Dennis "Denny" Mark Moran

Dennis “Denny” Mark Moran, 76, of Duluth, passed away on Sunday, November 20th, 2022 at St. Luke’s Hospital, after losing a hard fought battle with cancer. Denny was born in Duluth on January 19th, 1946 to Frances and Thomas Moran. He was proud to grow up in the Greysolon neighborhood on Vermilion Road and never left the area, later building his forever home nearby. Denny met the love of his life, Judy Knoll, and they were married on May 15th, 1965. Shortly after, they welcomed their children, Debra and Mark, into this world. In 1974, Denny realized that a budding career with GE would not fulfill his ambition. Denny and Judy sacrificed everything to buy a small hardware store across from a larger, well established hardware store. Through true grit and determination, they bought out the larger store. Their success was based on the loyal friendships that they developed with their customers, many of them becoming lifelong friends. Denny’s Ace Hardware became more than just a hardware store, it was a community. Everyone loved to visit Denny and hear a funny joke or a good story. That community grew as he expanded his business portfolio to include Denny’s Lawn and Garden, as well as Judy’s Soap Box.  Denny enjoyed spending family time at the cabin, fishing and hunting trips, shooting sporting clays, and golfing with good friends. He had the luck of the Irish in Cribbage and other games. He was preceded in death by his parents, Frances and Thomas Moran; his brother, Gary Moran; brother-in-law, Dale Noreen and three nephews. Denny is survived by his beloved wife, Judy Moran; his daughter, Debra (John) Welch; his son, Mark (Dawn) Moran; his sister, Sharon Noreen; six grandchildren, Matt (Sarah) Pohl, Jessie (David) Rose, Cassie (Joel) Klints, John Welch, Zachary Moran, and Michael Moran; six great-grandchildren, Ara, Macie, Orion, Madelyn, Mira and baby boy due in January; many nieces, nephews and extended family. Visitation 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Friday, November 25th, 2022 in the Dougherty Funeral Home. The visitation will continue on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until the 11:00 a.m. funeral service at St. John’s Catholic Church 4230 St. Johns Ave. Fr. Seth Gogolin officiating. Burial in Park Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider memorials to the American Cancer Society or the charity of your choice. Arrangements by Dougherty Funeral Home. 600 East Second St.