SMITH MILLS: Dennis “Denny” C. Wakelee, 77, of King Road, Forestville, passed away Friday, September 20th, 2024 at Absolut Care of Westfield. He was born in Buffalo on August 7, 1947, the son of the late Burton and Ruth (Slingerland) Wakelee.
Denny owned & operated Dailey & Elias Bros in Smith Mills, for 40 years. He started as a Diesel Mechanic for the former Mushroom Motor Freight, working for them for 15 years, owned & operated the former Denny’s Pizza & Sub Shop in Cherry Creek for approximately 10 years and at one time worked on race cars with Kay Dailey. Denny was a member of the Southern Tier Auto Buffs and they raised funds for Mercy Flight through car shows. He enjoyed hosting the local “Town Hall” meeting everyday to discuss & solve the world’s problems with a fantastic cup of coffee, breakfast sandwich, sub or slice of pizza. Denny will be greatly missed by the community.
Survivors include two daughters, Marilyn (Phillip) Orlando, of Jamestown; Kim (Henry) Delgado, of Dunkirk; two sons Steven (Jody) Wakelee, of Florida; Denny (Julie) Wakelee, of Cassadaga; a step daughter, Sharon (Richard) Smith, of Forestville; and a step son, Roy (Audrey) Dailey, of Silver Creek. Also surviving are twenty three grandchildren, twenty one great grandchildren and a niece Renee (Roger) Marcoux. Besides his parents he was predeceased by his first wife Beverly (Graham) Wakelee who died January 18, 2024, his loving companion Donna (Sager) Dailey who died December 31, 2009, a daughter Shannon Wakelee who died November 2, 2016 and a sister Judy Wakelee.
A Celebration of Life will be held from 2 – 4pm, Saturday, October 12th, 2024 at the Hanover Hose Co. #1, 11919 Hanover Road, Silver Creek.
The family suggests memorials may be made either to Mercy Flight www.mercyflight.org/donate or to Hanover Hose Co. #1 %Steve Peters, 11919 Hanover Road, Silver Creek, NY 14136.
Arrangements are by Riles & Woolley Funeral Home, Forestville. To post condolences or memories go to www.rilesandwoolleyfuneralhome.com.
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William Ferneza
Our condolences to your family.
Paula and William Ferneza