Dennis Gene Medeiros

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Dennis Medeiros on December 29, 2024, at the age of 70. Dennis was born on April 29, 1954, in West Warwick, RI, to Manuel Medeiros and Mary Medeiros (Furtado).

Dennis is survived by his wife Donna Mederios; Daughter Allison Kallelis (Medeiros); Son Dennis Mederios Jr; son-in-law Alexander Kallelis; Daughter-in-law Dorian (Fish) Medeiros; grandchildren Caleb Kallelis, Maya Kallelis, Delaney Medeiros, and Dennis Medeiros III (Tripp); Brother Gene Medeiros; Sister Diane Medeiros; Sister-in-law Carol Mederios to his late brother Manuel Medeiros, Sister-in-Law Rosa Medeiros, Beloved niece Christina Ventura daughter to the late Natalie and Russel Ventura. Beloved nephew Keith Medeiros son of Manuel. Brother-in-law and Sister-in-law Anthony and Ann Marie Souza. He is survived by several loving nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Dennis met the love of his life and beloved wife, Donna Souza in the 9th grade at West Warwick High School. After meeting on a wall in front of Donna’s house, Donna’s mother Rita realized what a catch he was and finally allowed him to come into the house and date Donna. Dennis and Donna were voted “High School Sweethearts” by the Class of 1973. They married in 1976 and had two children, Allison and Dennis Jr. The family loved vacationing together and spent endless hours on adventurous road trips.

Dennis attended West Warwick High School and graduated in 1973. He then attended the Hall Institute of Drafting, where upon graduation he became a draftsman for General Dynamics. With his brother Gene they started a small jewelry business in their parent's basement. The brothers then took on another business together the “Nice And Clean Chimney Sweeps”. In his 30’s Dennis worked for the State of Rhode Island Corrections, where he developed his love of cooking. He happily volunteered to make lunches for his friends and co-workers. In the mid-1990s Dennis and Donna moved the family to Carlsbad, California, where Dennis became a “Mr. Mom”. From home he built and sold two vending businesses, “Little Snacker Vending” and “Coast-2-Coast Vending” that served businesses all over San Diego County. The family moved once more to Florida where he became a carpenter, for Florida Gulf Coast University.

Dennis had a gift to work with his hands. There was nothing he could not build, draw, or make. Dennis discovered his talents in high school when he took a woodshop class. This class started a lifelong love of woodworking. Dennis made everything from cutting boards to baby cradles. Dennis was at his happiest when he was in his garage crafting something out of wood. His creativity flourished in other mediums such as Pottery, Jewlery, and Painting. He also had an eye for the camera and loved taking pictures of nature. But his true passion and gift was woodworking and being a carpenter.

Dennis had other passions too including motorcycling, Corvettes, and fishing. He had a special bond with his brothers Manny and Gene and nephew Keith. Countless hours were spent riding dirtbikes through the woods of Rhode Island. They also frequently vacationed together up and down the east coast of the US from Maine to Florida.

Dennis loved his family and spending time with his four grandchildren, Caleb, Maya, Delaney, and Tripp. He enjoyed sharing his knowledge of building, fishing, sports, and life with them. A tradition of mini-golfing and ice cream with Papa whenever they came to visit.

A memorial visitation for Dennis will be held Monday, January 6, 2025 from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM at Hodges-Kiser Funeral Home, 9231 Cypress Lake Drive, Fort Myers, FL 33919. Following the memorial visitation will be a memorial celebration of life from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM at HODGES-KISER FUNERAL HOME, 9231 Cypress Lake Drive, Fort Myers, Florida 33919.