He prepared at Phillips Exeter Academy in New Hampshire, where he competed on the debate and swim teams. At Princeton, he majored in politics, joined Cannon Club, swam with the varsity team, and was a member of Whig-Clio. He won the Walter Hope Prize in extemporaneous speaking, and graduated Phi Beta Kappa.

At Michigan Law School, after two years   of service in the Army, he was admitted to the Order of the Coif and became editor of the   law review.

In 1959, he joined Pillsbury Madison & Sutro in San Francisco, co-founded the firm of Howard Rice Nemerovski, where he remained for more than 50 years. He was selected for inclusion in “Best Lawyers in America” in several areas of expertise for more than 30 years and spoke around the world on complex legal and other issues, including Bitcoin. In 2009, the California Bar Association Business Law Section honored him with its Lifetime Achievement Award.

Denny devoted time to the community, offering pro bono service, holding elective office, and serving on numerous official commissions, corporate boards, and nonprofits.

He remained an avid swimmer for decades after his college career and was known for his warmth, humor, and a mischievous smile.

Denny is survived by his wife, Pamela; his son, James; daughter Tracy; stepsons Josh and Shane; stepdaughter Gabriella; and his four granddaughters.