Harlan J. Denny, 68, a lifelong resident of Orange, entered into eternal rest surrounded by his loving family

Harlan J. Denny, 68, a lifelong resident of Orange, entered into eternal rest surrounded by his loving family on November 7, 2026. Born on August 1, 1958 in New Haven, he was the son of the late Robert and Alice (Gallinger) Denny.

At just 10 years old, Harlan took over his brother's paper route, and by the age of 12, he had taken on another neighborhood job, cutting lawns and further developing the skills and passion that would eventually shape his life's work.

After graduating from Amity Regional High School in 1976, he started Denny Landscaping LTD, a business he built and maintained for 50 years. What began with a young boy mowing lawns grew into a lasting enterprise. Through his business, Harlan did more than care for properties and trees; he inspired and mentored young landscapers, sharing his knowledge and passing along his appreciation for the outdoors.

His commitment to the industry extended well beyond his own business. Harlan was a member of numerous organizations, including the Tree Care Industry Association, the Connecticut Christmas Tree Growers Association, the Connecticut Farm Bureau, the Connecticut Groundskeepers Association, and the Connecticut Professional Timber Producers Association. These connections reflected his dedication to his profession and his desire to contribute to the broader landscaping and agricultural community.

At the age of 25, Harlan purchased 10 acres of land in Orange and began Denny's Tree Farm. Harlan loved the outdoors all year round, but his favorite season was winter. He looked forward to his trips to Vermont where he enjoyed hockey, skiing, ice skating, and snowmobiling. He loved spending time at Okemo, DJ’s, and Singleton’s which led to him purchasing a second home in Mount Holly in 2008.

Harlan was also a lifelong member of the Orange Congregational Church and was a 20-year member of the Orange Volunteer Fire Department, where his connection to faith and community remained an important part of his life. While working at the Fireman’s Carnival in 1987, Harlan met Ann, the love of his life. Their connection blossomed, and the two were married in August of 1990, beginning their life together built on love.

To those who knew him, Harlan was more than a businessman, a volunteer firefighter, or a man who loved the outdoors. He was someone who was always willing to lend a helping hand to a friend or neighbor. He was known for his early mornings, often already awake and chatting with friends over the telephone. Those conversations, like so many of his everyday interactions, reflected the relationships he valued and the connections he worked to maintain.

Above all else, Harlan treasured his family. He was so proud of his three daughters and their athletic and academic accomplishments. The only thing that brought him more joy than his children were his grandchildren. Whether bringing his grandchildren to fairs, sharing his love of Vermont, or simply spending time together, he found his greatest joy in the people closest to him. His love for family and community was woven into everything he did.

The trees he planted and cared for will continue to grow. The knowledge he shared will live on through those he mentored. The traditions he created will be carried forward by his family. The countless friendships he built will remain in the hearts of those fortunate enough to know him.

Along with his beloved wife, Ann, Harlan is survived by his children, Shannon (Kevin) Olson, Rebecca (Alex) Wetmore, and Allison (Kurt) Correia; his grandchildren, Lucy, Archer, and Callum; his brother, Kevin (Sally) Denny; his mother-in-law, Dorothy Borrelli; his in-laws, Carla Borrelli (William Boegly), Donna Borrelli (Carol Marinaccio), Stephen (Helen) Borrelli, and Paul (Maria) Borrelli; his nieces and nephews, Eric (Briana) Denny, Sarah (Carl) Tonucci, Nicholas Boegly, Stephen (Kim) Borrelli, Teresa Borrelli, and Gianna Borrelli; his great nieces and nephews, Carter, Emma, Camden, and Sophia; and his beloved furry companions, Hunter and Tucker.

Harlan is predeceased by his parents, Robert and Alice Denny; and his father-in-law, Carl Borrelli.

Family and friends are invited to gather on Thursday, November 12, 2026 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Cody-White Funeral Home, 107 Broad Street, Milford. A Funeral Service will be held on Friday, November 13, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. at Orange Congregational Church, 205 Meetinghouse Lane, Orange (MEET DIRECTLY AT CHURCH). Interment will follow at Orange Center Cemetery, Orange Center Road, Orange.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Orange Volunteer Fire Department at https://www.orangevfd.org/ or the Orange Land Trust at https://www.orangectlandtrust.org/

To leave online condolences, please visit our website at www.codywhitefuneralservice.com.