Dmitar Denny Ciganovic

Denny had a lifelong love of adventure and curiosity that guided his life choices. Denny’s last adventure was a lovely drive through the lowcountry to the Kazoo Factory in Beaufort, SC with his wife, Kay. Shortly after, he died peacefully at home in Kay’s arms on June 1, 2023. He had entered hospice after several years of treatment for Multiple Myeloma.

He entered the world surrounded by an extended Serbian family in Youngwood, PA on September 2, 1942. He recalled an idyllic childhood with family and friends, swimming in the swamps, and being spoiled by his aunts. Large Serbian picnics with great food were a highlight!  

He received a degree in Chemistry from Franklin and Marshall College. After several positions in the defense industry using his chemistry background, he went back for his master’s degree at Bowling Green State University. He subsequently worked in the field of career development in higher education settings. This became his passion, and he loved working with students, faculty, and staff at three different institutions. His last position was the College of Charleston as the Director of the Career Center for 23 years.

Denny enjoyed traveling, cross-country skiing, white water rafting (where he met Kay!) reading, writing letters to his elected officials on topics of concern, and practical jokes on friends. He was passionate about the environment, human rights, and improving government. He had a particular gift of finding humor in everything and with everyone, even strangers, and in the kindest of ways.

 He and his son, Matthew, shared a love of music including The Lion King and the Sound of Music (Matthew’s first Broadway show!) Music therapy so enriched Matthew’s life, that Kay and Denny were inspired to support music therapy for special needs children in the Charleston County School District. This has brought great joy to so many children, parents, and teachers and has been rewarding for Denny and Kay.

Kay and Matthew were the loves of Denny’s life. As a family they were fortunate to experience many adventures including trips to Hawaii and Europe despite Matthew’s increasing disability from Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Matthew predeceased Denny at age 13 which left footprints on Denny’s heart forever. He was also predeceased by his parents, Nedelle and Mark, and his brother, Mark. In addition to Kay, Denny is survived by a multitude of in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Denny is being cremated and his ashes will be taken to the family home in Bolton Landing, Lake George, NY, despite his wishes to have his ashes sold on eBay where he expected extensive bidding!

There will be a celebration of his life on Friday, June 16, 2023, at J. Henry Stuhr, Inc. Mt. Pleasant Chapel, 1495 Mathis Ferry Road, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464 from 5-6pm with a reception until 7:30pm.

In his memory, please hug those you love, work towards a more humane world and if you wish, contribute to the Matthew Scott Ciganovic Endowed Memorial Scholarship at the College of Charleston. This scholarship is awarded to a student pursuing a degree in special education.

Checks may be made payable to the College of Charleston Foundation in memory of Denny Ciganovic and mailed to The College of Charleston, c/o The College of Charleston Foundation, 66 George Street, Charleston, SC 29424. Online gifts can be made at https://give.cofc.edu/donate (select tribute gift in memory of Denny).