Eugene Jerry Deno, 84, of 138 Canterbury Lane, Alpena, affectionally known to all as "Skeets" passed away peacefully at home on Monday, February 4, 2008.

Mr. Deno was born November 3, 1923 in Alton, Illinois to Arthur and Lucille Deno and spent most of his childhood and early adult years in the East St. Louis, Illinois area.  In 1943, after completing a tour of duty with the U.S. Air Force, he moved to Alpena where he met and married the former Marie Gapske on August 11, 1945 at St. Bernard Catholic Church.

He began his extensive career at WATZ  Radio Station in advertising sales and then moved on to broadcaster.  As his family grew he accepted an employment opportunity with the Alpena News, first in advertising and then as a general reporter.  He was later promoted to Sports Editor and finally General News Editor.  In the early 1970's he assumed responsibilities as the Executive Director of Alpena Area Chamber of Commerce until his retirement in 1975 due to a medical condition.  Over the years he also served as the "smiling face" at Masters Shoe Store and took wedding photos of many happy couples for Springs Photography.

He was actively involved in the Alpena community his entire life as a member of the Elks Club, the Alpena Country Club where he served on the Board of Director for 6 years and president of the Senior League for many years, the Alpena County Fair Board, Eucharistic Minister at St. Bernard Catholic Church, a member of the Waneta Hunt Club for 40 years, charter member of the Alpena Regional Medical Center Auxiliary where he actively volunteered until recently, and also wrote and directed several minstrel shows for Catholic Central High School as a fund raiser.

Last but not least, he was a devoted and loving husband and father to his wife and their nine children.

Surviving are his wife of 62 years, Marie;  children, Carol Kimball, Nancy Katzenberger, Mari (Jon) Crow, Rob (Nancy) Deno, Jeanne (David) Ellis, Susan (Jeff) Hanthorn,  Kathy (Tim) Ridner, and Jerry Deno; 27 grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his youngest son, Jon Charles Deno, on November 27, 2007 and his beloved son-in-law, Bill Katzenberger, July 2005.   He will be sadly missed by all who knew him including his "2nd family" at Century 21 Crow Realty.

Family and friends may call at the Bannan Funeral Home on Thursday from 2-8 p.m. with a parish prayer service at 7:00 p.m.  Visitation will continue Friday at St. Bernard Catholic Church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the memorial service at 10:30 with Rev. Greg McCallum officiating.

Burial:    Holy Cross Cemetery

Memorials:  Hospice of NE MI and St. Bernard Catholic Church