Denis Joseph Lutz

Denis Joseph Lutz, a resident of the New York State Veterans’ Home in Montrose, NY and formerly of Highland Mills, NY, passed away on October 16, 2025. He was 83 years old.

Denis was born on January 19, 1942 in Passaic, NJ, second son of the late Harry Lutz and Mary (Farrel) Lutz. He was raised in New City, NY and was a graduate of Clarkstown North High School. He proudly served in the United States Army in Korea as a Combat Engineer from 1960 to 1963. After his military service, Denis built a long and respected career as a journeyman electrician and member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. He contributed his skills to numerous construction projects and later worked in maintenance at Lederle Labs / Pfizer in Pearl River, NY, retiring well into his 70s.

Known affectionately as DenDen, Denis the Menace, Papa, Pops, or Poohpah, he was rarely seen without his Combat Engineer cap. He was known for mischief and pranks and lived up to the nickname Denis the Menace. He was an avid reader of military history and a passionate firearms collector. A connoisseur of dirty jokes, bawdy songs, dark humor, and groan-worthy dad jokes, he loved sharing a laugh with anyone willing to listen. Denis found great joy in teaching his children and grandchildren to appreciate the outdoors, whether camping, canoeing, fishing, or shooting. He was a formidable Jeopardy opponent and a devoted animal lover, opening his heart to many pet cats and dogs over the years. He played the lottery religiously, dreaming of the day he could buy a boat and a candy apple red ’51 Merc. He embraced fun and adventure, from building a dune buggy and riding roller coasters with his kids, to rafting the Grand Canyon and road-tripping to the Thanksgiving Day Parade. Though he was a classic tough man of his era, Denis softened with age, much like his favorite old flannel shirts. He cherished his grandsons, delighting in giving them rides on his ATV around the family campground in the Adirondacks.

Denis is survived by his wife of 56 years, Elsbeth (née Seib); his sister Mary; brother John; children Eric (Brigit), Cindy, and Peter; and grandchildren Nate and Hudson. He was predeceased by his parents and his elder brother Tom.

A memorial service will be scheduled at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in his memory to the Woodbury Animal Shelter, 71 Schunnemunk Rd, Highland Mills, NY 10930.