Dennis "Denny" Schoonmaker

August 31, 2009 - April 12, 2015

Obituary For Dennis "Denny" Schoonmaker

Dennis Alfred Schoonmaker (“Denny”), age 5, passed away on April 12, 2015. His death was the result of a lengthy battle with liver cancer.

Denny is survived by his parents, Doug and Mandy Schoonmaker; sister, Darian Schoonmaker; paternal grandparents, Sonny and Barbara Schoonmaker; maternal grandparents, Tommy and Evonne Hubbard; great-grandmother, Patsy Hubbard; aunts and uncles, Mark and Wendy (Hubbard) Dragone, William and Jennifer Hubbard, Chris Schoonmaker and Jeanie Schoonmaker; and cousins, Thomas Dragone, Maddie Hubbard, and Mackenzie Hubbard.

Denny will live on in the hearts of many more family members and friends.

Denny loved playing Mario, watching Scooby Doo, and epic snugglefests. He had a number of “best days ever” that ranged from starting a Red Sox game by screaming “Play Ball” to simply watching his cousin, Thomas, play video games -Denny truly appreciated his life. Denny was kind, handsome, loving, brave – he inspired so much goodness.

A drop-in memorial celebration will be held on Sunday, April 19 from 4-6 pm at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Raleigh located at 3313 Wade Avenue, Raleigh, NC 27607. Dress as you are comfortable and consider including a bit of red in your outfit as it was Denny’s favorite color.

The family requests that any memorial contributions be made to the UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, CB #7295 UNC-CH, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7295. Give online now https://secure.dev.unc.edu/gift/Default.aspx?p=LCGO (select Pediatrics Cancer fund).

Services

19 Apr

Celebration of Life Service

04:00 PM - 06:00 PM

Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Raleigh 3313 Wade Avenue Raleigh, NC 27607 Get Directions »

by Obituary Assistant

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Condolences

September 01, 2020

barbara caserta

Although we haven't met I felt I knew Denny. My good friend Janet Dragone (Tommy's grandma) kept me advised from beginning. I appreciated your Facebook updates and seeing him having good times for u to remember. Prayers are for all of you. Barbara Caserta
September 01, 2020

Keith Hubbard

Lit a candle in memory of Dennis "Denny" Schoonmaker
September 01, 2020

Linda Glasgow

Doug and family, my thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time. Linda Glasgow, LSS, SunTrust Mtg, Charleston, SC
September 01, 2020

Phyllis Kirk Scott

Evonne, you are in my thoughts and prayers. I have grandchildren as well and I pray for your comfort. Phyllis Kirk Scott
September 01, 2020

Rochelle Bower Potter

Lit a candle in memory of Dennis "Denny" Schoonmaker
September 01, 2020

Noel Pinckard

Lit a candle in memory of Dennis "Denny" Schoonmaker
September 01, 2020

Keeta Adams

Lit a candle in memory of Dennis "Denny" Schoonmaker
September 01, 2020

Gina Prevost

Lit a candle in memory of Dennis "Denny" Schoonmaker
September 01, 2020

Diane Johnson

Lit a candle in memory of Dennis "Denny" Schoonmaker
September 01, 2020

Mnadi Underwood Dan Taylor

Lit a candle in memory of Dennis "Denny" Schoonmaker
September 01, 2020

Deborah Russell

Lit a candle in memory of Dennis "Denny" Schoonmaker
September 01, 2020

Angelia Fralin (Massey)

Lit a candle in memory of Dennis "Denny" Schoonmaker
September 01, 2020

Amanda Scott

Lit a candle in memory of Dennis "Denny" Schoonmaker
September 01, 2020

Keeta Adams

My heartfelt sympathy goes out to this family. May God bless and comfort each of you.
September 01, 2020

Sonny Schoonmaker

Denny brought Grammy and Grampy Schoonmaker a lifetime of happiness and memories for the short time he was with us. His sweet smile will live on with us forever.
September 01, 2020

Cynthia Cudaback

so many times, you posted brave words and pictures of smiling faces. It's beautiful that you helped him live his short life to the fullest
September 01, 2020

Jeremy Barefoot

Deep prayers for the family. Denny, you will be missed! The Sanderson wrestling team fell in love with you and you truly inspired us! We will always remember you and will see you one day again, I have no doubt. Thank you for your kind spirit, wonderful smile, and amazing attitude.
September 01, 2020

McComas Family

Lit a candle in memory of Dennis "Denny" Schoonmaker
September 01, 2020

Kathy Chorba

Lit a candle in memory of Dennis "Denny" Schoonmaker
September 01, 2020

Jarrett and Patti (Von Preysing) Amos

Lit a candle in memory of Dennis "Denny" Schoonmaker
September 01, 2020

Carolyn Christman

Lit a candle in memory of Dennis "Denny" Schoonmaker
September 01, 2020

Linda Glasgow

Lit a candle in memory of Dennis "Denny" Schoonmaker
September 01, 2020

The McComas Family

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September 01, 2020

Erika Hartwick Brown, Andrew and April

Lit a candle in memory of Dennis "Denny" Schoonmaker
September 01, 2020

Jennifer Bennett

Lit a candle in memory of Dennis "Denny" Schoonmaker
September 01, 2020

Amsler Bayse

Lit a candle in memory of Dennis "Denny" Schoonmaker
September 01, 2020

Paula and Milton Cooley

Sent a gift in memory of Dennis "Denny" Schoonmaker
September 01, 2020

Paula McDonald Whitsell

My thoughts and prayers are with you and I pray that God gives you comfort and peace as you begin the healing process. I thank you for sharing your experience with us all as it has taught me how to enjoy the moment and life as it is. God Bless.
September 01, 2020

Jennifer D'Entremont

Words cannot express how terribly sorry we are for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. What a beautiful boy!
September 01, 2020

Brenda Barker

Evvonne, as the grandmother of a little angel, I know how much pain you are feeling. My prayers are that you will be granted peace. Take as much time as you need and cry as much as you need. Your are in my heart.
September 01, 2020

John Michael Knowles

Lit a candle in memory of Dennis "Denny" Schoonmaker
September 01, 2020

Marisol Allen

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September 01, 2020

Claire Drehmel

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September 01, 2020

Mindy Stroupe

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September 01, 2020

Gina Prevost

Mandy ~ We are so sorry for the loss of your precious little boy. Our hearts are hurting for you and your family. Please know you all are in our thoughts and prayers! Ben, Gina and Lucas Prevost, High Point, NC
September 01, 2020

Mindy Stroupe

In honor of his favorite color, and one of mine. Thinking of the entire family during this time.
September 01, 2020

Sarah Bowles

Bless you and your family at this difficult time. If he was anything like his mother, Mandy, then he was precious! Sending lots of love hugs and kisses. Sarah Cundiff Bowles
September 01, 2020

nancy sutton

Although we never had the privilege of meeting Denny in person, we feel we knew him like a book because of your updates and photos that you so unselfishly shared. He was one special & unique "little man"! Thank you & God Bless you all, Nancy (Zerfass) & Jack Sutton
September 01, 2020

Allison Day

Lit a candle in memory of Dennis "Denny" Schoonmaker
September 01, 2020

Aysu Kurultak

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September 01, 2020

Bob Magnotta

Lit a candle in memory of Dennis "Denny" Schoonmaker
September 01, 2020

Christine and Mark Dries

Our heartfelt condolences go out to your family. May you know that your family are in our thoughts and prayers during this most difficult time. Christine and Mark Dries
September 01, 2020

Candace C. Olander

Thinking of Denny and all of you and sending healing energy, love and peace to you. Little Denny will be remembered as a beautiful light that shone brightly and lifted up all those who were fortunate to have passed his way.
September 01, 2020

evonne hubbard

Where would I even start. Denny and my other grandchildren are the light of my life. When Denny was little I always love to hold his hands and feet and rub his head as he was falling asleep. A couple Sundays ago I told him a story about The Three Pigs, a little later he said something I did not understand, so he yelled out Nana I said read another story. We enjoyed Jack in the Beanstalk together. I feel so blessed to have been Nana to such a sweet little man.
September 01, 2020

Evonne Hubbard

I was blessed to be this little man's Nana. I always loved holding his hands and feet and rubbing his forehead as he was going to sleep when he was a baby. Easter Sunday afternoon we shared a story when I was finished he said something I did not understand, so he yelled out Nana I said read me another story, so we enjoyed Jack in the Beanstalk. Denny and his precious memories will live in my heart forever. Love you buddy.
September 01, 2020

Amy Hart

Lit a candle in memory of Dennis "Denny" Schoonmaker
September 01, 2020

Brenda Barker

Lit a candle in memory of Dennis "Denny" Schoonmaker
September 01, 2020

Victoria Hanley

Lit a candle in memory of Dennis "Denny" Schoonmaker
September 01, 2020

The Slope Family

May the love of those around you, comfort you in the days ahead. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
September 01, 2020

kimberly Smith

Having lost a child ourselves last October (Preston was 13), we know the overwhelming feeling of riding the roller coaster of emotions... the tug of war of what to feel. All I can say is let them all come out. Denny and Preston were brave and had enormous courage in their fights. Our sons, our heroes! You can not only embrace the short life you had with him but embrace what he gave your family... strength, happiness, hope and love, for the rest of your lives. One foot in front of the other. Take your time. You are in our thoughts. Ryan, Kim and Ella Smith
September 01, 2020

Paula and Milton Cooley

We will always remember his beautiful, glorious smile. Even on a bad day, thoughts of his smile made us smile. Smile on, little Denny.
September 01, 2020

The Compassionate Friends of Wake County

Dear Mr. and Mrs. Schoonmaker, It is with a heavy heart that we send this message to you. Sadly, we have learned about the passing of your beloved son Denny. There are simply no words that can adequately express what it is to suffer the loss of a beloved child. We are bereaved parents who have suffered this devastating loss. We want to reach out to you in behalf of our group The Compassionate Friends of Wake County, a non-profit and non-denominational support group that consists solely of parents who have lost a child. We are part of the worldwide organization The Compassionate Friends which can be accessed at www.compassionatefriends.org. Our website is on the latter which you can get to by clicking on Chapter Locator and then going to NC. Our group meets twice a month in Raleigh. If you have any questions, please call our message line 919-833-4022. There is always a bereaved parent on call who should get back to you in one to three days. We are so sorry for your loss and please know that you and your precious child are in our thoughts and prayers. With caring and concern, The Compassionate Friends of Wake County
September 01, 2020

Paula McDonald Whitsell

Lit a candle in memory of Dennis "Denny" Schoonmaker
September 01, 2020

Jennifer D'Entremont

Lit a candle in memory of Dennis "Denny" Schoonmaker
September 01, 2020

Jessica Ritter

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September 01, 2020

Jennifer Laird

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September 01, 2020

Tara, Calvin & Addyson Rose Honeycutt

Lit a candle in memory of Dennis "Denny" Schoonmaker
September 01, 2020

Kara Guy and Family

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September 01, 2020

Thea Anderson & Family

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September 01, 2020

Kara Groene

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September 01, 2020

Sylvia Carter & Thomas R. Hawkins

Sent a gift in memory of Dennis "Denny" Schoonmaker
September 01, 2020

Tina Jones Murray

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September 01, 2020

Susan Taylor

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September 01, 2020

Nancy Smith

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September 01, 2020

Linda Winstead

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September 01, 2020

Richard and Cindy Menard

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September 01, 2020

Tammy Wood

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September 01, 2020

Amanda Davis

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September 01, 2020

Candace C. Olander

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September 01, 2020

Scott Blum

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September 01, 2020

Lana Pham

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September 01, 2020

Martini Family

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September 01, 2020

Rene Goodspeed

Lit a candle in memory of Dennis "Denny" Schoonmaker