Maurice "Denny" Denempont

Maurice is survived by his son, Geoffrey Denempont, Tucson, Arizona; and two daughters, Susan Hook, Penn Valley, CA; and Barbara Denempont, Ashland, Oregon. He is preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy Denempont, his three brothers, Louis, Charles and Malcolm Denempont, and partner, James Tobin.

Maurice was born on October 8, 1922 in Addiscombe, Surrey, England to Louis and Anne Denempont. As a boy in England he was educated at Stowe. For his university education, Maurice studied at the St. James School in Hagerstown, Maryland graduating in 1941. He then returned to England to join the British Army and served throughout the remainder of World War II. After World War II ended, Maurice returned to New York and worked for the Woolworth Company, the company his father managed in the UK from 1938 until his death in 1944.

He met and married Dorothy Fesler in 1953. Following the birth of their third child, Maurice and Dorothy moved their family to Phoenix, Arizona. Maurice became an accomplished business owner and leader. After a brief stint in real estate investments, he founded Chobie’s, one of Phoenix’ first dry cleaning establishments to offer both full and self-service dry cleaning. He also co-owned the popular Grubstake restaurant. He later founded Denmont Draperies, a commercial and custom drapery manufacturer that served major hotels and interior decorators throughout the country. In 1971, he became an American citizen.

He loved music and was passionate about the cinema and theatre. Both he and his wife were involved in the Children’s Theatre. His inherent decency and effortless smile made him beloved by many who knew him and worked for him.

Throughout his life, family was paramount to Maurice. He treasured his immediate and extended family in America, England and Europe. His children will always remember him as loving, kind, generous, hardworking, and honest. He always expressed his love for his children as well as his pride in them, always encouraging them to work hard and to do their best.

The family will honor his request to have no formal memorial, but we invite you to enjoy a short slide show and to share your thoughts and memories of Denny. The family would like to thank all the caregivers of Hospice of the Valley for their dedication and support. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Hospice of the Valley in Scottsdale, Arizona. Condolences can be sent via email to [email protected].

Please copy the link below in your address bar to enjoy a short slide show:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ElDxtgQRelI&feature=youtu.be