Deny McCormack

Dr. Denis McCormack, known to family and friends as Deny, passed away peacefully at his home on Tippecanoe Lake on Friday, Oct. 25, 2024. Born to Lloyd and Mary McCormack, in Baltimore, on Oct. 9, 1948, Deny would come to be known for his love of stained glass and art, cooking and grilling, music, entertaining and being out on the water.

A dedicated and skilled optometrist, Deny began his career under Dr. Paul Grossnickle before establishing The Spectacle Shoppe, a family-owned and operated business that continues to serve Warsaw and the surrounding communities. After graduating from Fremont High School, he went on to Indiana University, where he taught advanced biology while earning his bachelor’s degree and later a doctorate in optometry from Indiana University. He was an IU fan for life.

Known for his love of boating and kayaking, he could regularly be found on the water for an early morning paddle on Lake Tippecanoe or in the Gulf near their former Fort Myers Beach (FMB) home. Friends and family will remember Deny’s steak nights and his homemade stir-fry and egg rolls. He shared his passion for music by hosting Duke Tumatoe at the lake house, sharing quips from Bob and Tom’s radio show, taking spring break visitors to catch a local performance at Matanza’s in FMB and by playing his guitar and singing along with friends.

Knowing the value of education, Deny helped his loved ones pursue their interests and goals. He was a strong-willed man, who kept his friends close and faced the challenges in his life with resilience and bravery. His generous, playful (or some would say ornery), spirit — paired with a love of Yosemite Sam and Elmer Fudd — will be fondly remembered by all who knew him.

He leaves behind a loving family, including his companion, Dana Stahly; son, Mark (Kelly) McCormack, of Indianapolis; daughter, Melissa Jeffries, of Florida; eight cherished grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. He was the beloved brother of Kenny McCormack, of Madison, Wis., and Kathy Hoffman, of Lake Frederick, Va. His step-family includes his stepdaughter, Shelly (Mark) Aker, from Tippecanoe Lake, and his stepson, Jason Stahly, from Denia Beach, Fla.

Deny was preceded in death by his parents, Lloyd L. McCormack and Mary D. (Wilson) McCutchen; his brother, Jeff McCormack; and his stepson, Mike Stahly.

Titus Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Warsaw is entrusted with the care of Denis “Deny” McCormack. The family is grieving privately at this time. To leave a written condolence, visit TitusFuneralHome.com.

In lieu of flowers or gifts, memorials should be sent to K-21 Health Foundation, Cancer Care Fund, 1101 Park Ave., Winona Lake, IN 46590.