Leo J. Denault ’49

LEO J. DENAULT, Port St. Lucie, FL, died July 8, 2023. After his high school graduation in Springfield, MA, Leo served in the Army Air Force during World War II in the Pacific theater before Saint Michael’s, and after graduation he earned his master’s from the University of Connecticut. He also did later graduate work at the University of Notre Dame and St. Louis University. He had a long career as a research biochemist at Miles laboratories, and in 1962 moved his family to Elkhart, IN. During his tenure at both Miles and later at Novo Nordisk, he was responsible for many innovations including developing enzymes that facilitated the brewing of light beer. A lifelong athlete, Leo played all sports and in his later years was a nationally ranked middle-distance runner. He also enjoyed singing and had a beautiful tenor voice. He and his first wife, Eileen, whom he married in 1951, retired to Florida before her death in 1995. Leo married Rita Byrne in 2000 and they enjoyed dining out, dancing and Caribbean cruises. Rita also predeceased Leo, who is survived by two sons and extended family.

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