Richard Ellsworth “Denny” Dennis, 83 of Bethlehem, PA formerly of Easton, PA passed away February 14, 2022 at St. Luke’s Hospital, Fountain Hill of complications from COVID-19. Born April 4, 1938 in Easton, he was a son of the late Caroline M. (Kreps) and Arlington Duane Dennis. He was a 1956 graduate of Easton High School where he was a member of the marching band. Enlisting in the US Marine Corps upon graduation, he transferred to the Army before taking over the family business, Dennis Tire Service upon his father’s passing. He then worked for Lehigh Valley Railroad which started his passion for model trains. In 1971 he purchased a small convenience store in Easton that he named Penny’s Corner Store in honor of his wife, owning it for more than 20 years before retiring. He was a lifelong member of Dallas Lodge #152, F&AM (now Easton Lodge) and a Shriner.
He is survived by his wife of almost 60 years, Penelope “Penny” (Reese) Dennis; children: Richard “Dewey” Dennis (wife Terry) of Coplay, PA, Loretta Kostyk (husband Harry) of Sellersville, PA, Rhonda Jay (companion Joseph Ernst) of Bethlehem; a sister: Gladys Nigrone of Catasauqua, PA and 2 grandchildren: Rachel and Eric Dennis. His older brother: William Dennis died last week.
Visitation will be held from 4 to 5 PM Tuesday (Feb. 22) in the Ashton Funeral Home, 1337 Northampton St., Easton followed by a service at 5 PM with the Rev. Dr. David Charles Smith officiating. Interment will be private.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Shriners Childrens Hospital (at www.lovetotherescue.org) or Wounded Warrior Project (at www.woundedwarriorproject.org). Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com
Hollie (Milkovitz) and Bob Schooley
February 17, 2022 at 11:56 pm
Mrs. Dennis, Dewey, Loretta and Rhonda: Bob and I were saddened to learn about the loss of Mr. Dennis. He was always so kind and pleasant whenever we saw him. We also appreciated how good he was to my brother, Eddie, and the group of Dewey’s friends from the neighborhood! Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Scott & Desiree Hoke
February 18, 2022 at 10:50 pm
We extend our deepest sympathies to your family. May the memories of your lifetime together carry you through these difficult times.
Douglas varju
February 19, 2022 at 5:15 am
So sorry to hear the passing of your father Dewey our prayers for you and your family
Anthony R. Youngkin
February 19, 2022 at 10:06 am
Prayers ….
Deborah Cook Frutchey
February 19, 2022 at 10:53 am
Sending prayers and condolences to Mr. Dennis ‘ family,last time I saw him was at my Mother’s funeral.Glad I got to see him again Rest in Heaven 🙏
Carla Wooten
February 19, 2022 at 10:56 am
Mrs. Dennis, Dewey, Loretta and Rhonda
I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time.
Susan cope
February 19, 2022 at 11:47 am
Rhonda and family I’m so sorry to hear of the passing of your father thoughts and prayers to all of you .
Susan Cope
Ed Gier
February 19, 2022 at 1:45 pm
My sincerest condolences to the Dennis family. Rich and Bill were neighborhood buddies from the West Ward. Both were great childhood friends and will be remembered forever for their kindness and generosity. Rich was once my employer as I delivered his paper route on Friday while he collected his Easton Express weekly subscription money. I miss those days of neighborhood camaraderie with friends like Rich. RIP buddy……..
Phyllis Altieri
February 19, 2022 at 4:44 pm
Terry, Dewey, and families. May the memory of your father be graced with joy, love, and smiles as you move through this difficult time. Peace and Love.
Karen Fleck Corpora
February 19, 2022 at 9:42 pm
Sending thoughts and prayers for your family. Many fond memories of the Dennis Family growing up in the neighborhood. May you be consoled by the many good times that you shared. Love to all.
Toni Bianco Finocchio
February 19, 2022 at 11:18 pm
Deepest sympathy to the Dennis family. Such fond memories growing up in the neighborhood of Mr Dennis and the family owned corner store Penny’s. A true staple in the community. May you find comfort in the memories you keep. RIP Mr. Dennis.
Rosanne Ramunni
February 19, 2022 at 11:44 pm
Dennis Family:
I am so sorry for your loss. Mr. Dennis was a great employer and businessman. I worked at Penny’s for several years starting at age 15. Mr. Dennis taught me everything I know about retail sales and the value of good customer service. He was a very hard worker who seemed to enjoy his store and the regular customers who shopped there. Penny’s unofficial slogan was “If we don’t have it, you don’t need it.” I still remember some of the funny things Mr. Dennis said, and reflect on those years often. I even kept a pay envelope from the first year I worked there. Thank you, Mr. Dennis, for the opportunity to work for you and for all you taught me. May you rest in peace. My sympathy and prayers to the family.
Karen (Shoenberger) Frank
February 20, 2022 at 12:10 am
So very sorry to hear of this loss. Rhonda, your dad was like a second dad to me, I spent so much time at your house growing up. I can still hear your dad’s laugh. He was so kind and tolerant as we ran amuck through the house and store at all hours lol. So many great memories I have with your family. Love and prayers to all of you during this difficult time.
Paul Cresseveur
February 20, 2022 at 11:05 am
Richard was always a joy to talk with! Condolences to the family and R.I.P.Richard!
Keith Gary
February 22, 2022 at 3:33 pm
Penny, Dewey, Loretta, Rhonda and family:
So many fond memories of the Dennis family. As others have mentioned Dick and Penny treated all of the kids’ friends so well and made us feel welcome.
I will never forget the kindness and generosity and the good times we enjoyed through the years.
God bless.
Joe Laubach
February 23, 2022 at 8:26 am
Many wonderful and yes some quirky qualities, all of them true, were shared at the beautiful memorial service last evening. A story in my life that sums up Dick’s generosity and help to others dates back to the early 1980’s. Dewey and I had a Friday night flight from Newark to Boston on discount airline People’s Express (remember them!?) to visit our friend Keith at college. No smartphones, internet, back then you just show up. Dick drove us all the way to Newark from Easton, only to find out our flight was cancelled, with a rescheduled departure 7AM Saturday morning! He drove us home, and 4am was back up driving us back to Newark the next morning! No complaints, no asking for gas money, just making sure we got where we needed to be on time, with laughter and goofy jokes along the way. He always went above and beyond to help anyone, that was Dick Dennis! Rest in Peace my friend.
Amy(Jones)Lutz
February 26, 2022 at 8:49 am
Penny,Dewey,Loretta,Rhonda,
So sad to hear about Richard. I have so many memories of him and your whole family. All of you played a big role in my life and so very grateful for all that I learned from Richard and you also Penny. Great moments with all of the kids too. You are all in my heart. I am so blessed to have had you all in my life. He will be forever with you. Celebrate him always. He is your angel. Much love to the entire family❤️
Debbie Silvestri
March 7, 2022 at 1:43 pm
Dewey and family,
Please accept my sympathy in the loss of your dad.
Sounds like you had a good one!
Angel Gulick
March 20, 2022 at 8:06 am
I remember Mr. Dennis fondly from my many trips to Penny’s store during my childhood. He was a true gentleman, always kind and smiling. He will be missed. My deepest sympathies to his family and friends. May his memory be a blessing.