Chip DeNully

Chip DeNully, 67, of Wayne, formerly of Hawthorne, passed away February 21, 2024. Loving husband of the love of his life, Ginger (Tamburri). Devoted brother of Tony (Olga) of Myrtle Beach, Andrew (Diane Killeen) of Hawthorne, William Carafello (Rita) of Hawthorne. Step-Father of Tony (Jessica) Macedo, Joseph (Christy) Macedo, and James Muenchen, grandfather of Brianna, Jillian, Nicholas and Izzy Macedo. Uncle of Adam (Erica), Steven, Arianna DeNully, Aislinn Kari, Serena Kari, and great-uncle of Vera Christine DeNully. Godfather of Shannon Cusma and Arianna DeNully. Chip is pre-deceased by his parents, Edfmund and Rosemarie (Morrone).
The world lost a great man on February 21, 2024. Chip DeNully shed his earthly bonds, and entered into heaven, where he is most likely raising a little hell. Chip always lived his life on his terms, right to the end. As well known as most national sports figures, Chip was a perennial All-Star first baseman in the Hawthorne Softball League, and the Ridgewood Men’s softball league. Chip led Hawthorne teams like Brothers Pizza, Hawthorne Liquors, The Mad Pirate, Arthur Groom and Co., and Thumbs Up. Tapes of his tenacious defensive play at First base are still shown to new players in the league, as a level of play to shoot for. His left handed batting nor only showered right and centerfield with hits, but he would confound defenses by slamming line drives into left field on dozens of occasions. He won so many fielding awards and batting titles, and 6 MVP Awards, that he was voted “Best Player of All Time” by his peers. In 1979, his legendary diving defensive plays, and two Home Runs helped Bill ‘Tudor’ Carafello pitch the incredible 10-0 shutout of their arch rivals Hook Lumber, 10-0 at Wagaraw Stadium. Not only a great player, Chip managed teams to so many victories that he was named ‘Manager of the Decade’ in the mid 1980’s beating out not only Steve Nuiver and Tony Miniaci, but the always controversial Rich Ambrose as well. Chip also starred on the Wizards softball team in the Ridgewood Men’s League. Garnering the same respect that he enjoyed in Passaic County softball, he accompanied the Wizards on both of their world tours in 1981 and 1982. On the Puerto Rico leg of the tour, his play helped the Wizards split a double header with the famous Comerio Bacardi Rum team, who ruled the Puerto Rican league at the time. Chips attempts at speaking Spanish including “Si, No, Gracias, and Mas Cerveza, Por Favor!” are still the stuff of legend in Comerio.
Chip’s athletic prowess was not limited to the Softball Diamond. He was also a famous player on the South Cow County Cowpokers, who were a dominant power in the vaunted Goffle Brook football League in the early to mid 1970’s. The Goffle Brook League was tackle without equipment, as Cowpokers Manager Dave Feeney stated “Football as it was meant to be”. Broken bones, bruises and cuts were so common place in games that well known Hawthorne High School football Star Jeff Matthews stated that “Those guys are crazy”. Chip was noted for his hard tackling, and blocking. He could also be depended on to be a versatile offensive player, excelling at receiving and running. As Steve Nuiver, coach of the rival Bruisers said about DeNully “The worst part about the last out of Softball was knowing that football, and having to face Chip, was coming”.
Chips athletic prowess was not the only trait that set him apart. His heart also had the room to help others. In the early 1970’s, he sold thousands of raffle tickets, for the construction of the New Boy’s Club in Hawthorne. His ticket sales were in the tens of thousands of dollars, which was among the top sellers.
Chip was also an avid motorcycle rider. He would ride his beloved Harley ‘Roxanne’ with the Lions Head Lake motorcycle Club. He participated in many charity rides up and down the East Coast.
An avid animal lover, Chip adopted many animals from shelters. He will be missed by his 6 cats, 4 dogs, 2 birds, and the fish in his 2 tanks.
Chip also had to make a living. He retired as an inspector with NJ Transit Rail on June 9, 2016, having started as a track layer, and advancing up the ranks.

Life’s journey is not to arrive at the grave

safely in a well preserved body.

But rather to skid in sideways,

totally worn out,

shouting “Wow! What a ride!"

Chip will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, donations to:

Wayne Animal Shelter
201 Pompton Plain Crossroad
Wayne, New Jersey 07470
Phone- 973-492-5151

Donation Link: https://wipp.edmundsassoc.com/Wipp/?wippid=1614#miscPymtPage