Mr. Anthony Joseph Denning, retired Rutgers University professor, died Sunday, Feb. 22, 2009. He was 88. Professor Denning was the founding Chair of the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering at the School of Engineering at Rutgers University. He was one of the first few faculty members in the field of industrial engineering and helped the department shape its mission at Rutgers. During his 19 years at the school, he led the effort in enlarging the department by hiring a number of today’s faculty, introduced many new courses and mentored academics from many countries before retiring in 1987. He and his wife Irene continued their involvement with the department by communicating with faculty and students over the years.

A U.S. Navy veteran, and long-time participant in the political and administrative life of Franklin Township, he volunteered for the Township Zoning Board of Adjustment for almost two decades and was frequently the Board's chair. At the same time, Mr. Denning was a long-time member and twice president of the Franklin Township Republican Club.

A native of Newark, Mr. Denning graduated from Weequahic High School in 1938 and the Newark College of Engineering in 1942. He enlisted as a lieutenant in the Navy during World War II, serving as Chief Engineer on refitting projects until the war's end. Mr. Denning earned a Masters Degree in Industrial Engineering from Columbia University, graduating in 1953. He was a member of the Keyport Yacht Club and a talented photographer.

He is survived by Irene, his wife of 48 years; his children, Catherine, James, Sharon, and Suzanne; his sons-in-law, Chris, Seth, and Greg; and four grandchildren, Declan, Lila, Owen and Liam.

Relatives and friends are invited to a viewing from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Feb. 27, 2009 at Gleason Funeral Home, 1360 Hamilton St., Somerset. A Funeral Mass will be held at 9 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 28, 2009 at St. Mathias Church, 168 JFK Blvd., Somerset, with a reception to follow at home. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the New Jersey Metro Chapter of the Multiple Sclerosis Society, P.O. Box F, Belmar, NJ 07719.