Dennis Eugene Merrel

Dennis Eugene “Denny” Merrel, 65, of Gilbert, Arizona, passed away peacefully on May 15, 2026, in Tempe, Arizona, after a courageous 15-month battle with cancer. True to who he was, Denny faced every challenge with strength, humor, stubbornness, and grace. Even in his final days, he was still doing what he loved: making his famous homemade chicken pot pie, proudly insisting it may have even been better than his mother’s, and staying active on his elliptical right up to the finish line. Cancer may have taken his body, but it never got the best of Denny.

Born on August 15, 1960, in Hanover, Pennsylvania, Denny was a man of deep faith, strong convictions, and quiet gentleness. He loved fiercely, believed deeply, and remained unwavering in the things that mattered most to him — his family, his faith, music, and meaningful connection.

Denny had a lifelong love of music and guitars, often spending time mixing songs, singing, and building his collection of beloved instruments. He enjoyed theology and dedicated much of his life to spiritual growth, earning several degrees and certifications in theology, cybersecurity, business, and project management, and participating in his men’s faith group. He held degrees from the University of Maryland Global Campus, Grand Canyon University, and Villanova University, and was someone who never stopped learning.

He was stubborn in the best ways — strong-willed, principled, and deeply loyal. He also found joy in simple things: biking, exercise (specifically his elliptical), trying new recipes (most recently a great homemade apple & cherry cobbler), and favorite shows like Impractical Jokers, Breaking Bad, any James Bond film, and most recently, Shrinking, where he proudly related to Harrison Ford’s character enough to even buy the same oversized water bottle which he carried around with pride.

Professionally, Denny spent his career in security leadership and operations, most recently serving as an Armed Critical Infrastructure Security Guard through PalAmerican Security at SRP. His career also included leadership roles with Maricopa County Security Services and Banner Health, where he was known for his reliability, leadership, and dedication to protecting others.

Above all, Denny loved his family. He is survived by his mother, Dolores Carrozza; his separated spouse, Rosa Hacopians; his son, Ian Merrel and his partner, Krystal Bowes, of Reading, Pennsylvania, and their daughter, Lilian Merrel; his step-son, Brian Beit and his wife, Samantha Calvin, of Tempe, Arizona; his step-daughter, Katrina Beit and her husband, Cito Luna, of Mesa, Arizona; his grandchildren Jaycen Weltz and Ariana Merrel; Jenna, Adelina, and Mason Beit; his sisters, Kathy Merrel Adams and her husband, Mike Adams, and Suzanne Ruppert and her husband, Brian Ruppert; as well as many extended family members and dear friends in both Pennsylvania and Arizona.

He was preceded in death by his beloved daughter, Jennifer “Jenny” Merrel, who passed away in 2019, as well as his father, John Merrel in 2016, his grandparents, George and Elsie Good, and a great aunt Goldie for whom he was the favorite nephew.

Denny will be laid to rest in Pennsylvania beside Jenny, surrounded by the family he loved so deeply.

A service to celebrate and remember Denny’s life will be held on Friday, May 22, 2026, with a viewing at 10:00 AM and service at 11:00 AM at the Kenworthy Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc., 269 Frederick Street, Hanover, Pennsylvania, followed by a processional, and burial in Marburg Memorial Gardens.

One of Denny’s wishes was for Landslide by Fleetwood Mac to be played at his service, a fitting tribute for a life lived fully, faithfully, and with heart. As the song says, “Well, I’ve been afraid of changing, ’cause I built my life around you.” Denny built his life around faith, family, and love, and that legacy will continue in all who knew him.

He passed surrounded by love, and most importantly, he was not alone.

The Kenworthy Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc., 269 Frederick Street, Hanover, PA, has been entrusted by the family with arrangements. Memories and Condolences can be shared at www.kenworthyfh.com.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Dennis E. Merrel, please visit our floral store.