Dennis E. Shirley

Dennis E. Shirley, 73, of New Cumberland, passed away on Friday, February 16, 2024 at his residence. He was the son of the late Marvin R. and Eleanor (Snell) Shirley, born on February 27, 1950 in Harrisburg.

A 1968 graduate of Cedar Cliff High School, Camp Hill, Denny would go on to serve his country in the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam War. Upon his return from service, he took up a career in information technology, working and retiring from Celerity as an IT contractor. 

He was active in his community and never shied away from volunteer work. He coached New Cumberland little league baseball for years and also belonged to the Mechanicsburg Men’s Club where he worked their bingo night. For more than 30 years he was an active volunteer with Vickie’s Angel Foundation, making Tuesday calls to families and remaining involved even when his health began to decline. Like clockwork, you could find him giving his time once a month at the Big Spring Area Food Bank in Newville. 

Denny was close with his siblings and thoroughly enjoyed being an uncle to his nephew and niece, supporting them in all their athletic and academic endeavors. He was a lifelong Nittany Lion fan, and annual family vacations to Cape Henlopen, DE, and getting frames in at the bowling alley always made him happy. He also got a kick out of playing Santa for his niece, nephew, and Vickie’s Angel Foundation each holiday season. 

Surviving Denny is his daughter, Michelle McComsey (Larry, Jr.) of Newport; grandchildren, Jareth Shirley (Leetah) of Summerville, SC, and Nash McComsey (Misty) of Marysville; siblings, Gary R. Shirley of New Cumberland, and Elaine L. Fahnestock of Carlisle; and a nephew and niece, Keith W. Fahnestock and Kelly A. Fahnestock, both of Carlisle. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother-in-law, C. William Fahnestock.

A public visitation will be held this Sunday, February 25, 2024 from 2-3PM at Parthemore Funeral Home & Cremation Services, New Cumberland. A memorial service will begin at 3PM in the funeral home. Burial will be private and held at the convenience of the family in Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a contribution in Denny’s name to: Vickie’s Angel Foundation, 511 Bridge Street, New Cumberland, PA 17070.