Dennis relocated to Seminole, FL at the age of three from Troy, NY. He grew up locally and attended high school at Dixie, Gibbs and graduated from Northeast. Growing up he played Little League baseball at Northwest Youth Center.
Dennis started his working career at Winn Dixie where he met many lifelong friends. While working at Walmart he met his wife, Daria of 26 years and they shared a wonderful life together.
Health and fitness were extremely important to Dennis, and he personified this by becoming a certified personal trainer. He was dedicated to a routine of daily fitness workouts and was a member of many local gyms.
Dennis had a great love for cats and never turned down an opportunity to rescue one. Their house was full of love and fur.
Dennis was an avid fisherman and enjoyed fishing with his friends on his boat the “Satellite Pirate”. After a full day of fishing, he loved having fish frys out by the gazebo and pool.
Dennis was a skilled poker player who loved taking trips with his wife to Las Vegas. While they were there, they enjoyed seeing comedians, concerts, plays, and taking excursions around the area.
He was a lifelong Miami Dolphin’s fan and later developed a passion for hockey following both Tampa Bay Lightning and Vegas Golden Knights.
He will mostly be remembered as a fun-loving guy in his cargo shorts, Tommy Bahama shirt, flip flops and a visor.
Dennis enjoyed spending time with his father, Metro, and was saddened by his death in 2017.
He is survived by his wife, Daria Christine Dzembo, (“love you more” will always be their motto); stepmother, Shirley Ann Dzembo; stepbrother, Bob Dumas (Pia) and their children, Brandon Dumas (Marc-Arthur), Missy (Scott) and Heather; sister-in-law, Jennifer Baust (Ed/Bubby) and their children, Eddie (Krysten) and Cecelia (Kevin); brother-in-law, Marc Barbieri (Patti).
Dennis will be lovingly remembered by many of his close friends but especially by his “brother from another mother” Mike Kelly and “daughter” Mary Clawson and her daughter Addison.
Special thanks to all the staff at Florida Cancer Specialist and the nurses of Suncoast Hospice – Empath
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his memory, to Suncoast Animal League of Palm Harbor or Cat Depot of Sarasota.
Arrangements were made under the direction of Garden Sanctuary Funeral Home, 7950 131st Street, Seminole, FL 33776 / 727-391-0121.
