Stephanie P. Dehnhard
As a Rutgers-educated environmental scientist and advocate, Stephanie Dehnhard knew what it took to fight cancer.
The 64-year-old endured a long battle, according to her obituary, but never complained. Stephanie lost her life to the disease, but she was grateful for the medical treatments that gave her time “to make countless memories”: enjoying the home she built with her husband, Matt; time with nieces and nephews; and hiking national parks.
They were what her obituary called “special days.” And judging from online tributes, Stephanie was special to others.
Amber Noullet called her “a truly wonderful human who touched many lives,” and they are all the better for it.”
Dianne McNally worked with Stephanie at the EPA.
“I was always happy to run into her in the hallway and enjoyed talking to her,” she wrote. “She was so kind and genuine. She had such a warm heart – you could just feel it.”
Another friend described Stephanie by evoking a Bob Dylan lyric: “Come in, she said, I’ll give you shelter from the storm.”
“It always reminds me of Steph,” the post reads. “She’s such a loving, gentle soul.”
“Stephanie was incredibly smart, unfailingly kind, generous and spiritually radiant,” friends Anthony and Amanda Bennie posted. “The world is a dimmer place without her presence.”
Because, as McNally noted, it was better with her in it.
Sources: Hinski-Tomlinson Funeral Home, Legacy.com
Louis A. Lanza
Violinist Louis A. Lanza was in good company when he became a member of the Philadelphia Orchestra in its 1960s heyday: His brother Joseph and four first cousins were already there.
Louis stayed for 47 years, playing with everyone from Itzhak Perlman to Billy Joel.
But he was also known for the sound of music coming from his home, where he, his wife Joan and their two children made up The Lanza Family presents, an act they took around the community.
It was an experience he treasured, according to his obituary.
Louis’ professional resume was stuffed with accomplishments. The Philadelphia native first learned to play the violin with an uncle and before long, he was headed to the Juilliard School of Music. After a break in the military – where he performed with the U.S. Army Band and bunked with singer Steve Lawrence – he joined the National Symphony as first violinist.
Between 1964 and his retirement in 2011, Louis could be heard, well, everywhere, from the Philly Pops to the Trenton Symphony, to television broadcasts to orchestra recordings that included music from “The Empire Strikes Back.”
He was also known as a generous man of faith whose brilliant violin voiced more than just notes on a page.
“My Uncle Louis was a truly gifted man with a heart as beautiful as his music,” noted Trish Doll in an online tribute. “ … He was a true gentleman; proud of his Italian heritage; and always full of grace, humor, and warmth.
“I’ll always remember his infectious smile,” she added, “our fun childhood visits and the love he had for his family …”
Doll ends her post by addressing Louis himself: “Your music and love live on.”
Source: Cassizzi Funeral Home
Inside the obits:
Games people played
The obituaries do more than just recount a person’s career, education, marriage or survivors. They can also describe the lighter side of a life, the things people did in their spare time that gave them pleasure and colored how they’re remembered.
James A. Dunn was not only a visiting scholar, a tenured professor at Rutgers University and the author of two books on transportation, the 82-year-old was also a lover of golf who boasted two holes-in-one in 1987 and 1993 and a 14 handicap. Before he died, he looked forward to “good health and watching his grandchildren grow,” his obituary notes. And a third hole-in-one.
Pauline Santoro served her community as a Cub Scout Den mother, member of the Little League Auxiliary and regular sponsor of candy fundraisers. But the 94-year-old was also a steadfast Bingo enthusiast who played with friends and also dabbled in slots and blackjack at Atlantic City casinos. More games were part of her life when she and her husband managed carnival food for her church.
Victor Efrain Rosario was known – affectionately, his obituary notes – as King Wise. The 51-year-old was an energetic advocate for Latino and social causes, including helping ex-prisoners make their way back into society. A force in the community, Victor’s obituary notes that some of his abundant energy went into the games he loved: Xbox, chess and Dragon Ball Z.
John Archbold was only 42 when he passed away suddenly. Some of his best days, according to his obituary, were spent with family in the Finger Lakes of New York. Not only could he recount just about every movie he ever saw, his obituary notes, he loved to play card games and taught his son Charlie to play chess. He also dabbled in squash and court tennis, and took up golfing with his son.
Sources: Legacy.com, Bocco Funeral Home, Courier-Post, Circle of Life Funeral Home
The Good Life appears twice a month. To suggest someone who recently passed away for a tribute, email Christina Mitchell at cmitchell@donnelly.media. Please describe in a few words something about the person’s life.
