Dennis Paul Bekeny, MD
Dennis Paul Bekeny, M.D., of Hamden, Connecticut, passed away on Thursday, October 6, 2011, at Smilow Cancer Hospital after a brief illness. He was born on October 9, 1943, in Cleveland, Ohio, son of the late Paul Bekeny and Joan Holasek, of Mountain Lakes, New Jersey. He was the beloved husband of Margaret E. Bekeny. He is also survived by his daughters, Audrey Bekeny, of Boston, Massachusetts, and Deirdre Van Amberg, of Greenville, Tennessee; his grandchildren, Jane, Samuel, Rebekah, Peter, and Susanna Van Amberg, all of Greenville, Tennessee; his brother, Johnathan Holasek; sister, Marilyn Lloyd; cousins, nieces and nephews. Dennis received an undergraduate degree and a master's degree from Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He then received a medical degree from Case Western Reserve University and trained at Yale-New Haven Hospital with a specialty in pediatrics. He was a pediatrician for 36 years and gave special, loving care to many, many children. Dr. Bekeny was a member of the Board of Ethics of The Hospital of Saint Raphael in New Haven. He was a faithful member of Trinity Episcopal Church on the Green in New Haven for many years and served in many capacities in the church. An avid fan of the University of Connecticut women's basketball team, he watched every game and took detailed notes. His knowledge of opera was encyclopedic and music was the bread of life for him. Friends are invited to attend his funeral service in Trinity Church on the Green at the corner of Temple and Chapel Streets on Monday, October 10, at 11:00 A.M. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Trinity Church on the Green (mailing address: 129 Church Street, New Haven, CT 06510). Arrangements under the direction of Beecher & Bennett, 2300 Whitney Ave., Hamden
Because of his early diagnosis of and referral to Child Study Center, my son Donald was able to benefit from early education. Although his autism would not be cured, Dr.Bekeny’s ability to see what other doctor did not see may be the reason he lives as full a life as he can today. I am glad my children were fortunate enough to call Dr.Bekeny their doctor. A good man who made is time here count. My condolences to his family.
Dennis was a friend, past neighbor(Cheshire),and fun person I always felt comfortable with.When Peggy came forth, this was an added PLUS, I am deeply saddened to lose such a fine friend, capable MD and friend to all.It is shocking and So so untimely. I shall miss him as well as my entire family.Marge,John,Ingrid,Steve,Cordelia and Donovan.
I am deeply saddend to hear of your loss, our loss. Dr. Bekeny was a wonderful doctor and a wonderful person. I remember all the times I needed him outside of office hours, he was always there for us, one time I called on a Sunday morning and he said he’d meet us at the office after services, I don’t think there are many that would do that. And with every emergency he’d always follow up with a call no matter what the time. He was very special and he will so be missed. Our lives are better because of him. Thank you Dr Bekeny.
It was a real shock to hear of my cousins passing. I remember the good times that we had when we were growing up in the Cleveland area, there were always birthday parties,holidays, picnics and special occasions which were almost always recorded by my uncle. Viewing these old memories last night made me realize that even though we didn’t get together as often lately we still had a good time while we were together in Cleveland. My mother said that Dennis was like a third son, and he will be sorely missed. I know that God has his reasons for wanting Dennis in his house. May he rest in peace
My children and I feel we have lost a part of our family. Thanks for all the wonderful care you gave to them. We will miss you. Peggy my thoughts are with you at this time. Fondly, The Mazzone Family
My heartfelt condolences to Peggy his wife, his family and not to be forgotten Maureen his top notch secretary for the loss of an amazing man as in Dr Bekeny, I cannot express the gratitude I felt for Dr Bekeny, I had the privilege of bring up 3 children with him as our pediatrician, right to the start of my first born being born at 28 weeks and Dr Bekeny standing right by my side and encouraging me that she was going to be fine and survive through this to my last child who we thought may have had downs syndrome and again, he was right there. I am so sadden to hear that he has passed and the legacy he left behind will always be remembered by us Moms and Dads who had the privilege to know him. You will truly be missed Dr Bekeny. R.I.P.
To Mrs Bekeny and family, The Predom family is sending our love and deepest sympathy for your loss. Alicia and Christopher will miss him terribly, just as much as the town of Hamden will.
We are saddened beyond words. We are deeply grateful to Dr. Bekeny for his years of medical care for our son, his wisdom and his kindness. Know that he always will be remembered by our family with fondness and joy.
Dear Peggy, I was so shocked and saddened by Dr. Bekeny’s passing. He was a great doctor and person. The world is a better place because of him. May he rest in peace. Lisa McCarthy
Dear Peggy: I’m so sorry to hear of your loss. Dennis has been a good friend for many years, and I will miss him greatly. Marita
I have had the privilege of working with Dr. Bekeny for 13 years during my time at Hospital of Saint Raphael. I will remember his cheery and optomistic manner. I am grateful to him for always giving me the confidence to perform my job to the best of my ability and with enthusiasm.
I was so shocked to hear of Dr. Bekeny’s passing. We have had him for many, many years. He was a kind and gentle man. My deepest condolences to his wife, Peggy and his family.
I was so sorry to hear the sad news. Dennis was such a good friend to my parents. My heart goes out to Peggy and family. He will be missed.
I’m so very sorry for your loss. Dr. Bekeny was a wonderful & caring man & Doctor. He will be greatly missed. When I told Jonathan this morning he cried & said that Dr. Bekeny was the best doctor ever 🙁 With regards, Diana, Jonathan & Joshua
My wife and I were deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Dr. Bekeny. He was the pediatrician for my three boys and his caring attitude and professional skills helped them mature into fine, healthy young men. He will be remembered in our prayers. Respectfully, The DeLucia Family
Our family was saddened by Dr. Bekeny’s sudden passing. Our thoughts and prayer are with you always. He will be truly missed.
We were saddened to hear of Dr Bekeny’s passing. He has been our pediatrician for many years and we will miss him greatly. Our condolences to his wife Peggy and his family. Thank-you for the great care, great conversations, and being there when we needed you. You will be in our thoughts and prayers.
We were stunned and saddened to see Dr. Bekeny’s obituary and learn of his sudden passing. He has been our family’s doctor for 18 yrs and has guided us through countless medical situations and questions. He was always there for us. He will be greatly missed by us and our sincere and heartfelt condolences go out to Peggy and her family. Sue,Gary, Kurt, Scott & Dana George
Dear peggy and family , i cannot put into words how deeply sorry we are about the sudden passing of Dr Bekeny he has been taking care of my twins since birth and now they are 15yrs old. He was always available to listen and calm a nervous new mom and always providing an encouraging word even when it was the mom and not the boys who needed it. I will remember the little jokes and the funny ties he would wear ane his smile which would help you get through the smilely face shot and making medicine something good to take because it had strawberry flavor He was a blessing to our family and we will never forget him our hearts are broken for you and your family may God wrap His arms around all of you tightly as you deal with your loss we have been blessed to have been touched by his gift of being our physician sincerely with love sharon tyler and stephen roady
Dr Bekeny was a wonderful , caring doctor who took care of my four children. They are all grown adults and have him to thank for the good care he gave them and so many many children. I always felt he was my Mr Rogers in doctor garb. May God Bless his family and know he is in Heaven looking down at all times. Sincerely The Walsh family Joan, Heather,Tom, Brian and Patrick
For many years, Dr. Bekeny served as a volunteer medical advisor to the Quinnipiack Valley Health District. He also served on the Advisory Committee for the school based health center at Hamden High. He was dedicated to the health of all children in the community, not just his own patients. We will miss his insights and advice that he has given to us over the years. Thank you for sharing him with us.
I will miss my dad a lot. His heavengoing leaves a hole in our hearts and lives. Thank you all for leaving messages for our family. It is wonderful to read of the ways he touched other people’s lives. -Deirdre,Joel,Jane,Samuel,Rebekah, Peter and Susanna Van Amberg
Our sincere condolences. Our wonderful doctor, Thank you for your compassion and patience and many talks with valuable advice. You will be greatly missed. Peggy, our deepest sympathy. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Find comfort and strength in the many beautiful memories you made together. Love, Margaret, Jonathan and Jessica Attruia
On behalf of the St. Raphael’s Bioethics Committee, I would like to express heartfelt condolences to Dennis’s family and friends. Dennis was an important member of the bioethics community of New Haven for many years. His sincerity and purpose were clearly evident, and his belief in the goodness of people, commitment to help and ability to work and learn with others brought focus to our mutual work and study. He will be missed. With sympathy, Ernest D. Moritz, MD
Words cannot describe our sadness, and our shock at the news. Our hearts go out to Peggy and the family, and also to Maureen. Dr. Bekeny took such good care of our four children, Leif, Charles, Elsa and Keldan for 13 years, and seemed almost part of our family. He always was there if we had an emergency or illness, and always had a reassuring word for upset parents. He loved hearing about our adventures with elephants and monkeys and trips abroad, and we enjoyed his stories about Octo, science and canoeing and shared reviews of books we were reading. He was a wonderful physician, and we will miss him dearly. I hope we can find another as dedicated and caring as he was.
We called today to schedule an appointment for our daughter to see you and found out you had passed away. My family and I were truly heartbroken and in shock. We thank you for caring for both of our children, you will be truly missed. – The King Family
Dear Peggy,I just heard Dr.Bekeny has passed away.I am so sadden.He was a great Doctor.He loved to talk with Rebecca about the basketball teams.They always had a debate.I would always sit there and laugh.I remember when my brother was sick with cancer he would always encouraged me.when my brother passed away dr.Bekeny called me and send me a card. He will be missed dearly.Dr.Bekeny was my 3 daughters doctor for 26 years.Dear Peggy keep strong and take one moment at a time.
Thank you for taking such good care of our children you will be missed
To Mrs Bekeny, We Were Sad To Hear About Your Loss, We Loved Dr.Bekeny. He Was A Great Doctor, We Will Miss Him ! -Love Maryann, Rebecca, And Lisa
To Mrs Bekeny, We Were Sad To Hear About Your Loss, We Loved Dr.Bekeny. He Was A Great Doctor, We Will Miss Him ! -Love Maryann, Rebecca, And Lisa
To Mrs Bekeny, We Were Sad To Hear About Your Loss, We Loved Dr.Bekeny. He Was A Great Doctor, We Will Miss Him ! -Love Maryann, Rebecca, And Lisa
Dr. Bekeny cared for our three daughters and granddaughter. He always took great pleasure in treating our three daughters and granddaughter as well as explaining their illness and treatments in great detail. For the twenty years he was our children’s doctor they were always happy to go to his office for their appointments (sick or not). Our hearts and prayers go out to his wife, children and everyone close to him. He will be greatly missed.
Dear Peggy, The Bekeny family in Cleveland is saddened to hear of Dennis’ passing. Please accept our deepest symmpathy. We know that Dennis had an outstanding medical career and that he will be missed by many. May your fond memories and the love of your family and friends give you comfort. With Love, Cousin Andy Bekeny and Ilze, Paula and Erik Usis, Karl and Amanda Bekeny
Dearest Peggy, We just found out. I wished we would have known sooner.Dr. Bekeny was the best pediatrician. We will always remember him and you. Sincerely, Helen & Adrian Lodynsky & Family xoxoxox
Dear Peggy and the entire Bekeny family, We just learned of Dr. Bekeny passing away. We are so incredibly heartbroken and sorry for your loss. You guys were like family to us, you went above and beyond what most pediatrician offices would do. Dr. Bekeny’s love and care for children is something I will never forget. The extra time and energy he spent in caring for our children, especially Joey will NEVER be forgotten. I will always remember, being 8 months pregnant with Joey & meeting Dr. Bekeny for the first time and his reassurance that Joey was going to be just fine despite having Down syndrome. I know there’s a special place up in heaven for Dr. Bekeny and he’s looking down upon us all. Being a .fellow Buckeye., I always loved bringing the kids in during OSU football season because Dr B would always say .GO BUCKEYES!. God Bless you Peggy and we would love to stay in contact with you! -Jessica Heeran
My condolences to Dr. Bekeny’s family. He was a wonderful pediatrician to my daughter, who is now 21. May God bring you comfort during your bereavement. The Manning family
Dear Peggy We learned yesterday about Dr. Bekeny’s passing. There are truly no words for the profound sadness we feel in our hearts. What a wonderful person, friend and doctor he was to our family. We always considered ourselves so fortunate to have him taking care of Danielle and David – he knew them and their personalities so well and was always so genuinely interested in their pursuits and activities through the years. I always felt a sense of relief and calm walking into the office, knowing he would take care of whatever the ailment was in his prompt, efficient, no nonsense manner! What a terrible loss to you and your family. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. With deep condolences, take care, Dan, Karen, Danielle and David
I JUST WANT TO SEND MY CONDOLENCES ON THE PASSING OF DR BEKENY. HE WAS MY SONS DR FROM BIRTH TO TEENAGER. WE WERE ALWAYS WELCOMED WITH – HI JUICEY BRUCEY! HE WAS ALWAYS THERE FOR US AND SO CARING. GOD BLESS HIM IN HIS NEW LIFE AND MAY HIS MEMORY HELP TO HEAL THE PAIN OF HIS PASSING. GOD BLESS.
I JUST WANT TO SEND MY CONDOLENCES ON THE PASSING OF DR BEKENY. HE WAS MY SONS DR FROM BIRTH TO TEENAGER. WE WERE ALWAYS WELCOMED WITH – HI JUICEY BRUCEY! HE WAS ALWAYS THERE FOR US AND SO CARING. GOD BLESS HIM IN HIS NEW LIFE AND MAY HIS MEMORY HELP TO HEAL THE PAIN OF HIS PASSING. GOD BLESS.
Dr. Bekeny, I remember like it was yesterday, walking into your office. I will always remember you, you were a great doctor! Thank you for everything!
Dennis was a wonderful man,kind, gentle and very bright. Outstanding student. I remember him most from my senior guidance class.
It’s been 4 years and my family was out of the country the year he passed. My children who are now 24, 19 and 17 were all patients of his. Our oldest was 2 when we moved to Connecticut and we were so lucky to have found him. They were all in tears for days. When we returned in 2012, they had to pass by the office because they just couldn’t believe it. Everytime we have to go to the doctor they talk about him and how they miss him. Hewill always be in our hearts!!
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