Dennis (Denny) Richard Modlinski, 73, passed peacefully surrounded by his loving children on July 18, 2019 after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.  

Denny was born on November 28, 1945 and raised in Toledo, OH.  He graduated from the University of Toledo (‘66) and served in the Ohio National Guard.  But it was both Owensboro, KY and Richmond, VA where he settled and raised his three children with former wife, Jan (Braun) Modlinski.

Denny made a career in the tobacco industry, working for Swedish Match (formerly Pinkerton Tobacco Company).  He spent 26 years between both Kentucky and Virginia. The job took him to many parts of the country and globe, and out of it came countless friendships.

Outside of work, Denny loved both playing and watching golf.  He cherished the opportunity to play Augusta and Pebble Beach - and loved a good mulligan.  Denny enjoyed horse racing despite rarely getting that trifecta correct. TCU football and Louisville basketball kept him busy supporting his childrens’ universities - always wearing his favorite shirt or hat watching games from afar. 

In his community he served in many ways throughout his life. In his churches, he ushered regularly.  He was a Rotarian in both Glen Allen, VA and Cleburne, TX, supporting several service projects. However, it was his work with the Henrico County Police Motorist Assistance Program that brought him the most joy.  He served 10+ years and volunteered countless hours supporting the community and police officers, making lasting friendships.  

He is preceded in death by his father, Edward, mother, Mary, and brother, Gene. 

He is survived by his children, Melissa (Modlinski) Dansby of Burleson, TX, Ryan and wife, Kathryn, Modlinski of Louisville, KY, and Whitney (Modlinski) and husband, Nate, DeMercurio of Dallas, TX; and four grandchildren whom he loved dearly, Cash, Eleanora, Niles, and Cole.  His kids and grandkids were his greatest accomplishment and brought him immense pride and joy.

“To make a long story short” was his favorite way to end a rather long story, so to make a long story short...he was loved by many people and can now rest in peace.  Denny will be missed greatly.

The family would like to thank all of the doctors and nurses for their outstanding care and support for Denny at both The Center for Cancer & Blood Disorders and Kindred Hospital Fort Worth Southwest.

Reception: The family will receive friends on Sunday, August 4th between 2-5 p.m. at West Coast Provisions at 301 Maltby Boulevard, Henrico, VA.  Please join as you can to celebrate his life and share a fond memory.

Service: A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Monday, August 5th at 6:30 p.m. at the Henrico Police Memorial Park in the Western Henrico Government Center on E. Parham Rd. and Prince Henry Dr. in Richmond, VA.

In lieu of flowers, to honor his volunteer service the children request any memorial be made to the Henrico Police Foundation, henricopolicefoundation.org.