in his career, he was a consultant on Nuclear Power Plants in the East Coast and Midwest. He was an expert on cable safety in power plants and wrote numerous papers for the Atomic Energy Commission.

In addition to the love of his life Ella, he is survived by his sister Marie Sweeney (William), brothers Joseph P. (April), Charles F.X. (Helen), Michael S. (Valerie), Timothy E. (Diane) and James S. (Sharon). He is pre-deceased by his brother Rev. John T. (OSA).

Friends and family are invited to a Visitation on Thursday, April 27, at 9:30 A.M. at Our Mother of Good Council Church in Bryn Mawr, followed by a Funeral Mass at 11:00.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Main Line Health Hospice or https://www.mainlinehealth.org/ways-to-give/homecare-and-hospice/make-a-gift-online