Obituary of Frederick S. Dennin

Frederick Stephen Dennin died peacefully at his home in Lake Placid, NY on June 16, 2013. He was born to Frederick Matthew and Ruth Meservey Dennin on June 25, 1923 in Canton, New York. Fred attended Lake Placid School graduating Class of 1941 as salutatorian and President of Student Council and participating in football, track and theater. He returned to his birth town of Canton to attend St. Lawrence University. The war interrupted his undergraduate years as he was called to active duty in May 1943 to serve in the Infantry at Fort McLellan, Alabama and take basic training. He then reported to Auburn University for further studies. In May 1944, he was assigned as a replacement to the 106th Infantry. While serving in the European theater, his unit took positions on Ardens Mt. where the Battle of the Bulge ensued. He was wounded and taken prisoner of the Germans. He was released as a prisoner in May 1945 and returned to the USA with discharge in November 1945. Upon his return to America, he participated in a military rehabilitation program in his hometown where he happened upon a young girl named Helen Smith from Rome, New York who was assisting with the program. He and Helen were married June 1, 1946 in Rome, New York. They shared a lifetime of devotion having celebrated their 67th anniversary shortly prior to Fred's death. He followed his mother's suggestion to pursue a legal career enrolling in Albany Law School graduating in 1948. After graduate tax work at NYU, he and his wife, Helen, returned to his hometown where he practiced law. In 1988, his son, Gregory joined him to form the partnership of Dennin & Dennin. He served as Lake Placid Village Attorney and President of the Lake Placid School Board. He was a devout parishioner of St. Agnes Church having served as a trustee and member of the Knights of Columbus. He was a past member and president of the local Kiwanis Club. He was passionate about individual rights and limited government. In 1967, he ran unsuccessfully for New York State Attorney General on the Conservative party ticket. He took pride in his efforts to keep government accountable. Fred relished his Lake Placid youth and wonderful education. He had a passion for history, tennis and sharing times and tales with family and friends. He embraced the opportunity to interact with the North Country's broad array of interesting individuals. He is survived by his wife Helen, his brother Robert of Lynchburg, Virginia, five children, Terence M. of Keeseville; Kathleen Ruth Dennin of Yonkers, NY, F. Stephen of NYC (Anne); Gregory of Lake Placid (Peggy); Richard of Boston, MA (Michelle), and seven grandchildren, Lily and Michael Garcia, James Frederick Dennin, Emily, Margaret and Sean Dennin, and Conor Dennin. His brother Jack predeceased him. Calling hours will be held at the Clark Funeral Home in Lake Placid on June 19, 2013 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. with an American Legion Prayer Service will be held at 6:45 p.m.. A mass of Christian burial will be held at St. Agnes Church on June 20, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. with burial thereafter at St. Agnes Cemetery. Rev. John Yonkovig will officiate. The family suggests donations in Fred's name be made to the Adirondack Community Trust.