Denny Larabee

He was born on September 24, 1946, in Mt. Lebanon, PA, to the late Harry Alton and Mildred Louise (Robertson) Larabee. Known to all as Denny, he graduated from Mt. Lebanon High School where he excelled in sports, had a daily paper route with his good friend Jan Wunderlich, and was active in the Boy Scouts of America, earning its highest rank of Eagle Scout. It was in high school that he met the love of his life, Karen McAfee, who he would later wed.

Denny attended Ohio University in Athens on a track and field scholarship, throwing both the hammer and shot put. He was also a member of Phi Kappa Sigma fraternity where he developed lifelong relationships. Upon graduating in 1968 with a degree in business, Denny began work at U.S. Steel in Pittsburgh, PA. During that time he earned his MBA at Duquesne University.

Denny then found his professional passion when he joined PepsiCo in 1973. He spent 28 years with the company serving in many management roles of increasing responsibility, including the SVP of Bottler Relations, before retiring as the President of the Southeast Division in 2001 in Pinehurst, NC. Much like one of his favorite songs by Willie Nelson, Denny’s career took him “on the road again” as he moved across the country from Roanoke, VA, to Boston, MA, and then to Cincinnati, OH, before settling in Newtown, CT while working out of the company offices in Purchase and Somers, NY.

During this journey he and Karen had two daughters: Meghan Elizabeth and Marnie Irene, who were his pride and joy. Denny had many passions, including the Pittsburgh Steelers, golf, the beach, and his family. He attended many Steelers games, including several Superbowl wins, and could be seen on Sundays in his Steelers jersey with his Terrible Towel. Denny was an avid golfer, playing hundreds of rounds at Richter Golf Club (Danbury, CT), Pinehurst #7 and Forest Creek in the North Carolina Sandhills, while making regular trips to play courses up and down the Grand Strand of South Carolina. He not only played golf but also taught anyone who asked for help (including his sons-in-law) and even built and

repaired golf clubs for family and friends. Denny and Karen vacationed in the Myrtle Beach area for decades before moving to

Pawley’s Island, South Carolina. Denny gave back to his community, serving on the Board of the South Carolina Aquarium and as the President of the Prince George Homeowner’s Association. He loved walking on the beach, including as a volunteer of the South Carolina United Turtle Enthusiasts (SCUTE) which protects loggerhead sea turtle nests.

Many of Denny’s fondest memories were of his children and grandchildren playing at the beach as part of the annual 4th of July celebration.

He will always be remembered for his crystal blue eyes, signature mustache, golfer’s tan, and infectious smile.

Denny was preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Mildred Larabee; and his brother Harry Wayne Larabee of Amelia Island, FL.

Denny is survived by his wife of 57 years Karen McAfee Larabee of Dublin, OH; daughters Meghan Larabee McDonald (Chris) of Newburyport, MA and Marnie Larabee Liddy (Casey) of Dublin, OH; granddaughter Emily McDonald of Charlotte, NC and grandsons Carter McDonald of Winston-Salem, NC, Noah and Nathan Liddy of Dublin, OH.

A celebration of Denny’s life will be held on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at 1pm at Schoedinger Dublin, 5980 Perimeter Drive, Dublin, OH 43017, where a visitation will follow from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the South Carolina Aquarium.