MACEIKO, Dennis Joseph, 65, of Wheeling, died Friday, November 14, 2008 in Ruby Memorial Hospital, Morgantown, W.Va.
Dennis was born May 20, 1943 in New York, N.Y., a son of the late John and Elizabeth Pietrewicz Maceiko. He was a graduate of St. John’s University, N.Y.; a clinical psychologist with the Ohio Valley Psychology Group for over 30 years; a former psychology professor with Wheeling Jesuit University for 33 years; and was a member of St. Michael Catholic Church, Wheeling, the West Virginia Psychology Association and the American Psychology Association.
In addition to his parents, Dennis was preceded in death by his wife, Joan M. Grey Maceiko in 2007; and a brother, James Maceiko.
Dennis is survived by his daughter, Alison Young and her husband, Brett of Cleveland, Ohio; three sons, Patrick Maceiko and his wife, Jennifer of Cleveland, Ohio, Jeffrey Maceiko of Jackson, Wyo., and Christopher Maceiko of California; and two grandsons, Sam and Jack Young of Cleveland, Ohio.
Friends will be received from 1-4 and 6-9 pm, Monday, November 17, 2008 at Altmeyer Funeral Home, Elm Grove Chapel, 154 Kruger Street, Wheeling, where a vigil service will be held at 7:30 pm.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 am, Tuesday, November 18, 2008 at St. Michael Catholic Church, with the Rev. James O’Brien, Rev. Joseph Sanders and Rev. Joseph Hayden as celebrants.
A beautiful man…his loss is a true loss to everyone who was touched by his gracious love and compassion..Den will always have a special place in my life, and my heart…nick dittmar
Alison, Chris, Jeff, and Patrick,
I was truly saddened to suddenly hear about the loss of your father. It has been a very long time since I last saw him, but I have always had lasting memories and great esteem of his welcoming, warm nature and his sharp wit and humor.
I look back to those days with wholehearted smiles and wish you the most comforting memories as well.
My thoughts and condolences go out to all of you.
Alison, Jeff, Patrick, and Chris
Susan and I were shocked and deeply saddened to learn of your Dad’s death. In the 25 or so years Denny and I worked together at the college, I knew him as a close friend, a teacher who changed students’ lives, a father who always put his children first, and a devoted husband to Joan, the great love of his life. We’ll never forget the joy of those psychology department Christmas dinners, hosted by Joan and Denny.
Alison, Patrick, Jeffrey and Christopher – Be comforted knowing your father touched many lives in a very good way. I’m one of the many psychology students from Wheeling College that thought highly of Denny and appreciated the many lessons he taught. It’s been 24 years since I graduated from Wheeling but I still have many memories that involve your father. And I clearly remember how lovingly and frequently he talked about you kids and your mom. I’m a bit stunned right now, having just read the notice of his passing…but I have no doubt Denny’s bright smile is lighting up the heavens.
Peace,
Carol Schubert
WJU ’84
Chris, Jeff, Alison, & Patrick,
My thoughts and prayers are with you. Your Dad and Momwaswere always so very kind to me. Denny always had such a great smile and had a way to make me laugh. He was also able to give a new psychology student some much needed confidence. I have fond memories of your home.I can even say that you all survived when I watched you, in the winter when your mom and dad went on vacation.
Be well, I hope you are able to enjoy life as much as your Dad did!
Mary Lou
Chris, Jeff, Allison & Patrick,
We were away when your Dad passed away or we would have been with you. We were shocked & saddend by the news. Denny taught both of us and entrusted me with his tax work for 20+ years when he incorporated The Ohio Valley Psychology Group, Inc. As you know, your parents were friends of ours and we always enjoyed The Signature Ball together even when your Mom wasn’t well. We watched you kids grow up ever since Denny began at WJU. We will really miss your Dad and his big smile. Our prayers are with he & your entire family.
Dear Alison, Chris, Patrick and Jeff,
I never open my email from Wheeling Jesuit but something made me do it today and there was your dad on the front page. Your dad was such a good man. I can truly say he helped to form me into what I have become – a counselor of troubled children. I am forever grateful and I will never forget what he taught me. The world is a much sadder place today without him. I will hold you in my heart and in my prayers. Cathy
Dear Chris and Family,
I was sorry to learn of your fathers death through a Wheeling College news letter. My dad filled me in on the details. What an unexpected and sad loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this very difficult time.
Tina Saseen Dowdy
Dear Chris, Alison, Jeff and Patrick,
I was deeply saddened to learn about your father. He was one of the best professors, mentors and role models I had at Wheeling College. Now, 20+ years later as a practicing counselor myself, I can truly say that he continues to be an inspirational role model to me after all these years. He was kind, fun, approachable, friendly, told great stories and always had the best interest of others before himself. The world was and will continue to be a better place because of your father. Peace and Blessings, Jeff Klug, WC/WJU Class of ’88
Dear Chris, Jeff, Alison and Patrick,
I am so sorry for us that Denny and Joan have gone. . they are irreplaceable in your lives and in our world. I am smiling for them because I know that they are together and continuing to “take trips”, delighting in each other and in you, their beautiful legacy.
I love you each!
Peg
Dear Chris, Jeff, Alison, and Patrick, I was just leaving my office and opened up my personal e-mail account to read of your father’s passing. Rarely does a week go by that I have not thought of him — nearly 40 years since I graduated from WJU. I am a practicing psychologist because of your father’s mentorship. I will always see him perched on his desk, asking questions, full of energy at 8:00 a.m.! My deepest sympathy to each of you in your loss, Susan
Class of 1969: Psychology Major
Dear Maceiko children,
Your father, and your mother for that matter, were long time friends of my family. Denny started at Wheeling College the same year my Dad and our family moved to Wheeling and when Dad also began his professorship at Wheeling College. Your parents and my presents were part of that old, tight group that stayed together for all these years. Your Dad also helped me out during some rough times. He and I also touched bases in our careers during my career as a social worker, working with troubled children who needed psychological exams. I wish I could be there in person to offer my sympathy but I am on vacation with my family. I am so saddened by your father’s death, as I was by your mother’s.
Dear Maceiko Family,
It is with great sadness that I sign this guest book. I had the honor of working with your father over the past eleven years at The Children’s Home of Wheeling, he was never a colleague – always a friend! I will seeing him each week and talking with him as he shared his stories of his wonderful family and most recently listening to him talk about the big sky of Wyoming and how much he loved it there.
Denny you are now a permanent member of “the big sky” and heaven will shine all the brighter now that you are there!
I send my heartfelt condolences to the family and say fairwell to a wonderful man.
Forever in my thoughts and prayers.
Dianne Campinelli
The Children’s Home of Wheeling
Dear Maceiko Family,
You have my deepest sympathy. Your DAD was a gift from the Lord to so many of us. I was shocked and hurt to hear of his passing. He was so good with me during a most difficult time in my life. You were so fortunate to have him for a dad.
I hope you can find some solace knowing he is with his Savior and your Mother.
I received this poem after I lost my second son, I hope it speaks to your heart:
I know I am still with you, in your prayers, your thoughts, your heart. And though you cannot see me, I will always be a part of life’s sweet celebrations in those times when you reflect on how, though things are different, through our love, we still connect. We’ll see each other someday when our spirits all are free. Until then, I am with you because you remember me.
Death leaves a heartache no one can
heal. Love leaves a memory no one can steal.
Peace my friend, may the light and love of our Savior bring you the eternal joy and happiness you deserve.
Dear Maceiko Family,
I was so sad to hear of Denny’s passing. He was a wonderful person/professor and I truly enjoyed his classes at WJC. It was during my senior year that we the psychology seniors threw him a surprise party for his 50th birthday. Such fun! Thank you for sharing him with us. He will be missed.
Dear Maceiko family,
How sad I was to read the news of Denny’s death. For reasons unknown to me at the time, fond thoughts and images of him had been coming to mind over this last week or so. When I think of Denny, it brings a smile to my face. What a dedicated mentor and wonderful role model he was during my years as a psychology major at Wheeling. Not only was he a strong professional role model, he showed us how to blend family devotion with career commitment. That was no small matter for a female student in the mid’70’s. As have others who signed this guestbook, I have fond memories of you, his spirited children, who I “babysat” a time or two myself. I will always remember that he and Doc Goodwin cared enough to drive several psychology majors, including myself, to the APA convention in Chicago and mentor us through the experience. I am a practicing Clinical Psychologist today and am proud to say that I will always carry a piece of his caring, compassionate personality and his love of the profession with me. My thoughts and prayers go out to you.
Dee DeSesa-Smith ’76
Dear Maciko Family,
I am so sorry for the loss of your father. I had the privilege and honor of working with him over the past 12 years. He will be truly missed by all who knew him. God Bless your family.
Dana Zaccirey
Denny was my advisor at Wheeling when I was a psychology major from 1984-1987. He was a quiet leader, a gentle man, and a good counselor. He will be missed.
Denny will be very missed. He was a wonderful guy and was so great at what he did. All of the children that he worked with as well as the professionals that worked with Denny will miss him very much. My prayers are for the family during this hard time.
Family and Friends of Denny,
He will be greatly missed by all. Denny was an amazing guy and I had the priviledge to work with him for 8 years. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time.
He taught me at WJU. Great guy, I am deeply saddened by his passing.
I am so sorry about your father’s death. Denny was such a kind man and helped so many children over the years. I worked with him when I worked at the Children’s Home of Wheeling. He was a very special person, and it was an honor to know him. He will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
I am so sorry for your loss. He was a wonderful man who touched many, many lives. It was a treat getting to know him during his visits to Jackson. I especially enjoyed our conversations about troubled kids and psychology. He was always the teacher, even on vacation. I will miss him. My thoughts are with you all.
Laura
I am so sorry for your loss. I had Professor Maceiko for many psychology classes when I attended Wheeling Jesuit University. I learned so much from him and looked forward to the classes that I had with him. My thoughts are with the Maceiko family.
I am so sorry for your loss. The world will miss Denny. He was a wonderful person. He was a professor and friend of mine from when I was a student at Wheeling Jesuit. I would like to offer my sincere condolences to the entire Maceiko family.
I am so sorry to hear about your father. I was a student of his in the late ’60s. We all loved his caring enthusiasm, knowledge and willingness to help. I have great memories of baby sitting you all – you were already in bed when we my date and I arrived, so it ended up just being a great chance to get away from campus and give your Mom and Dad a chance to get out of the house. When I would talk with your Dad from time to time in later years, he was always so happy to tell about all your latest adventures. I know he was very proud of you and loved very much.
Your Dad was a great man who is sorely missed. He made a real difference in my life and many otheresfor which I will always be grateful.
Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Joe Walshe, class of 1969, psychology major
I am SO sorry to hear this happened. Anna Marie kept me informed of the details. Denny was so good to his students and the alumni. He will be missed. Take care Jeff and Alison… Lee Ann class of ’91
I am sorry for your loss. He was a wonderful professor and mentor. My prayers are with you and your family at this time.
I am very sorry for your loss. Denny was a good man and a good friend to me. May he rest in peace.
I had Dr. Maceiko as an instructor and he was excellent. He was passionate about his work and it showed through excitement about psychology. He will be greatly missed.
I just saw Dennis recently and had a quick, meaningless conversation with him. So sad, this. He was a great man, a dedicated husband, an excellent psychologist. I bid him adieu with a feeling of immense loss. Requiescat in pace, friend.
I just wanted to say i am so sorry for your loss your father was a very good man and he had a vey large inpact on my life and helped me to deal with alot of issues i was having at the time i met him
I remember Dennis as a bright, enthusiastic, supportive professor and mentor at Wheeling Jesuit. He gave life, energy and compassion to the psychology department and to the students. We wish Dennis and his family, God’s infinite blessings. Marty and Charlotte Gallagher
I was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of professor Maceiko. I graduated from WJU as a psychology major in 1979. Mr. Maceiko was the one who most inspired and encouraged me throughout my four years there. I will continue to keep his family in my prayers as you go through this difficult time.
I was extremely saddened to hear of your fathers sudden passing.
I enjoyed countless lunches with
Denny, at the
Alpha, throughout the years of our friendship.
I am a better man, because I knew Denny.
I will miss him dearly.
I was shocked and saddened to hear of Denny’s passing. What a wonderful, compassionate, and friendly professor. When I think back to my academics at WJC….I always think of Denny….and what a hard time we gave him….just because!!!!!! I persued an alternative psychology career thanks to Denny’s guidance and honesty in regards to the field. We enjoyed many barbeques with Denny and Joan which always made us feel like part of the family so many miles away from Philly!!!! God bless all of Denny and Joans children during this difficult and sad time.
I was truly saddened to hear of Dennis’s sudden passing. Please accept my deepest sympathy.
I wish the family my condolences. I was a student of Denny’s at WJU and collaborated with him as I practice psychology in the Ohio Valley. I always enjoyed his support and insight. He will be missed.
I’ll always remember how excited Dr. Maceiko was to teach my college psychology class. I had to laugh to my tired self when he told us that he thought that classes should start at 7am rather than 8am. He left an indelible mark on me as a teacher that wasnt afraid to get excited about class and show how much fun it was to teach. I believe that his teaching style lives on with me as I teach my classes. He will certainly be missed.
Sean Kowaliw
Class of 1998
I’m so saddened to hear about the death of your father. He’s been a wonderful mentor to my son for over 26 yrs. He gave so much to so many.
My sincere sympathy to all of his family. He will be missed.
Sincerely, Pokey and Jerry Halverson.
I’m so sorry to hear of your father’s passing and want to offer my sincerest condolences. At times like these, I fondly think back on life in Wheeling and all the friends I’ve lost contact with.
I’ll keep your family in my prayers.
Warmest regards,
Nick
I’m so sorry. Denny was amazing to my brother and my family; he will be deeply missed.
I’ve known denny since october 16, 2000. I met him right before I was sent to the Childrens Home of Wheeling. Denny was a great man who loved to help people as often as he could. he was also my best friend. me and denny were very close and I’m very happy to know that he is in a better place now reunited with his beloved wife joan.
It is often difficulty to explain the importance that certain persons have in our lives. Your father was one of those few people whose relationship was life changing. More than a professor, that I have just learned was a mere four years my senior, he was a true teacher and life mentor. Chris Smith, class of 1970.
Jeff and family of Denny,
So sorry to hear of your dad’s death. He was a great teacher and counselor. He will be truly missed. He was an asset to Wheeling Jesuit and the community. I had the pleasure of having him as a professor during my years at Wheeling Jesuit College. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Jeff,
I was deeply saddened to find out about the passing of your Dad. He was a wonderful person with a great sense of humor. The time at the Italian Festival during high school when he scolded you for letting me eat peel and eat shrimp without peeling off the shell is something I’ll never forget. I’ve become a little more cultured since then. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Jeff, Alison, Chris and Patrick,
I was deeply saddened to hear of the loss of your father. Denny was a great mentor during my education and career as a psychologist, but ultimately became a good friend. I have always thought of him as a genuine and compassionate person, who was always willing to give of himself to help others. I will truly miss him. May the knowledge of how much we all thought of Denny and your loving memories of him bring you peace and comfort in the days ahead.
Please accept my sincere condolence,
Cathy Courts
Jeff, I’m so sorry to hear of your father’s passing. Somehow I can picture your mom there waiting for him with open arms. I pray that you will all find comfort in the comments of so many whose lives he touched. I’m sure there are even more than you will ever know about.
Let me take this opportunity to express my sympathies to Alison and her brothers and family at this very difficult time. I was deeply saddened to hear of Denny’s passing. Joan was a friend of my mother’s, Jo Kull, and a member of the “Coffee Chicks”…I felt privileged to be included in their get togethers and in that way I got to meet and know Denny. I found him to be a generous, intelligent, and sincere human being. He will be missed.
With sincere condolences,
Debby Koegler
Maceiko Family,
I was one of many students at WJU who were inspired by your father. As I begin a new chapter of my life as an Army Psychologist, it saddens me deeply to learn of this great loss. I have only the fondest memories of him, and hope that I can someday inspire others as he did.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.