Denise C. Engelhardt

Denise C. Engelhardt, 49, of Port Ewen passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, January 9th, 2020 at home.

Born in Islip, NY on February 15th, 1970, she was the daughter of Bill and Karin (Tanawots) Engelhardt of Port Ewen.

Most recently Denise worked at the Port Ewen Liquor store where she greeted everyone with a smile and cheer.

A fun and caring person who loved to make people happy and smile, Denise thrived on time spent with friends, family, and loved ones. She enjoyed weekends by the water or at the marina surrounded by friends, family, and puppies. Her children were her greatest achievements and her reason for being. Denise so dearly loved “her babies” even as they became teenagers. When she was younger, she competed in beauty pageants with dreams of becoming miss America. That beauty and beautiful personality shined through her.

In addition to her parents, she is survived by her loving children, Dennis, William and Samantha Bernzott all of Port Ewen, two sisters, Karin (Rodney) Bunt of Eddyville and Patricia McGarry of Bay Shore, NY, nieces, Tiffany Stapleton, Laura and Andrea McGarry, nephew, John Stapleton, Jr., and one great-nephew, John Patrick Stapleton, III. as well as many cousins and family member.

She is predeceased by her brother William Engelhardt.

Denise will be sorely missed. This is not goodbye, rather until we meet again.

Memorial visitation will be held at the Gilpatric-VanVliet Funeral Home, 339 Broadway, Ulster Park, on Friday, January 17, 2020 from 3:00 pm to 4:30 pm, followed by a service at 4:30 pm, Rev. Dr. David M. Brechter will officiate.

In lieu of fresh flowers, the family suggests indoor plants for loved ones to take home and nurture in memory of Denise.