DAVID RANDOLF DENIS (1923-2026)

This week I got an email from Bob Leonard notifying me of the death of David R. Denis. He was the oldest ANA member and the one with the longest membership.

David R. Denis was born in Chicago on January 17, 1923, the son of Alphonse Derbigny Denis (1891-1982) and Elvira Vognild (1890-1979). Alphonse was an insurance salesman.

As a boy of thirteen, David began publication of "The Gossip," a weekly newspaper in Winnetka, Illinois. The paper had two regular advertisers who were charged three cents a line and boasted a circulation of three hundred subscribers.

David studied mechanical engineering at the University of Illinois at Champaign and graduated in 1944. He enlisted with the Navy as an apprentice seaman and finished his education at Cornell University. He served as an ensign on the motor gunboat USS PMG 14 in the Philippines.

Denis was employed by R.R. Donnelley in Chicago, which was at one time the world's largest commercial printer.

He was married to Margaret Calhoun (1922-2008) and had four children. He studied his family history and could document his ancestry back seventeen generations to 1372.

Denis joined the American Numismatic Association as member 13304 on February 1, 1947, and was a life member. He joined while living at 1044 Tower Road in Winnetka, Illinois. He had an address change in February 1948 to 411 Jackson Street in Waukegan. Illinois. At the 2022 WFOM. he was honored with seventy-five years of ANA membership presented by ANA president Ralph Ross.

Denis joined the Chicago Coin Club on July 2, 1947, but resigned in April 1948 after moving to Waukegan.

He made custom coin holders that were advertised in Numismatic Scrapbook Magazine. His specialty was United States type coins. He also collected coins struck for the Philippines in proof.

Denis helped in the formation of the Lake County Coin Club and the Will County Coin Club. He served as president of the Lake County Coin Club in Waukegan around 1955-56.

He travelled the world after retirement and was a volunteer with the Executive Service Corps in El Salvador and Kenya. Back at home he enjoyed playing bridge and tried making wine.

David Denis died on June 12, 2026, at the age of 103 while living in Lincolnshire, Illinois.

Ken Bressett moves up to be the ANA member with the longest membership, dating back to July 1, 1947.

Edmund DeLaurentis may be the oldest ANA member. He was born on December 10, 1925, and joined the ANA June 1, 1950. Mail sent by the ANA has been returned. They cannot confirm if he is living or dead.

Internet sites show him living in Havertown, Pennsylvania. Can anyone living nearby confirm his status?

	NBS (coinbooks.org) Web