PHILIP EDWIN DENU JR.

Your life was a blessing, your memory a treasure.

SHELBURNE — After 96 remarkable years, Philip Edwin Denu Jr. closed his eyes for the final time May 11, 2026. Having witnessed nearly a century of history, Phil prided himself on educating those around him with a vast knowledge of historical facts. He touched many lives, not only with his wisdom, but also with his humor and unwavering spirit.

Philip was born in Cleveland, Ohio Nov. 25, 1929, to Philip and Rubye Denu of Norwegian heritage. His journey brought him to live in many different places, spending his formative years in Bemidji, Minn., with his beloved Uncle Buck and Grandmother Maddie playing a positive role and impacting his life greatly. He eventually landed in Ridgewood, N.J., graduating from Ridgewood High School in 1947. He then went on to study at Florida Southern University, graduating in just three years in 1950. Here he contributed as a photographer to the school newspaper. Philip continued on to dental school at The University of Maryland, earning his D.D.S. in1954.

It was literally fireworks when Philip met his future bride, as they met at the fireworks celebration in Ridgewood. Philip married the love of his life, Norma Marion Sutton, July 2, 1955. His devotion to his wife was palpable. Philip served as a Captain in the Air Force. They lived in Waterloo, N.Y., for a short time before returning to Ridgewood, N.J. Philip started his dental practice in 1956, with his new wife by his side. Together they welcomed and nurtured five children, Philip Edwin Denu III (Neusa), David Sutton Denu (Andrea Wasson), Eric Roger Denu (Janice), Nicole Denu Thorn (Ken), and Kristen Denu Proulx (Steve Moore). Philip and Norma were blessed with 10 grandchildren, Christopher, Timothy, Douglas, Brian, Andrew, Nicholas, Benjamin, Joshua, Meredith and Cameron.  He had 11 great-grandchildren as well.

He was a member of the Ridgewood Rotary Club and later the Charlotte-Shelburne-Hinesburg Rotary Club in Vermont. Among the many milestones of his well-lived life, Philip received the Paul Harris Fellow Award multiple times, as a Rotarian. His dedication as a Rotarian was truly inspiring, with nearly 70 years of active service. He also served on the Carteret Savings and Loan board, as well as being involved with the Ridgewood United Methodist Church Men’s Club and finance committees. He was a member of the Hobbyists and held a great passion for all things trains and model railroads. He and his wife, Norma, left Ridgewood, N.J., in 2014, to reside at Wake Robin in Shelburne, Vt. At Wake Robin, Philip enjoyed participating in the sugaring at the sugar house, playing bocce ball, starting up a train club and working in the woodshop.

Philip is predeceased by his beautiful wife, Norma, and his precious great-granddaughter, Gabriella, as well as his parents, Philip and Rubye, and his brother, Roger.

Philip’s legacy of humor and wit will be carried forward by those who had the privilege of knowing him.

“Wherever a beautiful soul has been there is a trail of beautiful memories.”

— Ronald Reagan

A funeral service will be held at the Shelburne United Methodist Church, at 30 Church Street, Shelburne, Vt., Wednesday, May 27, at 10:30 a.m., with a reception following to share memories and stories of Philip.

Donations can be made to the Rotary Foundation, sent to 1367 Hemenway Rd. Bridport, VT 05734, care of Eric Denu. ◊