Dennis Terrance Moriarty

The good are vulnerable

As any bird in flight,

They do not think of safety,

Are blind to possible extinction

And when most vulnerable

Are most themselves. . . 

I think that I know one or two

Among my friends – The Good by Brendan Kennelly

Our loving husband and dad finished his last birdhouse on January 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 unloveable.

Dennis’s love for his dogs approached the affection he showed his sons. If all dogs go to heaven, then Lady, Gloria, Angel, Niña, Minimouse, Taz, Nibbles, and the granddogs will be getting treats for eternity.

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 woodshop. 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. 

Survived by his wife, Karon, two sons, Dan (Lea) and Rob (Mary), one brother, Michael, and numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. 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, there will be a wake on Thursday, January 5th from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. at Starks Funeral Parlor. Please use complimentary valet on north side of the building. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, January 6 at 11:00 am at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish, 4360 West 5415 South, Kearns, where friends may call upon the family beginning at 10:30 a.m.. Commital will follow at Valley View Memorial Park, 4400 West 4100 South, West Valley.