NEWPORT NEWS - Elbert M. Denny, Jr., 81, of Newport News, VA passed away on March 20, 2016. A longtime resident of the Tidewater, he was the owner of Denny's Refrigeration Repair Service in Gloucester, VA. Later he retired as the HVAC foreman for Newport News Public Schools. Elbert was proud to have served in the US Navy on the USS Roanoke as a Mechanic. He enjoyed working in his vegetable garden and fishing at the beach. He had a great love for all kinds of animals, especially the horses for whom he cared at the farm. He was preceded in death by his wife of 52 years, Betty J. Denny; and parents, Elbert M. Denny Sr. and Irene Denny. He is survived by his children, Chris Denny and Kim Denny; and brothers and sisters, William Denny, Ruth Pennington, Cora Ann Wajciechouski, John Denny, Betty Zane Denny, Donley Denny, and Brenda Williams. The family wishes to give special thanks to the caring and professional staff at Commonwealth Memory Care and Hospice in Hampton. Services will be held at a future date in Thornsprings Cemetery in Dublin, VA. Arrangements are by Berceuse Funeral and Cremation Traditions in Hampton, 757-825-8070.