Dennis Cornelius Loy

It is with profound sadness that we inform you Dennis C. Loy has passed
away and left the earthly plane, and us, for now.  On the morning of
August 12th, he was taken to UVA hospital, where he passed away 11 hours
later.

Dennis is survived by his husband and partner of 29 years, Ronald
Mosher, of Ruckersville; a loving and dedicated daughter, Donna Loy Fike, of
Virginia Beach; and the joy of his life, his three wonderful
grandchildren: Katie, of Blacksburg, Sarah and David, both of Virginia
Beach.  He was so proud of his grandchildren and thought of them
constantly.  Dennis is survived by the closest of friends, and roommate
of 35 years, Dennis Calley of Ruckersville, and his sister, Erma Leake
of Ida, and many nieces and nephews. 

He was preceded in death by his
parents Samuel Loy, Jr. and Daisy Printz Loy of Ida (Printz Town); his
brothers, Frances and Dale; and sisters, Thelma Rothgeb and Doris Legg.
Dennis was the 3rd great grandson of Prince Johann Philip of
Baden-Wurtemberg who emigrated to America and fought in the American
Revolutionary War with Thomas Jefferson.  He was also a descendant of
the indigenous Cherokee and Cree Nations.  He was proud to reach the
ripe old age of 81.

A good friend insisted he “fight like hell,” to recover from his April
11th auto accident, and he did.  Despite looking like he was getting
better and stronger every day, he lost his four-month battle after a
life-flight on Pegasus, four surgeries, more than 2 months in and out of
the hospital, and the best home-health care team.  Special thanks go out
to Brittany, Mark, and Sue for their wonderful care and support, and to
the countless others who provided his care these last four months.

He lived most of his adult life in the Charlottesville and Greene County
areas. He fought to get out of the hospital quickly because he loved
being in his Ruckersville home, and being with Ron, Dennis, the cats,
Lovey and Dovey, and the surrounding flowers. He was lucky to have great
neighbors and friends who were very supportive and willing to help.

Dennis grew up in the Ida community of Page County, just southeast of
Luray.  He graduated from Luray High School and Virginia Tech University
and attended the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences at the University
of Virginia.  He was employed at the Institute of Textile Technology for
over 30 years where he edited a journal and electronic database and a
4-volume international textile thesaurus.  He was also a contributor to
Encyclopedia Britannica. He participated in a National Science
Foundation grant on building codes.  He retired from a local division of
McGraw-Hill and Standard & Poors.  He was a past president of the
National Exchange Club, Charlottesville Chapter.  After retiring, he
enjoyed gardening and researching  his family history and expanded his
ancestral tree. He reached out to newfound cousins and was always
updating his mailing list.  He became an expert at finding people and
connecting with them, and he really wanted to bring different parts of
the family closer together. He was happiest when reaching out to friends
and family with calls or a quick note and card.

Dennis was dearly loved and will be greatly missed.  A graveside service
will be held at Mt. Zion Church of the Brethren in Luray at 10:30 on
Saturday, Sept. 2nd. A Celebration of Life will be held on
Sat. Sept. 9 at 1 p.m. at Grace Episcopal Church in Stanardsville. 
Please keep his family in your thoughts and prayers.