Denzel J. Hardesty

Denzel James Hardesty, beloved husband of the late Myra R. (nee Minnich) Hardesty.  Devoted father of Adam (Kerry Wickstrom) Hardesty of Mason, Ohio and Cara (Trevor Nicholson) Hardesty of Columbus, Ohio.  Loving grandfather of Stella and August. Dear brother of Jerry Hardesty of Terrebonne, Oregon.  Also survived by his step-daughters, Kathie (Michael) Schwartz of Covington, Kentucky, Kelly (John) Kwan of Las Vegas, Nevada and step-grandchildren, Ben and Will. Additionally, Denzel was preceded in death by his longtime companion, Sandra R. Sanker and by his parents, Harold R. Hardesty and Glenna B. (nee Wetzel) Belladue.

Denzel was a 1950 graduate of Troy High School, received his BA from Miami University and his Master’s from Xavier University.  He served honorably in the US Air Force, 1951-1955, and during his working years he was employed for 21 years as a Regulator in the Office of Thrift Supervision for the US Treasury, retiring in 1993.

Denzel passed away after a long illness on Sunday, June 8, 2025 at Hospice of Cincinnati, Blue Ash; he was 92 years old.

Mass of Christian Burial Monday, June 16, 2025, 11:00 AM, St. William Catholic Church, 4108 W. 8th Street, Price Hill. Visitation in church one hour prior to the Mass. (Click here for Livestream of the funeral Mass on YouTube).

Interment with military honors, St. Joseph New Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the National Federation of the Blind, Attn: Outreach, 200 East Wells Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21230 or Mercy Ships, P.O. Box 1930, Garden Valley, Texas 75771. Donations may be made online by clicking on the links provided or by using the mailing address listed with each organization.

Ralph Meyer & Deters Funeral Home serving the family.

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