William T. "Bill" Dennehy

William T. "Bill" Dennehy, 92, of Manchester, died January 4, 2020 at Community Hospice House in Merrimack after a brief period of declining health.

He was born in Hanover on July 23, 1928 to Timothy J. and Abbie (Monast) (Marshall) Dennehy. He was raised in Dunbarton and later in Manchester. He graduated from Manchester West High School, Brewster Academy and St. Anselm College where he majored in English and Counseling.

During the Korean War he was drafted into the U.S. Army and served in Germany. While there, he worked with another soldier to compose the history of the 18th regiment of the Big Red One Division

Bill later taught at Alvirne High School in Hudson and Central High School in Manchester. After five years of teaching, he was elected as head of the English Department at Central for the next 12 years. During that time, he introduced trimesters for juniors and seniors, a program that was successful and well-liked by both students and teachers and the first of its kind in the state of New Hampshire. He was ever grateful to the principal and curriculum coordinator for their input and cooperation.

During those years he was enrolled at Boston University majoring in Secondary School Administration and graduated with a Master's Degree in 1960. He served as Assistant Principal at Central from 1972 until his retirement in 1992. He loved Central High School.

Bill was active in his church where he served eight years as chairman of the parish school and four years as chairman of the parish council. He also served on the "Keep Manchester Beautiful" committee for several years.

Throughout his life, he was an active sportsman. He enjoyed skiing and tennis for many years and became an avid mountain climber. He completed his 4,000 foot peaks in the late 1970's and climbed Mt. Washington with his family on his 80th birthday. He climbed year-round with the "Mountain Goats", a Concord hiking group, where he enjoyed many great friendships. He was still skiing until recently.

Bill enjoyed traveling in the US, Canada and many European countries with his family. He felt like his daughters and their husband's were more like loving friends than relatives. He loved attending his grandchildren's games and was also an avid fan of local college and Boston professional sports..

He was predeceased by his loving wife of 56 years, Jeanne (Laferriere) Dennehy in 2008. She was the gift of his life. She called him to join her in heaven on the exact date of her death, 13 years later. He was also predeceased by a half-brother, Calvin Marshall.

He is survived by four daughters, Kathy Morin and her husband, Larry, of Goffstown, Debbie Walsh and her husband, Charlie, of Nottingham, Linda Williams and her partner, Rod Tenaglier of Nashua and Mary-Ellen Cronin and her husband, Paul, of Goffstown; four grandchildren, Timothy Morin and his wife, Samantha, Jamison Morin and his wife, Kelly, Nathan Williams and Lauren Williams; four great grandchildren, William Morin, Andrea Morin, Zachary Morin and Aiden Morin.

SERVICES: There are no calling hours. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Parish of the Transfiguration, 305 Kelley St., Manchester on Friday at 11:30 a.m. There is limited capacity at the church and please wear masks and observe social distancing guidelines. The burial is private and will be at Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Manchester.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the NH Food Bank, 700 E. Industrial Park Dr., Manchester, NH 03109, or to VNA of Manchester, 1070 Holt Ave., Suite 1400, Manchester, NH 03109.

Lambert Funeral Home & Crematory, Manchester is assisting the family with arrangements.