Denzil London

Denzil Adrian London was born on December 8, 1935, in Harlem, New York.

He was the youngest of four children born to William London and Viola London. He was raised with strong values that would guide him throughout his life: family, friendship, hard work, community, and the importance of bringing people together.

Above all else, Denzil was a family man. He was a devoted husband, loving father, proud grandfather and great-grandfather, cherished uncle, and loyal friend. His family was the center of his life, and few things brought him greater happiness than watching it grow from one generation to the next.

Denzil was the devoted husband of Dolores London and the loving father of Denzil London Jr., Rhonda London, Karen Stewart, Kevin London, and David London. He took tremendous pride in his children and the families they created.

Some of Denzil's happiest moments were the simple ones, being surrounded by the people he loved. Family trips to Manhasset State Park became treasured occasions filled with barbecues, laughter, good food, stories, and entire days spent enjoying one another's company. These gatherings were about more than a day at the park; they represented what mattered most to Denzil family being together. The memories created during those times would become stories his children and grandchildren would carry with them for years to come.

Denzil also had a great passion for bowling. He was a skilled bowler with a competitive spirit, but what made the sport especially meaningful was his desire to share it with his family. He introduced bowling to those he loved, teaching them the game and creating another tradition that would continue through generations. Whether competing, teaching, laughing, or simply enjoying time at the lanes, bowling reflected so much of who Denzil was competitive, playful, patient, and always ready to enjoy a good time with family and friends.

His love for people extended far beyond his immediate family.

Harlem was more than the neighborhood where Denzil grew up; it was a community he loved and remained deeply connected to. Denzil was a proud leader of the 118 Old Timers Day Association, helping to carry forward a beloved tradition that brought generations of family, friends, neighbors, and community members together.

Through music, food, dancing, laughter, fellowship, and celebration, Old Timers Day became a time for people to reconnect, reminisce, celebrate their history, and simply enjoy one another. For Denzil, bringing people together was one of life's greatest joys. His involvement reflected his commitment to giving back to the Harlem community that had given so much to him.

Denzil was also a hardworking and dedicated professional. He spent many years with the New York State Workers' Compensation Board, where he served as Chief Examiner before retiring. He took great pride in his career and approached his responsibilities with dedication and professionalism.

Yet, as meaningful as his professional accomplishments were, the true measure of Denzil's life could never be found in a job title. It was found in the family he raised, the friendships he maintained, the traditions he created, the lessons he passed down, and the countless lives he touched along the way.

Denzil leaves to cherish his memory his beloved grandchildren: LaToya London, Richelle Shields, Loniece Guevara, Crystal London, Kristen London, LaChelle Brown, Kindell London, James Aaron Stewart III, Kelia London, Kevin London Jr., and David London Jr.

He was also blessed with cherished great-grandchildren, including Lashon and Tyshonna London, Aaron Shields, Tatyana and Aiden Anthinez, Rodney Jr., Isaiah and Joshua Guevara, Lanique and Anthony Jr., Hall, as well as his beloved great-great-grandson, Cody Noah Vincent.

Denzil also leaves behind his nieces, Yvette Oleforoh and Annabella Barnes, and his nephew, Richard Barnes, along with many other extended family members and dear friends whose lives he touched throughout the years.

Through each of them, Denzil's love, stories, values, and the memories they shared will continue to live on. His legacy will be carried forward through the generations, forever keeping his spirit and memory close to the hearts of those who loved him.

Denzil will be remembered for his laughter and good nature, his competitive spirit, his dedication to family, his love of bowling, his commitment to his Harlem community, and especially his remarkable ability to bring people together.

His presence will be deeply missed, but pieces of Denzil will remain everywhere in the laughter at family gatherings, around the barbecue, at the bowling lanes, during Old Timers Day, and in every story that begins with a memory of him.

The greatest legacy Denzil leaves behind is not something that can be measured. It lives in the family he loved, the traditions he started, the people he brought together, and the memories that will continue to be shared from one generation to the next.

Denzil's life was a blessing, his memory is a treasure, and his legacy will endure for generations.

You will forever be loved, forever be remembered, and forever be carried in the hearts of all who were blessed to know you.

Rest peacefully.