Monsignor Lawrence M Deno

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated for Msgr. Lawrence M. Deno at 11 a.m. on April 14, 2023, at St. Joseph’s Church in West Chazy. Bishop Terry R. LaValley will celebrate the Mass, and Rev. Thomas E. Kornmeyer will serve as homilist. Mass will be followed by burial at Saint Joseph’s Cemetery in West Chazy.
Msgr. Deno’s body will be received at St. Joseph’s church at 4 p.m. on April 13 by Msgr. Dennis J. Duprey, VF. Calling hours will run from 4 to 7 p.m. in the church and will conclude with Evening Prayer led by Father Theodore A. Crosby at 7 p.m. Calling hours will resume on April 14 from 9 a.m. until 10:30 a.m.

Msgr. Deno died April 9, 2023, in Plattsburgh, at the age of 90.

Born in Plattsburgh on Sept. 21, 1932, he was the son of Maxime and Mary Elise (Martin) Deno.
He grew up in a French-speaking family on a farm in West Chazy. He graduated from Mount Assumption Institute in Plattsburgh and began studies for the priesthood at Wadhams Hall Seminary in Ogdensburg, where he obtained a bachelor’s degree in philosophy. After receiving a master’s degree in theology at Mount Saint Mary’s Seminary in Emmitsburg, Maryland, he was ordained a priest in St. Mary’s Cathedral on May 16, 1959, by Bishop James J. Navagh.

He later received a master’s degree in mathematics from St. Michael’s College in Winooski, Vermont, and a doctorate in educational administration at Notre Dame University in South Bend, Indiana. He was state certified to serve as both a math teacher and an administrator.

In his early years as a priest, Msgr. Deno served as parochial vicar in Clayton, Massena, Morrisonville, Tupper Lake and at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Ogdensburg. He later served as pastor in Hammond and Cadyville, retiring in 2017. In his retirement, Msgr. Deno lived in Sacred Heart rectory in Chazy, where he continued to minister and serve.

He was named a Prelate of Honor with the title monsignor in 1989.

In addition to serving as a parochial vicar and pastor, Msgr. Deno taught mathematics at Holy Ghost Academy in Tupper Lake from 1961 to 1966. In 1966, he was named diocesan Assistant Superintendent of Schools, a role he held until 1971, when he was named diocesan superintendent of schools. He served in that capacity until 1996.

In 1971, he began teaching at Wadhams Hall Seminary College. He remained in that role until 1996. He served as chair of the Social Science Teaching department at the seminary college for nearly two decades. He also served as a professor at Mater Dei College in Ogdensburg from 1975 to 1981.

In addition to his parents, Msgr. Deno is predeceased by his brother, George. Survivors include a sister-in-law, Carolyn Deno; nephews, Jerry Deno (Lisa) and Jeffery Deno (Tammy); along with eight great-nieces and nephews and twelve great-great-nieces and nephews.

The family extends a special gratitude to those who helped Msgr. The parishioners of St. James Church in Cadyville, who welcomed him and made his last assignment as pastor a special time. Sacred Heart Church in Chazy gave him welcome in his retirement home. Cherish, Jenn, Brenda and Kathy from The Orchards at Meadowbrook for treating him like family when he entered there for further healthcare. Finally gratitude to the amazing staff on R7 of Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital who cared for him in his last days.

A priest to the core, Msgr. Deno was also truly a family man. Even early in his priesthood, it was a family highlight when he returned home to West Chazy. The family always loved the slide shows from previous visits or places he had been. He was proud of his heritage and upbringing. He looked forward to spending time with the younger generations. A favorite outing included visiting someone’s home for a meal. He loved to learn and to teach. Msgr. Deno was blessed to have a full life doing the things he cherished most.

Arrangements are through the Brown Funeral Home.