Donald H. Denight

Donald H. Denight, 82, of Punta Gorda passed away August 17, 2010. He was the son of Howard W. and Grace B. (Hudson) Denight, born September 9, 1927 in Collingswood, NJ. Don was a WWII Veteran, serving in the US Navy from 1944-46 and in the Marine Corps from 1946-51; he was awarded the WWII Victory Medal. He earned his Certificate of Proficiency in Mechanical Engineering Technology from Temple University. Don retired from Public Service Electric & Gas as a Senior Marketing Representative in Mount Laurel, NJ after 35 years of service. He was known around the company as “Mr. Heat Pump” because he sold more heat pumps than all representatives combined who worked for the company at the time. Active in his community, Don served on the School Board in Voorhees Township, NJ for 8 years. He was the Past Secretary of the Electrical League of South Jersey, and was a Master Mason and member of Ionic Lodge NO. 94 F&AM in New Jersey. Locally, he was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Punta Gorda where he served as head usher for the first service for over 10 years; he was also a member of a small group ministry known as the Growth Group for 13 years. Don was a member of the Isles Yacht Club from 1988-2005, serving as Commodore from 1995-96. He served as a member of the Utility Advisory Board City of Punta Gorda from 2000-06. Don truly enjoyed life, his interests were many. He loved his family, his church, and his many friends. Any time spent with friends was a good time for him. Don had a natural talent with animals. His visits to the Hounds of Henry Street proved his skill as a “dog whisperer,” they all huddled around him, his favorite, of course, being his faithful companion, Charlie. He enjoyed cruising, boating, fishing, computers, genealogy, and board games, particularly Mexican Train. Don had a deep love for God and country - he was truly a proud and patriotic American. Don will be greatly missed by his wife, Alison C. Denight; sons, Donald H. (Donna) Denight II of Voorhees, NJ, and Frederick J. (Anita) Denight of Woolwich Township, NJ; grandchildren, Donald H. Denight III of Voorhees Township, NJ, and Jennifer R. Denight from Woolwich Township, NJ; former wife Joyce L. Denight; special Doberman Pinscher and companion, Charlie; and many devoted friends. He was preceded in death by his parents. The service in celebration of Don’s life will be held at 11:00 am Monday, August 23, 2010 in the sanctuary of the First United Methodist Church in Punta Gorda. Inurnment will take place in Sarasota National Cemetery at a later date. Memorial donations may be made to the First United Methodist Church Mortgage Reduction Fund, 507 W. Marion Ave., Punta Gorda, FL 33950-4483. To express condolences to the family, please sign the online guest book.