George Denaris

Born and raised in the heart of Hell’s Kitchen, New York City, George grew up with the perseverance, humor, strength, and resilience characteristic of the neighborhood he called home. He later established deep roots in Hoboken, where he raised his children and made his home for more than 60 years, becoming a cherished neighbor and familiar face to so many who were fortunate enough to call him a friend.

For decades, George was a proud member delegate shop steward of Teamsters Local 814, spending his career at Fisher Brothers and Barclay Moving and Storage. A true symbol of hard work and reliability, George took great pride in a job well done. He was known for his remarkable strength, tireless work ethic, and ability to make even the heaviest lifts look easy. After many years of dedicated service, he enjoyed a well-earned retirement spending his time with the family and friends he loved so dearly.

To George, family was everything. He often said, “When you have your family, you are the richest you will ever be.” He lived those words every day.

George was blessed to find love again with his devoted wife, Ann (Hansen) Denaris. Together, George and Ann built a beautiful life and shared many cherished years filled with love, devotion, and companionship. Anyone who knew George knew just how much he loved his Annie

George is also survived by his beloved children, Dawn Marie Newton and her husband, Brian Newton; Albert Rapella and his wife, Kim Rapella; and Tracy Ortiz and her husband, Kenny Ortiz. He was a proud and loving grandfather to John Morales, Kylie Lynn Newton and her fiancé, John Kellner, Andrew Rapella, Kyle Randolph, Nina Rapella, and Joshua Ortiz. His family was his greatest source of pride, and nothing brought him more happiness than being surrounded by the people he loved.

George was preceded in death by his first wife of 32 years, Mildred (King) Denaris; his beloved son, Michael Hess; his daughter, Melissa Denaris; and his son-in-law, Arthur Randolph. He was also preceded in death by his parents, Agnes Mulligan and John Denaris, and his siblings, John Denaris, Grace Romeo, Agnes Wilson, Evelyn Denaris, and Alice Gentile. There is comfort in knowing that after so many painful goodbyes, George is now reunited with those he loved and missed.

George knew how to enjoy life and found happiness in the simplest moments. He loved drawing, playing the lottery, and playing the horses—and, as he proudly enjoyed telling people, he even owned a horse. He treasured his travels to Ireland, had the unforgettable experience of playing Elvis Presley’s piano in Nashville, and, perhaps most of all, loved sitting around a table with family and friends, sharing a great meal, telling stories, laughing, and enjoying wonderful conversation.

George leaves behind a legacy far greater than anything that can be captured in words: a lifetime of laughter, boundless generosity, unwavering love for his family, and a home whose door was always open to everyone. He was the kind of man whose presence filled a room and whose absence will be felt just as deeply.

A Visitation will be held at Mack Memorial Home, 1245 Paterson Plank Road, Secaucus on Sunday August 23, 2026, from 2pm to 6pm, a Funeral Home Prayer Service will be offered at 5:30pm here at the funeral home during the visitation. His Cremation will be Private.

He will be profoundly missed and forever remembered by all who knew and loved him.