John Patrick Denning 81, passed away peacefully July 6, 2016 after a long illness. John was born August 15, 1934 in Virginia, Minnesota. After 22 years active duty military service in the United States Air Force, to include tours serving Korean and Vietnam war, John retired to Virginia.

John met his bride of 58 years Gwen, while serving a term in England. John was very proud of his family. Together they have four children and their spouses. Cheryl and Marty Pavlik, Kathryn and Nelson Cutler, Joy and Michael Edgett and John and Tina Denning. They are also blessed with nine grandchildren, Nicholas, Lindsey, Corydon, Nelson, Jonathan, Ashley, Zachary, John Patrick and Gwendoline. And he was even more blessed with nine great-grandchildren, Jada, Abby, Mati, Riley, Jacob, Brianna, Joshua, Lochlyn and Taelyn.

John has been a Peninsula resident since 1975 . John loved fishing and golfing whenever he could before he became ill. He also loved his faithful dog Jack.

A memorial service will be held July 16, 2016 at St. Marks United Methodist Church at 99 East Mercury Blvd, Hampton at 1:00 pm preceded by a light reception.

There will be a military Interment on July 18, 2016 at 10:00 am at Albert G. Horton Veterans Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Horton Wreath Fund at P.O. Box 6245, Virginia Beach, Virginia, 23456-0246 or St Marks United Methodist Church.

When the heart grieves over what it has lost the spirit rejoices over what it has left.