Dennis Michael Metcalfe

In the song of life, Dennis Michael Metcalfe was surely the composer. A very observant man who would rather spend his time creating than talking, Dennis preferred to live in a world of harmony where everything around him made sense. In fact, he depended on his sensory world to provide him with concrete data. A free spirit, Dennis believed that actions definitely spoke for themselves. He seemed to know what fit and what didn’t fit in everything he did. Dennis perceived that all of life’s possibilities were open to him, yet he lived with a definite sense of purpose. He was a man who was always ready to share his creations with those around him.

Dennis was born on August 9, 1948 at Margaret Hague Hospital in Jersey City, New Jersey. His parents were Cy and Joan Metcalfe. Dennis was raised in New Jersey until age 12, then California the rest of his life. As a young child, Dennis was optimistic in his outlook. He sought out the possibilities in a given situation and looked for ways to apply his creative energies. Dennis rarely calling attention to himself, but when he did speak out, his message was clearly understood by those around him.

Early on in his family relationships, Dennis showed that he was a tolerant and flexible person, and he got along fairly well with everyone. He was raised with four siblings. He had Michael, Timothy, JoAnn and Joanie. He was a calm and playful child who was adaptable to any situation.

As he was growing up, Dennis developed into a person who enjoyed physically doing things, and he took pleasure in using his hands in order to create. Whether it was drawing pictures, working with building kits, or even just tapping out a rhythm to play by, Dennis liked concrete things. Growing up, Dennis took part in football, baseball and track. Dennis' memorable achievements included. However, to Dennis, the most fun he had was simply playing, and spending time with friends.

Early on in his school years, Dennis showed an interest in learning, especially when it came to subjects in the arts. At times, school learning did not provide Dennis with sufficient challenges, but being an avid reader, he could often be “lost in a book” well above his grade level. His passion for fine arts was so keen that fellow students and even his teachers recognized it. He graduated from Bishop Amat High School in 1966. He enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers. His favorite class in high school was English.

Those who didn’t know Dennis well might not view him as being an outgoing person, those who called him their friend knew differently. Dennis was shy and sensitive, a person who never forced his opinions and values on others. Close friends knew that his kindness was unmatched, and once you became a friend of Dennis’s, you understood how true a friend he could be. While growing up, some of his best friends were Larry Gawlick, Jim Katona, Bob Lopez and Bob Murphy.

Dennis was an Army veteran. He was in Vietnam/Fort Ord. Dennis saw action for Vietnam. Through his hard work and dedication, he achieved the rank of PFC. He received several awards recognizing his for him heroism including a Bronze Star. Dennis’s fellow soldiers saw him as a brother in arms and knew that he was as much a part of their family as their loved ones back home.

Dennis enjoyed his leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. His favorite pursuits were reading, traveling and fishing. Dennis was content to enjoy his hobbies alone but was also willing to share his interests with others. He was relaxed in his approach to his leisure time because he wanted to savor the present moment.

Dennis liked sports. In high school, Dennis played football and track. Recreational sports included golf and fishing. Dennis was also something of a sports fan and enjoyed following his favorite events whenever he got the opportunity. Tops on his list were football, baseball and golf.

Because he loved the world around him, Dennis enjoyed traveling and going away on vacations. It was an opportunity for him to kick back and relax, to visit new places and experience new things. Dennis put his personal trademark on any leisure planning that he undertook. Favorite vacations included Baseball trips, St. Patrick Day Parades, Casa De Bubba, Lake Havasu.

Dennis was a lover of animals and cherished his pets. One of Dennis’s favorites was Bridey, an Irish Setter dog. They were best friends for 17 years. His family was rounded out by his Fred, his turtle that he had for 35 years.

When Dennis’s retirement finally arrived in 2010, he was well prepared. Even in retirement, Dennis continued to stay in touch with his old friends while making plenty of new acquaintances. In these later chapters of his life, he became active in the community, feeling fulfilled with the opportunities retirement offered him and simply enjoying what he had worked so hard to attain.

Dennis passed away on October 10, 2010 at Covina, California. He is survived by his mother Joan, sister Joanie, nephews, Michael and Ben and Nieces, Annie and Meghann. Services were held at Holy Name of Mary Catholic Church. Dennis was laid to rest in Queen of Heaven Cemetery in Rowland Heights, California.

Dennis was a good man, a kind man, and a practical man who will for all time be remembered by his family and friends as being warm and deeply caring. He leaves behind him a treasury of life-long friendships and wonderful memories. Dennis always had much to give and was able to make those connections in his life where his gifts were appreciated. Dennis was a faithful, practical and loving person. Everyone whose life he touched will always remember Dennis Michael Metcalfe.