My folks knew Denny Bells Mom and Dad from my old neighborhood on Euclid Ave. in Kenmore. I got to know Denny at Hoover Jr. High. We played Freshman Football and participated in the School Play "The Prince and the Pauper". We instantly became friends. The friendship continued on into high school where we played varsity football together, varsity club, gym class, Lunch table etc. Denny was such a good friend and competitor. We both played end on the football team and pushed each other to get better at our position. When he got sick it was such a shock to all of us because he was so young, and we thought we were all invincible at that age. When Denny died, a part of me died as well, my innocence and the thought that we would all live forever. He was the first close friend I knew who died. His funeral was and still is one of the most profoundly saddest times of my life. I think of Denny often, especially when I go back to Kenmore to visit. I know that when the time comes when the good Lord calls me home, Denny will be there probably with a Football saying "go long Stokes". I miss my friend and have missed him for a very long time. RIP Denny.
I first met Denny and his family in the late 50's through Boy Scouts. His dad was ont of the scout leaders, and his older brother Craig was also part of the staff. Denny was a natural leader, and even at that young age, it was evident what an outstanding guy he was, and that was even apparent from how all the parents looked upon Denny. During a week-long summer camp attended by 20-30 troops from arounf WNY, Denny was one of a small number of scouts (maybe 10-12?) to take the challenge of The Order of the Arrow, a high honor as well as a trying experience as the candidates were taken into the woods during the night, with minimum provisions, isolated from each other (however most likely supervised in some manner), and not allowed to communicate with the other candidates or their fellow scouts. After 24 hours, to no one's surprize, Denny earned The Order of the Arrow.
We later met up again at Hoover Junior High. He was again a fellow we all looked up to - I could be wrong, but I beleive he was crowned "King" of the class at the 9th grade dance. But what I remember most about Denny that year was his athletic ability, and Denny setting a league record in the high jump at 5'5". Not only was a record, but he attained it using the "scissors"! After school we'd sometimes walk home together, but not before he'd take me to the elementary school side of Hoover so he could say hello to his Mom, who was a teacher there. He was so proud to have his friends meet her!
At Kenmore West, his successes continued, both on the football field, the track, the classroom, and wherever and whatever he pursued. He and I would ride the track bus back together from away meets (with him downplaying his performance, and me not even close to having a performance!). One day he missed a meet due to re-occurring headaches. When I got home, Denny drove over to my house and calmly told me he had gone to the doctor, and he had been diagnosed with a brain tumor. We were shocked with the news. As he slowly digressed and left school, most days Chuck Ackerman and myself, as well as John Buriniston, would drop by to visit him. His mom always greeted us, and let us know how he was doing. Denny was strong through all of this, despite his desparate condition. He improved enough to attend a school performance, possibly the senior class play. Chuck, John, and I picked him up and took into the auditorium. The cheers, applause, and tears that welcomed him were simply overwehming. All in tribute for a wonderful, thoughtful, unassuming guy. Denny died later that summer. Rest in peace, our friend.
John Flynn
My folks knew Denny Bells Mom and Dad from my old neighborhood on Euclid Ave. in Kenmore. I got to know Denny at Hoover Jr. High. We played Freshman Football and participated in the School Play "The Prince and the Pauper". We instantly became friends. The friendship continued on into high school where we played varsity football together, varsity club, gym class, Lunch table etc. Denny was such a good friend and competitor. We both played end on the football team and pushed each other to get better at our position. When he got sick it was such a shock to all of us because he was so young, and we thought we were all invincible at that age. When Denny died, a part of me died as well, my innocence and the thought that we would all live forever. He was the first close friend I knew who died. His funeral was and still is one of the most profoundly saddest times of my life. I think of Denny often, especially when I go back to Kenmore to visit. I know that when the time comes when the good Lord calls me home, Denny will be there probably with a Football saying "go long Stokes". I miss my friend and have missed him for a very long time. RIP Denny.
Pat Gugino (Pepe)
What a great guy, so much fun. Taken too soon
Robert Mioducki
I first met Denny and his family in the late 50's through Boy Scouts. His dad was ont of the scout leaders, and his older brother Craig was also part of the staff. Denny was a natural leader, and even at that young age, it was evident what an outstanding guy he was, and that was even apparent from how all the parents looked upon Denny. During a week-long summer camp attended by 20-30 troops from arounf WNY, Denny was one of a small number of scouts (maybe 10-12?) to take the challenge of The Order of the Arrow, a high honor as well as a trying experience as the candidates were taken into the woods during the night, with minimum provisions, isolated from each other (however most likely supervised in some manner), and not allowed to communicate with the other candidates or their fellow scouts. After 24 hours, to no one's surprize, Denny earned The Order of the Arrow.
We later met up again at Hoover Junior High. He was again a fellow we all looked up to - I could be wrong, but I beleive he was crowned "King" of the class at the 9th grade dance. But what I remember most about Denny that year was his athletic ability, and Denny setting a league record in the high jump at 5'5". Not only was a record, but he attained it using the "scissors"! After school we'd sometimes walk home together, but not before he'd take me to the elementary school side of Hoover so he could say hello to his Mom, who was a teacher there. He was so proud to have his friends meet her!
At Kenmore West, his successes continued, both on the football field, the track, the classroom, and wherever and whatever he pursued. He and I would ride the track bus back together from away meets (with him downplaying his performance, and me not even close to having a performance!). One day he missed a meet due to re-occurring headaches. When I got home, Denny drove over to my house and calmly told me he had gone to the doctor, and he had been diagnosed with a brain tumor. We were shocked with the news. As he slowly digressed and left school, most days Chuck Ackerman and myself, as well as John Buriniston, would drop by to visit him. His mom always greeted us, and let us know how he was doing. Denny was strong through all of this, despite his desparate condition. He improved enough to attend a school performance, possibly the senior class play. Chuck, John, and I picked him up and took into the auditorium. The cheers, applause, and tears that welcomed him were simply overwehming. All in tribute for a wonderful, thoughtful, unassuming guy. Denny died later that summer. Rest in peace, our friend.