John J. Denning

John Joseph Denning, 77, of Newburyport, passed away peacefully on March 29, 2018 after a long illness.

He was born September 30, 1940 to Bertha (Winshman) and John Denning and grew up in Somerville with his siblings: Mary L. Denning, Jeanne A. Collier, Claire A. Slagle, and Paul L. Denning, all predeceased. After graduating from Malden Boys Catholic High School, John completed his education at Northeastern University, Class of 1963, earning a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering. He had a long professional career as a civil engineer specializing in the sales and systems design of industrial pumps.

John married Joan F. Havey in St. Julia Church of Weston on October 7,1962 (divorced 1982). After residing in Ohio, they returned to Massachusetts with their three children, living in Winchester before settling in Newburyport. John enjoyed his family, playing duplicate bridge, and his time as a Youth Soccer Referee, Boy Scout Troop Committee Member, and member of North End Boat Club. John married Jeanne Balestracci on Feb 14, 1993 in Newburyport. They enjoyed gardening, retiring together to Greenfield in 2005 and then to Beverly in 2013. John's illness led to his residency at Brigham Manor, whose caring staff assisted him in his last years. John leaves fond memories of his readily shared love of jokes, favorite foods, music, sports, games, and logic puzzles.

John is survived by his wife, Jeanne Balestracci Denning of Beverly; his children, John (and Rita) Denning of Hatfied, PA, Diana Denning (and Eric Olson) of Newburyport, Bret Denning (and Angie Chacaliaza) of Arlington, VA, Leah (and John) LaMothe of Jamaica Plain, Sara Frey (and Patrick Foley) of Norwood; nine grandchildren and six nieces and nephews.

Donations in his memory may be made to Merrimack Valley Hospice High Point House at http://www.homehealthfoundation.org/about-high-pointe-house/ or The Parkinson's Foundation at http://parkinson.org/ways-to-give