Dennis Moriarty

Friday, Jan. 13, 2017

July 6, 1940 – Jan. 2, 2017

Our loving husband and dad finished his last birdhouse on Jan. 2, 2017. 

Dennis was born in South Salt Lake on July 6, 1940, son of John Henry and Louise Moriarty. Born to grinding poverty and starting with next to nothing, he worked hard to build a life and family of his own. 

Dennis knew it was his lucky day when he met Karon Miller in November 1961. By the time she graduated from South High, he had convinced her to marry him – going so far as to convert to her Catholic faith as a condition for the privilege of receiving her hand. He often said those were the two best decisions of his life.

Dennis loved his two boys, Dan and Rob. No sacrifice was too great for them. Both boys will be forever grateful to him – Dan because he always had his back, and Rob for teaching him to fish and for loving him even when he was most unlovable.

Dennis’s love for his dogs approached the affection he showed his sons. 

Dennis loved his Catholic faith. He spent thousands of hours volunteering at Sts. Peter and Paul, Our Lady of Lourdes, St. Ann and St. Francis Xavier parishes in the valley. He never missed Saturday vigil Mass or his daily rosary. He was proud to be both a Fourth Degree Knight of Columbus and a member of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre.

While he could be dangerous around power tools, Dennis loved working in his wood shop. He was especially fond of building bird houses in his later years. If you were privileged enough to receive one, you knew you were on his good list.

Dennis’ grandchildren suffer only minimal emotional scars from years of his teasing. They appreciate the thick skins he helped them develop. 

He is survived by his wife, Karon; sons Dan (Lea) and Rob (Mary); brother, Michael, and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by seven siblings: George, Chick, Jimmy, Jack, Billy, Jeanne and Helen.

The world is less one good man – Earth’s loss is heaven’s gain.

Owning to his Irish heritage, a wake was held Jan. 5. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Jan. 6 at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish. Committal followed at Valley View Memorial Park.

Visit www.starksfuneral.com to offer condolences and view a memorial tribute video.