Carl Frederick Deneke passed away on March 7, 2025 at his home in San Antonio, Texas. He is survived by his wife of nearly 50 years, Susan (Mollan) Deneke; daughter, Catherine Deneke; daughter-in-law, Sarah Winawer-Wetzel; and grandchildren, Noah and Ezra.
Born to Jean and George Deneke on June 30, 1944 in Springfield, Massachusetts, Carl grew up in Mystic, Connecticut, attended the University of Connecticut, and earned his Ph.D. in marine microbiology from Georgetown University. He did research in medical microbiology and infectious diseases at Tufts University School of Medicine for 15 years.
Carl was a lifelong learner, with a deep knowledge of cars, computers, and robotics. He was passionate about books, Formula 1, and UConn women’s basketball. Above all, he was known for his warmth and generosity, whether it was listening attentively to the life story of someone he’d just met or buying another LEGO set for his adored grandchildren. He will be deeply missed.
A memorial service will be on Saturday, March 22, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at Elm Grove Cemetery in Mystic, Connecticut. In lieu of flowers, the family requests with gratitude that donations be made to the Cancer Center at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.