William Denton

William A. Denton at the age of 89, passed away on October 8, 2024, after a long illness. He was born in Utica, NY on April 27, 1935, and spent most of his life in Elizabethtown, NY.

He was predeceased by his parents, William D. Denton and Gertrude Bacon Denton. He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Anne Marie Lytle Denton; two daughters-Barbara Avolicino (husband John) of Danville, CA, and Susan Kirkby (husband David) of Westport, NY; four stepchildren-Roger Sherman (wife Debra) of Melbourne, FL, Gary Sherman (wife Cindy) of Willsboro, NY, Michael Sherman (wife Helen) of New Port Richey, FL, and Rebecca Loveless (fiancé Russ Todd) of S Burlington, VT; sister, Cheryl Denton Allen of Zephyrhills, FL; niece, Tammy Allen (husband Mike O'Leary) of Kingston, NY; eleven grandchildren and eleven great grandchildren.

He was an alumnus of Elizabethtown Lewis Central School, class of 1952. He graduated from Norwich University, a military school in Vermont with a BA in business, magna cum laude. He loved the Norwich traditions, had a strong connection with the college through the years, and was on the board of directors for the Partridge Society. After serving as First Lieutenant in the Army, stationed in Germany, he returned home to run the family newspaper business, Denton Publications. He and his father expanded with 13 weekly newspapers, including the Valley News, covering five counties in Upstate NY as well as one in Middlebury, VT. He was on the board of directors for the New York State Press Association for many years and was Vice President when he retired in 1988.

Bobsledding in Lake Placid, NY, was one of his favorite pastimes in his early years. After retiring, he became a snowbird and spent half of his time in Elizabethtown, NY, and the other in Melbourne Beach, FL, where he enjoyed playing tennis and spending time with his family and friends. He was a loving husband, father, bonus dad, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend. He was never too busy to listen or give a hand when needed. He will be missed by all who knew him.

Calling hours will be at the St. Elizabeth Church in Elizabethtown, NY, between 10:00 am and 11:00 am Saturday, November 9th, followed by a funeral service at 11:00 am. There will be a burial with military honors at the Riverside Cemetery following the service.

Services were entrusted to Heidrick Funerall Home, PO Box 188, 7521 Court St., Elizabethtown, NY 12932.