Richard Lyle "Pop" Denison Sr.

New Iberia - Richard Lyle "Pop" Denison Sr. was born in New Iberia, La. in 1951, graduated from Catholic High School in 1969, and attended USL for Computer Science. He left school early to successfully earn back the love of his life, Cheryl Denison, who he was married to for 51 wonderful years. After building his life in New Iberia, he moved to Florida with his family for 3 years for work during the oil bust of the 80’s. There he raised his family spending free time relaxing on the beach, learning to sail, building his own sail boat, fishing, collecting sand dollars on Marco Island, camping in the Everglades, and overall enjoying life. After being propositioned for relocation to a Northern state for work, the decision was made to return to New Iberia where he began to work with his older brother, Roland Jr. and niece, Christine. There he would remain working, and enjoying the relationships he made with his great customers, until his retirement. After returning home to New Iberia, he became a private pilot in spite of his fear of heights. In doing so, he became infatuated with aerial photography, often gifting friends and family with pictures of their homes and businesses. Every now and then he would make a little money, but it was mostly about being up in the air and taking photographs. This is around the time where he became vocal in local politics, running for office twice, and was later appointed as a Member of the Acadiana Regional Airport Commission on a mission to protect pilot and public safety in fierce opposition of private business and local political agendas. He eventually decided to simplify life, and built a fine camp along the banks of Alligator Bayou with his own two hands, in a community of kind and eclectic individuals along the Oaks Canal against Vermilion Bay. During this time, he transitioned into the role of grandfather, taking on the name of "Pop" and it was a role that he excelled at. This phase of life would become his family's favorite, where his kindness and Joie de Vivre (Joy of Life) really shined for all that knew him to see. Pop left us on May 21, 2025 in the care of his loving wife, Cheryl, who remained at his side throughout his transition. Richard Lyle "Pop" Denison Sr. is survived by his beloved wife of 51 years, Cheryl Ronsonet Denison; by his oldest son, Richard Lyle Denison Jr. and wife Madeleine, his youngest son, Jacob Ryan Denison and wife Whitney; grandchildren Landen Dauzat, Olivia Dauzat, and Claire Denison; his siblings Roland "Pompsie" (Margaret "Dinkie"), Greg (Lisa), and Charlie (Carolyn); and Mother-In-Law Barbara Moss Ronsonet. He was preceded in death by his parents, Roland Denison Sr. and Margaret Smith Denison; brother Martin Denison and his wife Grace; Father in law Charles Ronsonet, Brother-in-Laws Johnny Norris & Charles Ronsonet Jr.; and Sister-in-Law Phyillis Ronsonet Breaux. Services will be held on Saturday, June 21, 2025 at St. Peters Catholic Church in New Iberia with visitation beginning at 9:00 am. A rosary will be recited at 10:00 am and a Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 am. A celebration of life will follow at the family's home in New Iberia. His family would like to thank the great doctors and nurses he met along the way, as well as Hospice of Acadiana for making his last few days comfortable. Arrangements have been entrusted to Cypress Funeral Home & Crematory, 206 W. Lafayette St., Maurice, LA 70555.

Richard Lyle "Pop" Denison Sr.

July 18, 1951 - May 21, 2025