Obituary of Thomas R. Dennebaum

Scotia-Thomas R. Dennebaum 76, of Scotia, died peacefully in the loving and merciful arms of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Thursday, October 2, 2008, surrounded by his loving and devoted family at Ellis Hospital ICU. Born in Schenectady on February 25, 1932, he was the son of the late Catherine (Murphy) and Thomas Dennebaum. He graduated from St. Joseph's Academy and attended Siena College. He served in the US Army during Korean War Era, stationed in Fort Meyers, Virginia and was in the Honor Guard for President Dwight D. Eisenhower and also served as a Guard for General Omar Bradley. After service, he became an electrician and was a member of Local Union IBEW #236 and served as a foreman on many projects including modifications to Ellis Hospital. He retired in 1994 from Justin Electric in Scotia. He was also a member of the National Rifle Association. Thomas was predeceased by his beloved wife of 48 years, Eileen Matulewicz Dennebaum, and his parents. Thomas was the beloved brother of Pat (Andy) Coppola and Lynn Dennebaum; brother in-law of Reverend Ronald Matulewicz; the cherished "Uncle Den" of Denise Johnson, Cherylanne DuCharme, Ron DuCharme, Stan DuCharme, Cathy Visco, Andy Coppola, Tom Coppola and loving great uncle of Shannon Cath, Adrian DuCharme Bowes, Alex Coppola, Cassandra Coppola, Dominick Visco, Andrew Visco and Caleb Coppola. He is also survived by many dear friends and family. He had a deep appreciation for the outdoors and nature, he especially enjoyed camping, hunting, fishing, canoeing, bird watching and loved all his pets - both cats and dogs and the small family of foxes he adopted and cared for. He could always been found feeding the community of birds and squirrels that gathered in his yard. Thomas was outgoing and such fun to be with. He enjoyed the company of his relatives and friends especially during the holidays. He was a "Man for All Seasons" whether he was watching a football/baseball game, baking the best apple pie around or reading his bible and praying. He touched so many lives with his love, generosity, compassion and sense of humor that he enriched and blessed each and everyone who knew him. He was a devout Catholic and a communicant of Immaculate Conception Church in Glenville. Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian burial on Monday, October 6th at 10 AM at Immaculate Conception Church, Rt. 50, Glenville. Calling hours will be Sunday from 6 PM to 8 PM at the Jones Funeral Home, 1503 Union St., (at McClellan St.), Schenectady for those who wish to call. Burial with Military Honors will be at Most Holy Redeemer Cemetery, Niskayuna. Memorial contributions may be made to Immaculate Conception Church in memory of Thomas R. Dennebaum. The family sends a heartfelt thank you to Dr. Vakiener, Dr. Gorla, Dr. Goykman, Dr. Weinberg and their associates and to the Nursing staff in ICU at Ellis Hospital.