Dennis "Denny" Blank

Birth date: Oct 18, 1952 Death date: Apr 20, 2018

Dennis “Denny” Blank, 65 of Clearwater, FL passed away April 20, 2018. Denny was born in Connellsville, PA and retired as CEO of the Piedmont Family YMCA, Charlottesville, VA. Currently Denny was working in guest relations with th Read Obituary

Wall Obituary Events Media

Marian Bolton

386w ago

Denny.....oh, how we will miss you! Denny and I worked together at the YMCA of Central New Mexico for several years. He was an outstanding executive director; always friendly and eager to please. As Executive of the Horn YMCA he oversaw the renovation of the branch which was mostly funded by his good friend, HB Horn. Denny spent many days and evenings with HB while driving HB's Jaguar and taking HB to many exciting events and ball games. Denny made a huge success of that branch and also of the Y's Camp Shaver in the Jemez mountains. He was a wonderful leader.

I remember going on a road trip to the YMCA of the Rockies.....my husband, Dave, driving us. We attended a conference there and up and back we enjoyed the beauty of the Colorado Rocky Mountains. I think Denny really enjoyed that trip. And another time he, my sister and I traveled to the mid-west to attend a YMCA Christian conference. That was when I realized that Denny was a true Christian.

At my retirement party Denny dressed up in a costume.....a Y....and danced around to my favorite song: The YMCA by the Village People. He really surprised me with that. He said he was sad to see me retire and that's when he applied for, and was hired as, the CEO of the YMCA in Charlottesville.

Dave and I traveled the next year back east and we stayed for a couple of days with Denny. He was a fabulous host even making us a wonderful breakfast in the mornings. A couple of times he came back to Albuquerque and always came to visit us at our home. Once he brought his mother and his sister, Dawna. It was such a delight to meet them.

We stayed in touch.....mostly because Denny would always remember us at holidays....either with cards or messages on the phone. The last time we were together was on the YMCA Retiree cruise in February, 2017. At a meeting last week with YMCA Retiree leaders I heard many people from the Florida chapter talking about how much they cared for Denny and how much they now miss him.

There was only one Denny Blank: A man who made friends with everyone he met: Who lived the values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility: Who had faith in his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He had a life well lived and a job well done. May you rest in peace now, Denny. Until we meet again.......

Marian Bolton and husband, Dave

Walter Rieth

389w ago

My sympathy to Denny's family. I knew Denny from the Albuquerque YMCA. I drove East with him when he moved to Charlottesville and helped him get settled in his house there.

Bill Wardle

389w ago

I first met Denny when we interviewed him for the CEO position at the Piedmont Family YMCA. During the interview I realized that we had a connection from our years in New Mexico. Denny had a key role at the YMCA of Albuquerque and my oldest son went to Camp Shaver, a YMCA of Albuquerque program.
After Denny accepted the position at the Piedmont Family YMCA, I was telling him about the Pittsburgh Steelers Fantasy Football Camp at St. Vincent College. Denny was a Steelers fan and he decided to join me for that adventure. The camp included drills on the gridiron that were led by Steelers coaches or former players. We thoroughly enjoyed the weekend!
Denny was very proud of his family. When he shared family stories with us, the care and emotion was written on his face. I would like to convey my sympathy.
Bill Wardle
Charlottesville, VA

Karen Custy

389w ago

Denny was the sweetest guy in the world. His pleasant manner was a welcoming addition to Island in the Sun. It didn't take Denny long to get to know everyone, and everyone was a friend to Denny. His charm and charisma were his attributes. He was the voice of Island in the Sun Community. Whenever asked to participate in any way, he always accepted this invitation without question. He gave praise to all who helped in any way in our neighborhood. When asked last October to judge our annual Howl-o-ween Dog Parade Party, he was thrilled. We will never forget this gentle giant of a man who spread love and kindness wherever he went. R.I.P. my Denny my friend.

Nancy Surace Beatty

389w ago

Dearest Denny, we worked closely together for the past couple of years and I am saddened by your passing. I pray for your family’s strength. I know I will think of you often and the “Animal Crackers” we shared. Blessed you are in gd Glory of God. With love Nancy Beatty

Vicki Parker

389w ago

We will miss you!

Vicki Parker

389w ago

I will miss you my dear friend! My heart goes out to your family and friends as we all grieve this tremendous loss.

Anonymous

389w ago

Sent a Beautiful Dreams to the Blank family.

A lovely floral display features white lilies, pale roses, and delicate blue blooms.

Send flowers

Douglas Hurd

389w ago

in honor of Dennis.

Thank you for the time we spent together working at gate 1 talking about your Pittsburgh Pirates and my Oakland A's teams from the 70's and the great colorful uniforms they had.
I will always remember picking out the kids wearing their Longoria Kiermaier Archer jerseys to give them baseball cards of those players making the kids so happy thank you for all the help and kind words stopping by before you headed to gate 3.
I hope your family and friends celebrate your life you are one of the best Thank you!

Doug Hurd

A lighted pale blue candle with a small white flower and a few leaves at its base, set against a soft blue background.

Debbie Fulton

389w ago

in honor of Dennis.

Denny was a ray of sunshine whenever I saw him in his redemption booth at Tropicana Field. He always had a smile and a wave as I ran by his booth and time for a chat when I stopped. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends. Deepest sympathy, Debbie Fulton

Marian Bolton

386w ago

Marian Bolton and husband, Dave

Tribute Wall

Tribute Wall