Dennis Eric Keith Monro Archey, 60, of Parkesburg, passed away on Sunday, September 16, 2012 at the Coatesville V.A. Medical Center.
Born in Coatesville, he was the son of Roberta B. Archey of Parkesburg.
He was a 1970 graduate of the Octorara High School. He graduated from Penn State University and was a member of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity. Dennis served honorably in the U.S. Marine Corp, retiring after 20 years.
In his early years, Dennis attended Newlandville Mennonite Church. Recently, he was a member of the Grace Community Church of Parkesburg.
He was employed by Swarthmore University.
Dennis is surived, in addition to his mother, by his son Dennis E. Archey Jr. of Myrtle Beach, S.C. and his daughter, JaQui Erica Archey of Lancaster; and one granddaughter, Danaj Kellum; and siblings, Albert K. Archey and Michael J. Archey, both of Parkesburg and Leslie H. Archey of West Chester. He was predeceased by his brother, Charles Archey.
The Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, September 22, 2012 at 2 PM at the Grace Community Church, 53 Hurley Road, Parkesburg with the viewing from 1 until 2 PM. Interment will follow at the Mt. Zion Cemetery of Atglen.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the Wilde Funeral Home of Parkesburg. Online condolences can be posted at
www.wildefuneralhome.com
Condolences
My Brother-In-Christ
Mrs. Archey, Eric, Patty and the rest of the family,
Words cannot express the loss, heartache and pain that I share with you. My comrade and my brother-in-Christ has made the transition to be with the Lord and I offer my love and sincerest sympathy to the entire family.
Dennis and I shared many fond memories in junior high, high school and in California. One of my fondest is that Dennis was the architect, creator and mastermind of our short-lived singing group; "The Masters Of Soul". May he rest eternally in peace with the Lord.
Much Love,
Pip
Dennis Archey
In high school, Dennis defined the word "cool". He was the "coolest" of the "cool". He was smart, charismatic and he had a natural leadership about him.
Perhaps that is why he was elected President of his class (1970) four years in a row! I saw Dennis at the Parkesburg Turkey Hill perhaps eight months ago. He greeted me the same as if we had been talking the previous day! He served our country well and he set the bar a little higher for all of us! Godspeed to you Dennis and bless your family/ - Jack Mariano OHS71
Dennis
To the Archey Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Dennis was a real sweetheart, down to earth, open honest man.
I am glad I got to know him better in later years and spend time with him.
He will be missed.
Rest in peace Dennis and walk with the Lord. Your suffering is over.
God Bless!
So very sorry to hear this
So very sorry to hear this news. Dennis was so nice, always had a smile; always asked about my son and my family. He will be missed.
Swarthmore Friends
We are so very sorry to hear of the passing of our dear friend Dennis. Dennis often frequented our dining hall for lunch and he always greeted everyone by name and had a kind word and friendly smile. He was truly a "Friend of Dining Services". Dennis would volunteer his time whenever asked for student functions. We will truly miss him. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely,
The Staff of Swarthmore College DiningServices
Dennis Archey was a powerful force for good at Swarthmore
My deepest condolences to Dennis Archey's family and loved ones. I was a colleague of his at Swarthmore College and saw how brilliantly he engaged our students and brought out their inner strength, skills and joy for all to see. Dennis was too humble about his own abilities. When he left Swarthmore, he took something profound with him that has been missed. That his warm and giving spirit was with us is truly something for which to be grateful.
Dennis
My condolences to Dennis' family,
Dennis was a wonderful colleague at Swarthmore. We had some fascinating conversations over the years, and I was impressed with his insights about people and situations. But most of all, I remember the support he showed for our students. He was an exceptional role model and made a significant impact on students and on the community as a whole. He will be missed.
Goodbye Dennis
I am heartbroken to hear this news. Goodbye good man, and joy be with you. Deepest sympathy to your dear family and friends. You are a big spirit and touched many deeply in your time with us here.
A true ambassador
Dennis was Swarthmore's best ambassador. He had a genuine interest in the students. His quiet, kind personality will continue to be missed by many on campus.
We will miss you
We will miss you Dennis, your big smile, your love for the Lord and eagerness to learn from His Holy Word. We will miss your concern for others, your quiet courage and your warm spirit. We look forward to seeing you again in glory.
Dennis Archey
I had the pleasure of working with Dennis at Swarthmore. It was rare to see him without a smile on his face. He was incredibly positive, encouraging, and happy, and we miss him every day.
A great friend and supporter of students
I met Dennis my frist semester at Swarthmore, and kept very in touch even after I graduated. He would invite me to his office no just to talk about work related reasons, but to see how I was doing. I can't say many faculty and staff did that for me. I am heartbroken but keep five years of memories with me. Thank you, Dennis.
Dennis
I'm very sorry to hear this news. Dennis was a great member of the Swarthmore community and brought a smile to everyone's face. A real friend to students on campus, he will be dearly missed.
Rest in Peace Dennis
Dennis Archey was a great friend and member of the community. He had an energetic spirit and a good soul. I can only wish his family peace and rest during this sad time. He did so much for me, and the Swarthmore Community.
Dennis worked so tirelessly
Dennis worked so tirelessly to support students' experiences at Swarthmore and the financial aid that allowed so many of us to attend-- for that and his personal investment in our success as students, we are all richer for having known him. Dennis would always ask what was going on in our stressed-out world, and would offer humor and warmth to brighten up our day. As a student who worked with him for 3 years in the Phonathon program and often experienced his joyfulness around campus, I know he will be greatly missed by the community. Dennis's loved ones should know his memory will be held dearly by his Swarthmore family.
Dennis' kindness and warm heart will never be forgotten
Dennis brought so much happiness to so many in the Swarthmore community. Talking with him was always the highlight of any day we'd get to see him. He was so generous with his kind words and cheerfulness - his goodness showed in the smiles he brought to everyone's faces. He will be missed so much. Thank you for everything, Dennis.
Dennis
Dennis was a great friend who was instrumental to making Phonathon at Swarthmore an amazing experience. I remember the moment when he called me for my phone interview for the position; I was very nervous and quite candidly expressed that I was often very shy to speak with new people. Even so, Dennis reassured me that I could be a worthy addition of the Phonathon program and his kindness and confidence were integral to making this true. I am grateful to have known such a great role model and mentor. Rest in peace Dennis.
I am so grateful to have
I am so grateful to have known Dennis. The kindness and encouragement he gave me at the beginning of my sophomore year planted a seed of self-confidence in me that has continued to grow. Dennis was truly passionate about his job, and it was that passion, which he brought to every encounter and conversation, that we all found so inspiring and wonderful. He will be dearly missed.
Someday
I will miss knowing you are in the Burg at Turkey Hill. Thank you for everything you taught me, thank you for being YOU. I will never forget you.
Dennis
I will miss Dennis a lot. Starting the phone-a-thon this year without him has been strange. I will miss the enthusiastic competitiveness he brought to his nights leading the phone-a-thon. I'll also miss seeing him around campus and him always saying hi to everyone he knew. We had a few serious conversations about life, and he always had good, practical advice. Making him proud was a great motivator in my work.
We'll miss you, Dennis
All of us who had the honor of knowing Dennis have been forever changed by his warmth, compassion, and genuine investment in people. He embodied so much of what the Swarthmore community is about---the College being more than just an institution, and students being more than just numbers. He took the time to grab meals with us in the dining hall to check in. When he asked "how are you?" it wasn't simply a casual greeting said in passing, but because he really, actually cared and wanted to know how you were doing. He was simultaneously wise and infinitely approachable, someone to look up to and someone to confide in. And, on top of all that, he always had impeccable posture and neatly ironed pants.
A True Friend
My thoughts and prayers go out to Mrs. Archey, Eric, Erica, and the entire Archey family. I am still in shock and disbelief that Dennis has been taken from us. How can my friend of 47+ years be gone? We had a unique bond that was forged by our experiences in middle school, high school, then later in life when we worked side-by-side in Wilmington, DE. Our lives caused us to occasionally lose touch but I always knew I had a friend that was there for the good times and the bad.
True friends are hard to find and can never be replaced. I have lost one of my few, true friends.
Dennis my friend, rest in peace and know that you enhanced the lives of everyone that knew you.
I will miss you Dennis
I am still in shock to learn that Dennis is no more. He was an amazing person, kind and caring. I will forever remember him as one of the people that looked out for me and helped me settle as a freshman. Even since leaving college, Dennis and I continued to get together when I returned to visit. Of course he would always insist on buying lunch, arguing "one day you will get a real job and then you can buy me lunch"... here we are now, my dear friend has passed on and I never got the chance to buy him lunch, let alone repay his kindness. Thank you for everything Dennis. I appreciate all the "small" things and acts of kindness. You have left a huge imprint in my life, Dennis. You are one of my heroes. I hope that one day I will see you again. My condolences to your family and everyone who was part of your life. Love, Tafadzwa.
An incredibly kind and caring man
My heart goes out to Dennis Archey's family and loved ones. He was an incredibly kind, caring, and thoughtful man. He enriched our lives and was a generous friend and mentor to so many students at Swarthmore. I feel lucky to have been his colleague and friend. He made Swarthmore a better place and we all miss him deeply.
Go Placidly Dennis
Fun was had by all who worked in close proximity with Dennis in Sharples kitchen during 'Midnight Breakfast'. Dennis was always a kind and joyful presence here at Swarthmore. Mrs. Archey you did a good job with Dennis and I am most sorry for your loss. He is missed.
My Swarthmore Buddy
I will always remember we started at Swarthmore together, and every year we made to the next Dennis would yell we made it to another year. Dennis really enjoyed what he did, and he was happy to see you! Going to miss you buddy, and those special treats you gave us at the Business Office.
God truly has a great man
My heartfelt condolences go out to the Archey Family. I indirectly worked with Dennis at the college. When ever I'd run into him on campus he'd brighten my day. Always had a kind word to say and never seemed to have a bad day. He was such a positive person. He is truly going to be missed.
"To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord". Rest in Paradise Dennis!
Humble and Kind
To the Archey Family
Dennis exhibited an exceptional level of kindness and genuine interest in the students he worked with. I am certain that is because he admired each of them as individuals, academically gifted but in need of the same kindness and concern that any young person on the cusp of adult responsibility requires. And he gave his sound advice, shared his wisdom and love of learning, and often offered a shoulder to cry on, with humility and love. What a remarkable individual! While he is irreplaceable, you should know how many young lives he has positively influenced with his sage advice and good humor. The good that lived in Dennis now lives in the legions of young men and women whom he encouraged. What a loving legacy of fine people he has left behind. We will all miss him dearly.
Prayers
My Prayers and Thoughts are with the Archey Family and Friends.
Lillian Softchin Helm
Love to the Family of Dennis Archey
It has been a long time since I have been able to interract with any member of the Roberta Archey family. I want each of you to know that I have pleasant memories of living in the same house on upper valley rd at Lenover and of our travelling back and forth to church at Newlandville. You all have my sincere sympathy and I pray that the peace of God which passes all understanding will keep each of your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus our Savior. Will look forward to seeing Dennis in glory.
Lost A True Friend
I have lost a true friend. I will never forget the spirit and grace of Dennis Archey. Dennis epitomized all that is good about humanity......his love of life, his warmth and kindness and his gentle nature. I was especially touched by how much he loved and cared about the students at Swarthmore College. He was never too busy to listen or guide students that needed his special touch.
Dennis, I will always remember you!
Love,
Tom
Eric, I am so sorry for your
Eric, I am so sorry for your loss. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Sally
prayers for the family
I was saddened to learn of Dennis's passing and am sending prayers for his family. I worked with Dennis on a college committee. From my interaction with him, I really appreciated his honesty and warmth. He was always so friendly when I would see him around campus. His life touched many people at the college. He will be missed.
Goodbye My Friend
To all those who loved Dennis, I send my deepest sympathy. He was a bright spot in my day, anytime he ventured over to my side of campus. In the early years, he would come by with candy, but when he found out I shouldn't eat sugar, he started bringing apples. All kinds of apples. I will never forget him, and I always hoped he would come back to the College to work with us again. Rest in peace, you will always be my friend.
Bon voyage, Dear Dennis!
Dennis, I will miss our gentle and caring encounters on campus. You have been and will remain such a dedicated and generous soul for our community of students, staff and faculty! I will miss your smile too.
My deepest condolences to Mrs. Archey and the family and friends.
My Friend, Dennis Archey
Dennis,
You will be dearly missed, my friend. The sadness of your premature departure from this world is softened by the memories of your positive energy and kindness. I can still hear you laughing, and it makes me smile.
My condolences to your family, and the many other people whose lives you touched, especially the students, faculty and staff at Swarthmore College.
Sincerely,
Rafael
Dennis had a wonderful sense
Dennis had a wonderful sense of humor and could always make me laugh. He was a caring person who will be deeply missed. Sincere sympathy to Dennis's family on their loss.
Dennis - a tremendous friend
Dennis Archey and I shared 10 years together at Swarthmore and his friendship was priceless. Always smiling, Dennis was the consummate professional. I have fond memories of our lunches together in Sharples, where he would introduce me to students who he had hired for phonathon or mentored in various ways. He had wonderful stories about life on an aircraft carrier, his expert marksmanship on the range, and his taking simple pleasure in hours of yardwork and watching the US Open. Those who knew Dennis well learned from him how to be more selfless, thoughtful, and humble. We all are better people for knowing and loving Dennis. The Swarthmore community has lost a treasure. He will be deeply missed and my heart goes out to his family. The pride he took in his children was unparalleled.
I have lost a great friend
I was privileged and honored to have worked with Dennis for 10 years here at Swarthmore College. His kindness, sense of humor, and that great smile touched everyone in this community. But what I think Dennis will be remembered for most is the impact he had on countless students here on campus. Dennis was a true mentor. Although his official title was not "Dean", he was truly a Dean of Students. His legacy will live on not only through his own children, for whom he was so incredibly proud, but through the lives of our Swarthmore students. We are all richer for having known you, my friend. God Bless you, Dennis.
A sweet goodbye from a grateful friend
My condolences to the Archey Family. Thank you for sharing Dennis with us. A special thank you from all of us who benefited from his encouragement and wisdom. And from this military brat, thank you for your service to your country. Semper Fi
Dennis Arhey
I'm sorry for loss.The World lost a good person .I was on the wrestling team with Dennis,He was 2 yrs ahead of me.He was an inspiration for me.I look up to him as I believe most of the other under class men did.He is one person I never stop remembering .Again sorry for ur loss , but I'm sure he is with God now.
Very sorry to hear of Dennis's passing
I worked with Dennis during my four years as a phonathon caller, and as a Senior Class Agent. He even served as a reference for my first job after graduation. He was always kind, a pleasure to interact with, and dedicated to his job. I'm very sorry to hear of his passing.
Trude Raizen
Swarthmore '08
Also, in reading this, I'm
Also, in reading this, I'm sorry I never got to know him better - it looks like he had a very interesting history beyond how I knew him in the Alumni fund.
Dennis
Prayers to the family. We have fond memories with Dennis and the OHS band.
Saddens me to hear this news.
Saddens me to hear this news. Dennis was one of the first employees at Swarthmore who reached out to me as a new member of the admissions team. I appreciated his smile, encouraging words, and honesty. I pray that memories of his life bring comfort to those who were touched by him. Dennis you are and will be missed!
Dennis
Dennis was such a positive presence on campus. He was an untiring support, something I appreciated as a student and later as a colleague. He helped ease the transition into college for so many of us, and as a colleague he was just as giving. It is hard to think of Swarthmore without his kindness and generosity of spirit. My deepest condolences to the Archey family.
Dennis, You are missed
As attested to by all of the posts, you have left quite a legacy of kindness, wisdom and friendships, which is how I remember you. Good bye, my friend and condolences to your family.
Gone but never forgotten
TO THE FAMILY,
THE DORSEY FAMILY WOULD LIKE YOU TO KNOW THAT OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU.
IN SPEAKING WITH DENNIS IN THOSE PRECIOUS DAYS PRIOR TO HIS GOING HOME, HE WAS MORE CONCERNED WITH HELPING OTHERS TO ACCEPT HIS ILLNESS WITH UNDERSTANDING AND A SINCERE "DON'T CRY FOR ME" ATTITUDE, THEN BEING CONSOLED BY WORDS..
HE KNEW THAT HE WAS SERVING A SAVIOR THAT WAS THE ONLY ONE THAT COULD RESTORE, AND HE FOUND JOY IN THAT....WHAT AN AWESOME TESTIMONY.
OUR HEARTS WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER.....
Dennis was a Fantastic Friend
I am a recent graduate of Swarthmore College and am having a hard time putting into words just how wonderful a person Dennis Archey was. I first met Dennis when I was only a freshman working with the Phonathan crew. Dennis was always the one to want to go easy on us and provide us with whatever food or other comforts he could spoil us with. So from the very beginning of our relationship I understood that Dennis's was a kind and caring heart. And he was adamantly optimistic right from the beginning of freshman year that we'd all reach the finish line; that is, graduate and be successful. Whenever I saw Dennis I stopped what I was doing and made sure to speak with him because my day was always that much better for having done so. I will remember Dennis fondly for his optimism, his candor, and his great smile. Thank you Dennis for the times you shared with me. Boy did you make an impression!
Dennis was a Good Man
From the Bible:
The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and He delighteth in his way.
-- Psalms 37:23
This verse seems appropriate for Dennis.
My condolences to the Archey
My condolences to the Archey family. I was one of Dennis' high school classmates and I remember him always being kind and funny and just an all around nice guy. I am saddened to hear of his passing. I'm sure he is in a better place where there is no suffering or pain. God be with you and your family during the difficult days ahead. I'm sure Dennis is smiling down on you all.
Gunny Archey
Semper FI Dennis, you will be missed by many. You are now safely in the hands of the lord and sour savior.
Sorry for the loss of your Uncle
Tubby, I'm sorry for your family member passing on. May God keep you and strengthen you through this time of sorrow.
Also, to Mr. Archeys mother and other members of family, sorry for your loss, my heart goes out to you.
Renee Pitts and the Thompson family
Gone, but fondly remembered
My prayers are with his family and loved ones. Dennis was such a precious gift to the Swarthmore College community and a true gentleman. I will miss his spirit and the light that radiated from within him. The truth is that whenever I saw him, I just instantly felt better no matter what state I was in.
Dear friend, rest well in divine peace.
My condolences to the family
Though we didn't work closely together, I consider it a great pleasure to have known Dennis. It was always clear how much he cared about the relationships he developed--whether with colleagues or with students. He will be missed.
Dennis Archey
Our sincere condolences go out to the Archey family, as well as to his Parkesburg "family". Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and may Perpetual Light shine upon him. Rest in Peace, Dennis.
What a wonderful journey!
You will be missed by all of the people that you befriended in your life and what a journey you accomplished in your life time.i remember you as a bright person full of vim and insight.will, you are now at the journey that we will all meet.what a wonderful journey.Shalom
Saddened
I was really sad to hear about this. Dennis was a very generous, supportive and fun spirit. He was a friend and mentor. It was admirable that he was a lifelong scholar. My thoughts and prayers to Dennis' family.
- mark