Obituaries

October 16, 1956 – September 11, 2026

Dennis “Denny” Yat Chau passed away peacefully on September 11, 2026, at Rush Copley Medical Center, surrounded by his beloved wife, Francine, and their two sons, Matthew and Joshua. He was 69 Years Old, one month shy of his 70th birthday, Denny leaves behind a life defined by family, friendship, perseverance, humor, and love. 

Denny was a beloved husband, loving father, cherished brother, cool uncle, loyal friend, mentor, and godfather to many. Naturally outgoing and happiest around people, he was charismatic, flamboyant, impeccably fashionable, funny in his own charming way, strong-willed, sentimental, generous, and protective of those he loved. He had a nurturing side that often showed itself in the smallest ways. And, of course, there was the iconic mustache. 

Born October 16, 1956, in British Hong Kong, Denny was the youngest of eight children to his loving parents. His Cantonese name, 周一帆, “Chau Yat Faan”, means “smooth sailing,” describing a sail catching the wind and carrying someone forward on the journey ahead. It became a fitting name for a man who faced life’s challenges with resilience, confidence, and grace. 

Denny’s family had fled their ancestral home in Kaiping, Guangdong, China, amid the upheaval of World War II and political change. After rebuilding their lives in Hong Kong, the family immigrated to the United States in 1962, traveling first to Honolulu, Hawaii then California, before settling in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. There, Denny grew from a shy Cantonese-speaking boy into an outgoing young man who embraced both his Chinese heritage and American upbringing.

He grew up speaking Cantonese and was initially shy about speaking English. With the help of his family, school, church, and friends, he gradually found his voice and confidence. The shy boy became the outgoing young man so many people would come to know. During the 1960s and 1970s, he worked at his family-owned restaurant, New China Inn, in Market Square, where he learned the value of hard work and serving others. At 19 years old, in 1975, Denny proudly obtained American citizenship. He attended Taylor Allderdice High School, where he was captain of the volleyball team, and later The Pennsylvania State University. A lifelong Steelers fan, he carried his love for Pittsburgh and its teams wherever life took him. Wherever he went, he made friendships that lasted a lifetime.

Denny’s family had come to America with hope, courage, and the dream of building a better life. Denny achieved every immigrant’s dream: the American dream. Through hard work, perseverance, faith in the future, and devotion to his family, he built a life filled with opportunity, love, stability, and success. He became a proud American citizen, established a meaningful career, raised two sons, and created a home where family always came first. His journey was a testament to the sacrifices of those who came before him and to the possibilities that can grow from courage and determination. 

Denny began his career in financial services in 1978 with Beneficial Finance Corporation, later part of HSBC. He spent nearly 35 years building relationships with clients and colleagues before continuing his career with Fifth Third Bank and Worldpay. Denny was a natural people person who knew how to talk to anyone, make them laugh, and help them feel comfortable. Outside of his career, he devoted his time to his family and dear friends. He cooked dinner for his family every day, making their home a place of warmth, comfort, and togetherness. He coached little league football and soccer, supported Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts for his sons, and was present for the moments that mattered. Being a husband and father was not simply one part of Denny’s life; it was at the heart of who he was. He was a true gentleman, a mentor, and someone people trusted. Even while privately dealing with illness, he continued working because he genuinely enjoyed what he did. He retired in 2025 when his health finally required him to step away.

In 1991, Denny met the love of his life, Francine, through work. He found someone who matched him in all the ways that mattered. Francine had a contagious smile, an optimistic spirit, a kind heart, and a warmth that complemented Denny perfectly. They fell in love and built a life together. In 1994, he proposed to her in Cancún, Mexico. They married in 1995 at St. Catherine of Siena Church in Pittsburgh. Together they moved to Chesapeake, Virginia, where their sons, Matthew Thomas and Joshua Nathan, were born in 1997 and 2000. When Matthew was born deaf, Denny and Francine made sacrifices and devoted themselves to making sure their son had every opportunity to thrive. In 2001, the family moved to the Chicago area, where they would build their life together for the next 25 years.

He loved good food, especially spicy food, soft jazz, travel, cruises, tropical islands, Disneyland and Disney World, golf, fashion, sunshine, a good tan, Steelers football, and spending time with family and friends. Disneyland and Hawaii were among his happiest places. No matter how grown-up, accomplished, or serious he seemed, Denny always carried an inner child’s sense of wonder, joy, and playfulness. He loved to talk, tell stories, give advice, and bring people into the conversation. Whether he had known someone for years or had just met them, Denny had a way of making that person feel welcome. He could make a stranger feel like family.

His favorite advice was simple: “Do the right thing” and “Relax, enjoy your life.” He lived those words in his own way with confidence, generosity, humor, and an appreciation for the people around him. 

Denny was a good man. His was a life well lived, a life filled with family, friendship, laughter, love, and the courage to keep moving forward. 

Denny is survived by his loving wife, Francine Chau (née Borowitz); proud sons, Matthew Thomas Chau and Joshua Nathan Chau; loving siblings Tina (Lok) Yeun, Betty (Cheng) Zee, Donna (Phong) Vo, Steve Chau, and Amy (John) Shen; and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Linda Chau (née Lee), and his two oldest brother and sister, who passed away in China before his birth. 

Toward the end of his life, Denny turned to God for salvation through Jesus Christ, whom he received as his Savior and Lord. He is safe for eternity and at home with his Lord now. He will forever be loved, remembered, and part of the Chau Clan.

Visitation Monday September 21st 4 to 8:00 P.M. ,Yurs Funeral Home Geneva2nd visitation Tuesday September 22nd  10:00 A.M. to 11 A.M. at St. John Neumann Catholic Church St. Charles

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