Denise R. Dear passed away December 1, 2025 in Roswell Park Cancer Institute surrounded by loving family members. Born in Lockport March 1, 1958 she was a daughter of Donald Dear and Donna Alexander, and Joy and George Clody.  Denise worked for her family’s restaurant, LaPort’s Pine Restaurant, where she was a cook. Throughout her life she enjoyed gardening, fishing, walks through nature, finding treasures in bottle dumps and the occasional trespassing in interesting places.

Denise is survived by her companion of 35 years, Randy Willard; daughters Sienna Raine and the late Sara (William Scott) Dear; grandchildren Izabella and Brier Scott; siblings Donald (Chrissy) Dear, Debbie (Jack) Warner, Davenee (Joe) Kleitz, Candace (John) Breault, Gail (Bill) Luckman, Grace (Desiree) Clark-Burch, and the late Frank Dear, Dannie Dear, and Donna Lou Wurzer; also survived by many nieces and nephews.  

Relatives and friends will gather for a Celebration of Life on Friday, December 5th beginning at 4:00pm at Covenant United Church of Christ, 4449 Main St, Gasport, NY. Suits or formal dress are not required. You know Denise would accept you as you are. Denise loved plants and flowers and they will not be turned away. Family would also like you to consider making a donation in her memory to Roswell Park Cancer Institute or the UB Foundation in support of the Anatomical Gift Program.