University of New Haven Community Mourns the Passing of Former President Larry DeNardis

Calling hours will be held on Monday, August 27, from 4-8 p.m. at Beecher and Bennett Funeral Service in Hamden, and a mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, August 28, at noon at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in Hamden.

August 25, 2018

Dear Members of the University of New Haven Community,

It is with sadness that I write to let you know of the passing of former University of New Haven President Dr. Lawrence J. DeNardis, aged 80, who led our University from 1991-2004. Dr. DeNardis died peacefully on August 24 at Yale New Haven Hospital surrounded by his family.

Dr. DeNardis’ legacy is embedded in the University of New Haven. It can be seen in the remarkable work of our students, faculty, and staff, as well as our alumni. He embodied the spirit and history of this great institution, and we are grateful for his many contributions. We should also remember his dedicated service as a tireless advocate for the State of Connecticut, as well as his congressional service.

"Larry was deeply committed to public service, devoted to his country, his community and his beloved state of Connecticut," said his daughter, Dr. Lesley DeNardis, on behalf of the DeNardis family. "His loss leaves a great void in our family and our community. We are especially grateful to those of you who shared Dad’s last days with us; thank you for your support and your prayers." Indeed, over the course of his life, Dr. DeNardis had a transformational impact on the lives of countless individuals. He will be deeply missed by all of us.

I know that you join my wife, Anemone, and me in sending our deepest sympathies to the DeNardis family, along with our lasting thanks for his dedication to the University of New Haven.

A memorial service for Dr. DeNardis will be held on the University’s campus in the near future.

Sincerely,

Steven H. Kaplan, Ph.D.
President

Additional information:

Calling hours will be held on Monday, August 27, from 4:00-8:00 p.m. at Beecher and Bennett Funeral Service, 2300 Whitney Avenue, Hamden, CT.

A mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, August 28, at noon, at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, 2819 Whitney Avenue, Hamden, CT.

It is requested that all funeral attendees go directly to the church, and not the funeral home on Tuesday.

Read Dr. DeNardis’ obituary and a Hartford Courant story about his life.

In lieu of flowers, charitable contributions can be made to:

The DeNardis Family Scholarship
University of New Haven
Office of Development
300 Boston Post Road
West Haven, Connecticut 06516