Owen Dennis, 87, of Newark, NJ passed away on January 27, 2019. He was born in Newark on April 5, 1931 to parents Mary and Charles. Dennis was married to Lucille Vitelli on February 15, 1953. Owen graduated from East Side High School and earned a Business Degree. He had a career in Public transportation and worked for the NJ Transit.
Owen had a passion for his family, friends, church, and community. He attended St. Columbus Grammar School in Newark, where he was an altar server and a boy scout. It was during this time that he was also a member of the Fife Drum and Bugle Corp. at St Patrick's on Central Avenue. Later he attended East Side High School in Newark, where he played baseball, as well as football. Owen also played baseball for the Police Athletic League and was a member of the Knights of Columbus.
Owen married Lucille Vitelli in 1953, and he then went on to serve two years in the U.S. Army. Upon returning from the military, they resided in Newark, New Jersey where they raised their three children: John, Dolores, and Patricia.
Owen retired in 1989 and then moved to Florida with his wife, Lucille. Throughout the years, Owen's passion for sports led him to coaching Branch Brook Little league, Newark American legion baseball, and girls' softball. He also umpired Little League, ASA softball, and was a member of the NJ Baseball Umpires Association. Owen loved his New York Yankees, Miami Dolphins, and Notre Dame football.
In lieu of flowers, donation can be made in Owen's memory to either of the 2 below organizations:
Make check payable to:
Operation Troop Appreciation
PO Box 18052
Pittsburgh, PA 15236
Contact # 412-759-0696
or donate online at www.operationtroopappreciation.org
Tender Touch Home Care
1801 Alcazar Drive
Miramar, FL 33023
In addition to services in Florida, there will be services for Owen Dennis in New Jersey.
Owen's service will be on March 2, 2019 at 10:15 am at the St. Michael's Catholic Church, at 1212 Kelly Street, Union, NJ 07083. Followed by a gathering at the Knights of Columbus, at 1034 Jeanette Avenue, Union, NJ 07083.
