Robert Dean "Bobby" Dennany, Jr.

Robert Dean “Bobby” Dennany, Jr., 73, of Staunton, passed away on Saturday, January 31, following a tragic auto accident in eastern Vigo County.

He was born August 11, 1952, in Long Island, N.Y., to Robert Sr. and Gloria (Bedino) Dennany. Bobby was preceded in death by his parents as well as stepmother Kathleen (Hurst) Dennany and special cousin Parker Eaton as well as several aunts, uncles and cousins.

He is survived by siblings Stanley Dennany of Florida and Claudette (Dennany) Adams of Terre Haute, nephews Mitchell Dennany of New York and Grant Dennany of California. Bobby is also survived by niece Kari Racey (Aaron), great nephews Nathan Lindley and Isaiah Racey and great niece Gabby Racey, all of Terre Haute.

He was a world-class uncle to his nephews, helping coach them both in Little League and travel baseball. Bobby loved all the players he coached, and he stayed in touch with many of them long after their playing days were over. He also cared deeply for Kari’s children and was frequently present at their activities.

He loved telling long stories and included every single detail, joking around with his loved ones, poking fun with friends, and never missed the chance to hop in a game of Euchre. And one of his favorite activities was watching the “Andy Griffith Show,” where he could practically quote each episode line by line.

Bobby was also a lifelong sports enthusiast, and was a fan of Penn State football, Duke men’s basketball, the Boston Red Sox and the Boston Celtics. He made several trips to Boston to see Larry Bird play at the Boston Garden, including his retirement ceremony.

Bobby graduated from Garfield High School in 1970 and from Indiana State University in 1974 with a bachelor’s degree in industrial arts education.

He was a long-time carrier for the Tribune-Star, and worked as the deputy clerk for the Staunton Waterworks Department for 23 years. Bobby was a member of the Indiana Air National Guard for 18 years, and a member of the 1980 Air Guard national champion softball team.

Bobby never turned down a request for providing help in any situation. He was the best friend anyone could have had and was loved by all who knew him. So in lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests memorial contributions be made to The Bobby Dennany Memorial Scholarship Fund for Northview High School baseball players looking to continue their careers at the collegiate level. Contributions can be made to Riddell National Bank, Attn: Robin Swalls, 1 E. National Ave., Brazil, IN 47834.

Callahan & Hughes Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, April 18th. Location and time will be announced at a later date.