Raymond Leo Dennehy

On Monday, April 19, 2021 Raymond (Ray) Leo Dennehy, loving husband, father, grandfather and friend, passed away at the age of 86.

Ray was born on August 31, 1934 in San Francisco, CA to Joseph & Mary Dennehy. He grew up in Noe Valley, San Francisco. He attended Saint Philip Catholic School and Sacred Heart Cathedral High School. Ray joined the Navy and served 4 years aboard the USS Rochester (CA 124) as a radarman, principally in the South China Sea, from 1954–58. He got his BA at the University of San Francisco in 1962, his MA at the University of California, Berkeley in 1964 and his PhD University of Toronto in 1973.

Ray began his teaching career at the University of Santa Clara and was a Professor of Philosophy at the University of San Francisco for 41 years. He was honored with the distinguished title of Professor Emeritus. He had an incredible impact on his students guiding them as young adults. Many students commended Ray for his respect for diverse opinions as he offered thought-provoking conversations.

His areas of teaching and research interest were metaphysics, epistemology, and bioethics. Dennehy was frequently called upon to address contemporary ethical issues by universities and the media. He was invited to the University of California, Berkeley, for 50 consecutive semesters to debate abortion. He wrote and published 6 books, most recently A Philosopher Reflects on the Rosary which was released earlier this year.

Ray was an ardent runner and weightlifter and will be remembered for his storytelling, humor, writing, love for his family and devotion to his faith. Ray once mentioned, “at times we don’t even see the plan God has for us, and for me, it’s been to fight for life,” a mission he would carry out “until I reach room temperature.”

He is survived by his best friend in the world and wife of 30 years Maryann (O’Reilly) Dennehy, 4 children and their spouses: son Mark Dennehy (Delilah) of Stockton, CA, daughters Bridget Consiglio (Steve) of Santa Rosa, CA, Andrea Hatch (Ken), of Daly City, CA, Roz Cordini of Louisville, KY, 12 grandchildren & spouses/significant others: Sean Dennehy, Stephen Consiglio (Jessica), Laura Consiglio (Greg), Rachel Hatch-Ibarra (Ashley), Daniela Cordini (Stefan), Kelli Richardson (Evan), Lisa Consiglio (Khush), Kenny Hatch, (Alexis), Francesca Cordini (Gabe), Madeline Hatch, Brandon Cordini, Rosabella Dennehy.

Ray was preceded in death by his brother, Patrick, and parents, Joseph & Mary Dennehy.

Donations in Ray’s memory may be made to the Life Legal Defense Foundation.