As I write this in 2023, as a 47 year old man, I can clearly remember the care and mentorship that Herr Wilcox showed my Jr. High German classes some 35 years ago. Even as a 12 year old, I knew there was something so different about his approach to teaching, and his was truly the class where I felt most comfortable, ready to learn and listen and discover, during a year of significant changes and prepubescent awkwardness. He was in his first year of teaching in Canandaigua when I met him in the Junior Academy on Main Street. I also recall the way that he treated us as students was as young adults, not older children. He respected us, and in turn we respected him right back. This made for a pleasant and productive classroom where everyone wanted to do their best work! Herr Wilcox (as he will forever be remembered by many) was eager to teach, and we were eager to learn and apply our newfound knowledge. Such a memorable relationship that I’ve brought it with me for decades since, continuing my high school German classes, and even into my college German classes too. He lit the fire of the love of language, of travel, and of gentle and kind mentorship. His memory is a blessing to us all.

Susie Scoppa Relation to Deceased: teacher I first met Denney during a workshop in Canandaigua. I used his German lessons, which I adapted to my Latin class. In 1998, Denney as the new Bloomfield principal, hired me as the Latin teacher. He was appointed my mentor; we shared good conversations about being new in Bloomfield. We both eventually moved on. Denney wrote a great letter of recommendation for me. My condolences to Ryan and the rest of the family. Susie Scoppa, Latin Teacher The butterfly emerges from its silken shell- Reborn, it arises, no longer bound to earth. Free at last, the butterfly glides to heights unknown before. So do our loved ones find a beautiful release as, earthbound no more, they leave our sight and joyfully rise to a garden of matchless beauty, a place of light and peace. -Evelyn Phillips

stacey weber Relation to Deceased: student Ryan, Words can not express the sorrow I feel for you. I am saying a prayer for you and your family through this rough time. Your dad was one of the nicest guy’s you could meet. God bless you and your family through this hard time. As we look back over time We find ourselves wondering ….. Did we remember to thank you enough For all you have done for us? For all the times you were by our sides To help and support us ….. To celebrate our successes To understand our problems And accept our defeats? Or for teaching us by your example, The value of hard work, good judgement, Courage and integrity? We wonder if we ever thanked you For the sacrifices you made. To let us have the very best? And for the simple things Like laughter, smiles and times we shared? If we have forgotten to show our Gratitude enough for all the things you did, We’re thanking you now. And we are hoping you knew all along, How much you meant to us.

Marshall c. Hardy Relation to Deceased: Student Was sad to hear of the passing of Mr .Wilcox a great teacher,administrator, friend. Remember him for his great personality. always had a smile on his face and always made my day at school great. Called me “chocolate chip” Gave me a couple in class one day. Since then that was my nickname he had of me. He will be missed alot. Thoughts and prayers for his whole family. May the road rise to meet you. May the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face and rains fall soft upon your fields. And until we meet again, May God hold you in the hollow of His hand. An Old Irish Blessing

Lars Friedrich Relation to Deceased: Uncle Grief and pain deeply sit in our heart! We will never forget you! Thank you for everything! In love, Lars and Carmen, Annette, Heiko and Melanie The butterfly emerges from its silken shell- Reborn, it arises, no longer bound to earth. Free at last, the butterfly glides to heights unknown before. So do our loved ones find a beautiful release as, earthbound no more, they leave our sight and joyfully rise to a garden of matchless beauty, a place of light and peace. -Evelyn Phillips

Kim Killigrew Relation to Deceased: Softball player My mouth dropped when I learned of the passing of Mr.Wilcox and tears filled my eyes. To this day at age 33 Mr.Wilcox was the coach that taught me the most, not only about softball but about life. He brought me up to Varsity as a freshman and constantly made sure I was pushing myself to do the best on and off the field. My first encounter with him was a 7th grade student in German class where he also pushed me and the work paid off as a “A” student. There was something unique about him that made me want to work hard to impress him. My first year coaching softball at Canandaigua Academy I remembered back to being a player and wondered “how do I push those kids and teach them, like Mr. Wilcox did?” There is no way to replicate the kind of mentor he was to all of us, he was unique. I will truly miss him. To Jon, Ryan and Family, I am truly sorry for your loss. The butterfly emerges from its silken shell- Reborn, it arises, no longer bound to earth. Free at last, the butterfly glides to heights unknown before. So do our loved ones find a beautiful release as, earthbound no more, they leave our sight and joyfully rise to a garden of matchless beauty, a place of light and peace. -Evelyn Phillips

Greg and jackie K Smith Relation to Deceased: Old friend Denny we are so very sadden by your sudden departure for Gods home. You were the father figure in my teenage years at sugar grove wv navy base who taught me things that my disabled father could not. You taught me toughness and competitiveness on the basketball court and off. You taught me that basketball players always eat red lichorice and I believed you. You taught me to use both hands as a basketball player and to carry yourself with that Wilcox swagger on the softball field and the basketball court. You also taught me responsibility and sensitivity as you lovingly cared for your beautiful 5 year old daughter claudia while balancing work and a one parent father. Your enthuasiam was infectous especially when you visited us with the whole family and you used Jon ryan Beth and my wife Jackie to put in a special basketball play called Zip which I used for my whole coaching career. Although I am so heartbroken that we got seperated through the years and lost touch for so many, I am very thankful for the last two where we got to e mail and talk on the phone. Jackie and I will miss you tremendously but will look forward to the day when we will see you again in God’s grace. You should have plenty of angles in heaven to put in any basketball play you desire. To Jon Ryan Claudia Beth and Mariangela our prayers are with you in this time of trial. We will never forget the wilcox family. The butterfly emerges from its silken shell- Reborn, it arises, no longer bound to earth. Free at last, the butterfly glides to heights unknown before. So do our loved ones find a beautiful release as, earthbound no more, they leave our sight and joyfully rise to a garden of matchless beauty, a place of light and peace. -Evelyn Phillips

Carlton “Carl” Cox Relation to Deceased: Navy Shipmate I knew Denney in Germany when we were stationed at Bremerhaven together. We were in the same section and played basketball together. I have one other picture of denney in a game if the family would be interested. The butterfly emerges from its silken shell- Reborn, it arises, no longer bound to earth. Free at last, the butterfly glides to heights unknown before. So do our loved ones find a beautiful release as, earthbound no more, they leave our sight and joyfully rise to a garden of matchless beauty, a place of light and peace. -Evelyn Phillips