Dennis John Barnes

Dennis John Barnes, 86, of Montgomery Village, Maryland, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family on December 30, 2025. Born in Gothenburg, Nebraska, Dennis was the cherished son of the late Harold and Dorothy (Koza) Barnes. He spent his early childhood in Nebraska before moving to Long Beach, California, where he grew up and formed the foundation of the values and work ethic that guided his life.

Dennis graduated from Benedictine College and went on to earn his Master’s degree in Public Administration from New York University. He briefly served in the United States Army before beginning a long and dedicated career in Human Resources Management, which led him to international assignments with the State Department and the United Nations. He was known for his professionalism, quiet strength, and genuine care for others.

On June 18, 1966, Dennis married the love of his life, Carmen Maria, beginning a marriage grounded in faith, devotion, and unwavering partnership. Together, they raised three daughters whose lives and accomplishments brought Dennis profound pride and joy.

A parishioner of St. John Neumann Catholic Church for many decades, Dennis was a man whose Catholic faith was inseparable from who he was and how he lived. He was a proud member of the Knights of Columbus and a steadfast Pro-Life advocate, causes he supported not only in word, but through his service to others. He also dedicated 18 years to the Montgomery Village Home Association Board, including an eight-year tenure as President, shaping the community he loved.

Dennis embraced life fully, both in service and in play. He was an avid tennis player and swimmer, and rarely missed an opportunity to enjoy a Frederick Keys baseball game. He found immense joy in being an “Ultimate Girl Dad,” enthusiastically coaching his daughters through their tennis, swimming, basketball, and softball athletic adventures. He enjoyed serving as the family’s academic editor, mentor, and cheerleader in all pursuits of life.

Dennis was a beloved husband to Carmen Maria; devoted father to Katherine Ann Vogt, Monica Carlin (Brian), and Jennifer Patricia Maher (Edward); and loving grandfather to Isabella Marie Carlin, Jacob William Carlin, and Thomas Patrick Maher. His family was the heart of his life, and their achievements, laughter, and company were his greatest joys.

Dennis will be remembered for his profound faith, unwavering moral conviction, boundless dedication to family, and lifelong commitment to service. His legacy lives on in the community he helped shape, the values he instilled, and the love he gave generously throughout his 86 years.

A visitation will be held at St. John Neumann Catholic Church, 9000 Warfield Road, Gaithersburg, MD 20882, on Monday, January 5, 2026 from 10:30 to 11:30 am. Mass will be celebrated immediately following at 11:30 am. A private Interment will be held at All Souls Cemetery, 11401 Brink Road, Germantown, MD 20876.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Dennis J. Barnes’s name to Mira Via, a partner with Belmont Abbey College that creates a stable and empowering environment for women choosing to keep their babies, proving that motherhood and higher education can coexist successfully. The link can be found here: https://miravia.org/make-a-donation/