It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Denise Persis Jabaly, age 70, of Daytona Beach, on Monday, March 2, 2026.

Denise was born on March 12, 1955 in Boston, Massachusetts to George and Rose Persis. At the age of three, her family relocated after a vacation to Florida, during which her parents became enamored with the drivable beaches of sunny Daytona Beach. Her father, having been a long time car enthusiast, decided they would stay.

Denise later attended Seabreeze High School where she was a majorette and played clarinet in the school band, having the honor of participating in the 1973 Rose Bowl Parade.

Denise loved music and dancing. One fateful night out she danced her way right into the heart of an 'older boy', to the dismay of her older brother, Carl. Skip and Denise danced all night, and were never apart after that moment, marrying 6 years later- the beginning of a love of a lifetime.

Denise was extremely hard working, with an unmatched instinct for design, fashion and sales. During her amazing 30 year career with Daytona Harley Davidson, she made an incredible impact. Working in a predominantly male industry, Denise was pivotal in helping to grow a now multimillion dollar business- ironically, never sporting a single tattoo, a leather chap, or having rode her own motorcycle.

She enjoyed movies, concerts, theme parks, and had incredible passion for the holidays, especially Halloween. Denise always went all out, decorating her home and throwing epic parties for friends and family. Did we mention she even had a "Franken-shrine"? An amazing collection of decor themed to her favorite monster Frankenstein!

But, of all the things she loved, her proudest and most prized possession was her family. Denise was the heartbeat of her family, her love for them a continued and driving force in her life. She was a wife, a mother, a grandmother, a sister, and a friend to so many. It is difficult to put in words the weight of her loss, and of how much we will miss her every day. In her absence, we will strive to follow her example, placing love, family and friendship above all else.

Denise is survived by the love of her life, her husband of 52 years, Skip Jabaly; her daughter, Audra Bennett (Husband David); Sons, Paul Jabaly (Liz) and Mark Jabaly (Wife Lauren); brother, Carl Persis (Wife Susan); sister, Linda Persis (Husband Bill); granddaughters, Jillian Ghaffarian (Husband Adam), Thea and Lily Jabaly; nephews, Josh and Garrett Lee, and Clark Cone; niece, Karen Persis; and other extended family, friends, and granddogs.

Because Halloween was Denise's favorite holiday, our family will be celebrating her life on Halloween, October 31st! Details to follow.