Dennis Paul Emile Joseph Amell

BUXTON, Dennis Paul Emile Joseph Amell died peacefully on Thursday, March 30, 2023, at Maine Medical Center in Portland, Maine. In his final days, he was surrounded by his devoted wife, Melody, and their family along with a few unexpected and most welcomed dear friends. Dennis was born on Saturday, October 10, 1953, to Georgette (St. Denis) and Albert Amell. He graduated from Welland High & Vocational School in 1972, Welland, Ontario, Canada. He attended one year at George Brown College in Toronto, Canada, before returning home to help his Mom as his Dad had fallen ill. As his Dad recovered successfully, he transitioned into the glass industry with Briskall Glass and was certified in glass and glazing. He enjoyed a long career as a Project Manager at Portland Glass Contract Division, now, Architectural Doors & Windows, Westbrook, Maine, which began in 1984 and continued until his passing.

Dennis resided in the United States for more than 40 years but always remained loyal to his roots and was a proud Canadian. His passion for Fastpitch Softball and the Glass Glazier profession brought him to the state of Maine in 1981. This quote from Dennis when he was playing for the Allentown (Pennsylvania) Sunners in 1985, perfectly depicts the person he was on and off the softball field:

“Ego was never a problem for me because I’ve been fortunate enough to have won a lot of games I should have lost and I’ve lost quite a few I should have won; so, I know that this is a group effort where it takes 8 or 9 guys to win” said Amell “A lot of pitchers like to stay by themselves – not me. I’m always talking to someone.”

After his Fastpitch Softball years, he found another passion, parenting his beautiful daughter then growing a family with Melody Ann. He loved being involved with his kids and the community; from coaching and mentoring his children as they got involved with sports, to running the best 50/50 raffles at high school football and basketball games. He always made an impact with those he surrounded himself with or who happened to cross his path.

Family life was full of activities, he made sure of it! He purchased a camper when the kids were young and took the family on trips all over Maine and Canada. Those vacations were jammed pack with adventures: wars with mosquitoes, swimming, fishing, boating, and best of all, sitting around the campfires. Dennis was an exceptional cook and some of his favorite dishes that he prepared for family and friends, include Shepherd’s Pie, Chicken Parmesan, Shrimp & Rappini over pasta and good old steak and mashed potatoes with a side of carrots! Dennis was also a gifted handyman, thanks to his Dad, around the house. He could construct a wall, hang a door, replace light fixtures, pour concrete pads, erect a fence…the list is endless he was so well rounded.

We would be remiss if we didn’t mention his other most cherished athletic passion, golf, and the family he grew there. Like most, he enjoyed a competitive golf match and was a good golfer by his standards. But it was the camaraderie he cherished the most and the post-golf discussions that followed at the 19th hole. He began at Riverside Public Golf Course in the 1980s then to Nonesuch Golf Club then to Sable Oaks, and lastly, Dunegrass Golf Club in Old Orchard Beach. Participation in weekly golf leagues, business/company related golf tournaments, Maine State Golfers Association sponsored tournaments, Fundraising tournaments, and special golf rounds with his family…all contained in an environment he loved most, cherished people and activity.

As a husband, he was always patient, always kind, always up for anything that life tossed their way. He loved unconditionally and boy, could he command the dance floor in the most beautiful, loving, and fun way! Much like he managed life…he could make the earth, move under his feet, and feel the sky tumbling down, a tumbling down, a true beauty in motion.

He is survived by his wife, Melody Ann (Lano) Amell of 32 years. Daughter, Theresa and her husband, Artie Rock, of West Bridgewater, MA, Son, Jeffrey and his wife, Ellen (Maloney) Amell of Standish, and son, Evan Amell of Buxton. Four siblings: brother Bernard Amell and wife Susan of Calgary Alberta Canada, brother Michael Amell of Welland, Ontario, Canada, sister Donna and husband Edward Bitondo of Font Hill, Ontario, Canada, and brother Christopher and wife Donna (Nelson) Amell of Waterdown, Ontario, Canada. Grandchildren: Harper and Spencer Rock and Jackson Amell. Nieces and nephews: Jessica (Brent), Kevin, Angela, Glenn (Crystal), David (Amanda), Melissa (Sean), Jack, Jamie and Alex. Not to mention the countless friends who considered Dennis family!

The family would like to thank the incredible teams at Maine Medical Center from the Emergency Room, to floors R-2, CICU, R-9, and the Special Care Unit. The loving care and precision of the medical professionals comforted us immensely during his final days.

Family and friends are invited to attend a time of visitation on Tuesday, April 11, 2023 from 4-7 PM at Jones, Rich & Barnes Funeral Home, 199 Woodford St. Portland. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, April 12, 2023 at 10:00 AM at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, 307 Congress St. Portland. A Celebration of Life will follow the funeral mass, details to be announced at the conclusion.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to:

Preble Street

55 Portland Street

Portland, Maine 04101

(207) 775-0026

www.preblestreet.org/donate

Please visit www.jonesrichandbarnes.com to view Dennis’ tribute page and to sign his online guestbook.