Donald Denny, 81, former CEO

Donald F. Denny, 81, of Ambler and Cape May Point, N.J., a retired chief executive officer of a company that distributes raw materials to the paint, ink, and rubber industries, died March 15 of prostate cancer at home.

Mr. Denny's talent for fixing things led him to a beloved hobby and a future wife.

As a teenager, he could repair bicycles and eventually began rebuilding auto engines and remodeling power boats. His work on the boats led him to try scuba diving, and he discovered a pastime that he cherished.

Mr. Denny explored shipwrecks and snapped pictures underwater. He became so skilled that he taught classes in diving at the Main Line YMCA. It was there that he met Viki Sappington, a diving student 20 years his junior. They married in 1978.

"The water was an incredibly peaceful environment [for Mr. Denny]," Viki Denny said.

Raised in St. Davids, Mr. Denny graduated from St. Joseph's Preparatory School in 1947. He earned a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering from Villanova University. He served in the Navy, flying planes while he was stationed in Malta.

He married Rita Taylor in 1952. They divorced in 1973.

Mr. Denny worked as chief chemist at Denny, Hilborn & Rosenbach, a family-owed paint-manufacturing firm in Philadelphia. He advanced to become president of the firm, which later was sold to Finnaren & Haley.

Mr. Denny stayed on as vice president but eventually left the company to partner with two others and buy the of E.W. Kaufmann Co. in Bristol. He served as CEO and retired in 2002.

After his retirement, Mr. Denny spent more time at the shore, sailing and racing boats. He served as commodore of the Corinthian Yacht Club of Cape May and started a foundation that helped young sailors learn skills and compete.

Besides his wife, Mr. Denny is survived by sons, Donald Jr. and Christopher; daughter Rita; sister Eleanor Hallinan; and five grandchildren.

A memorial observance will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, March 26, at Manufacturers' Golf and Country Club, 511 Dreshertown Rd., Fort Washington. The family will receive friends from 2 to 3 p.m. Burial is private.

Memorial donations may be made to the CW Stuard Corinthian Yacht Club of Cape May Sailing Foundation, c/o of the CYCCM, Box 260, Cape May, N.J. 08204.