For all those who knew Denny, they knew his larger-than-life personality. He had a laugh that echoed through any room, and with it came an air of sincerity. Upon seeing you, Denny reached in for a hug and offered you his unbridled self. He was a man who stood firm in his beliefs and loved those around him with all of his being.

Born April 12,1952, Denny’s life was defined by craftsmanship, curiosity, and a lifelong fascination with learning about the universe.

Even at a young age, his inquisitive mind demanded answers as to the mechanics of his motorcycle, causing him to take it apart. He would find ways to rebuild it stronger and better than it was in its original form.

That was the essence of Denny, a man with a pristine heart and mind who sought not to simply take things apart. He saw the potential hidden within and found a way to turn his visions into reality. This gift led him to find the beauty in restoring things that many would find useless or impossible.

Professionally, he worked in aerospace, including welding missiles for the ICBM program, and later contributed to advanced technologies involving superconductors and pioneering fiber optics. His technical skill and precision extended well beyond his career and into nearly every aspect of his personal life.

An accomplished restorer and fabricator, he fully utilized his skills in the day-to-day grind. He fully restored a 1979 Jaguar sedan, rebuilt a 24-foot Bellboy boat, crafted rod iron fences and handrails, and built custom PCs for friends and family. He also built his own model gliders and airplanes which he flew with pride. You could often find Denny in his garage working away on a motorcycle, or an engine, or a model airplane. There was always a task that needed to be done.

His love of speed and machines carried into motorsports. He raced mini hobby stocks at Ascot Raceway, rode his treasured 1969 Triumph Bonneville, and later a BMW R1100 street motorcycle. He followed MotoGP and Formula One closely and never lost his appreciation for precision, performance, and competition.

Denny found serenity by the ocean, and thus enjoyed surfing, boating, fishing, and spending time near the water. Later in life he felt a deep connection to his older brother Alan while in the presence of the sea.

Though not outspoken about his charity, he was committed to helping environmental and humanitarian causes, supporting organizations including: the Audubon Society, Sierra Club, National Wildlife Foundation, and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, among others.

He is survived by his only child, Phillip St. John, his daughter in law Ariana, grandchildren Nicholas and Emma St. John and step grandchildren Penelope and Emiliano. He maintained a few very close friends who were like family to him and was a good friend to all.

Denny will be remembered as an independent spirit, a meticulous craftsman, and a man who found meaning in building, restoring, and understanding the world around him. His legacy lives on in the things he created, the causes he supported, and the love and care he gave to those around him.