Robert Denley, 81, plumber, teacher

Robert Edward Denley Sr. of Holiday, Fla., a longtime Ridgefield plumber who enjoyed sharing his plumbing knowledge with others, died on Wednesday, May 22, in New Port Richey, Fla., after a long illness. He was 81 years old.
Mr. Denley operated Robert E. Denley & Sons, Plumbing and Heating, for many years. He had also taught an eight-hour adult education course on how to cope with plumbing emergencies, and lectured on plumbing at local clubs and organizations. “Stop and think — don’t panic!” was the first rule he told people to follow.
A native of Melrose, Mass., Mr. Denley was born March 3, 1921, a son of the late Carl and Madelene Denley. During World War II, he served in the Navy aboard the USS Niblack, a destroyer that, on April 10, 1941, engaged a German U-boat in what has been called the first action between American and German forces in that war. The Niblack saw action in the North Atlantic, Mediterranean and the Pacific.
Mr. Denley had lived in Katonah and Goldens Bridge, N.Y., where he was active as a Boy Scout leader, before moving to Mapleshade Road around 1967. Here, he was also active in scouting, and served as a scoutmaster for many years.
He was known for his creativity in recycling the leftovers of modern life. He would saw old water heater tanks lengthwise in two to create barbecue grills, and was well known locally for the decorative planters he fashioned from old tires and wheels. “It’s just like the old farmer who makes do,” he told an interviewer in 1974.
He retired from the plumbing business in 1982 and moved to Florida where he became a Realtor.
Mr. Denley was a past member of the Plumbers Union Local 429 of Mount Kisco, N.Y., and had held various offices in the American Legion post in Ridgefield. In Florida he belonged to the Veterans of Foreign Wars in Florida and Florida Naval Sailors Association.
Mr. Denley is survived by two sons: John J. Denley of Brookfield, and Robert E. Denley Jr., of Ridgefield; three daughters: Judith Ann Panissidi of New Fairfield, and Carleen and Madelene Denley of New Port Richey, Fla.; a brother, John F. Denley of Melrose; seven grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren; his friend and companion, Josephine Monaco of Florida; and many nieces and nephews.
A sister, Madelene Ruth Toomey, died before him.
A memorial service will take place in Florida. Graveside services will be held in Melrose, Mass., at the convenience of the family.
Donations in his memory may be made to the American Cancer Society.