Born in Worcester, Massachusetts, he was the only son of Francis and Dorothy O’Neill. He graduated from St. John’s High School in 1966, and Bridgewater State College in 1970. He completed a Master’s degree in Education during his 34 year teaching career at Nauset Regional Middle School. Dennis was an earth science teacher and he led his students on many wonderful adventures and experiments with erupting volcanoes and soaring rockets created from soda bottles that were launched on the Middle School lawn. He also ran an after-school sports program; taking students bowling at the local lanes and to the ice skating rink. He was most proud of the ski program that he started, giving so many students the opportunity to enjoy the sport that he loved so much. He finished the season with a weekend trip to Sunday River, Maine staying right on the mountain in the Sno-Cap ski dorms. He was also an avid recreational fisherman and surfer, even spending the summer touring the Hawaiian Islands on his honeymoon.
Dennis was also an active participant in the Killington VT Ambassador ski program. His sense of humor and quick wit were an asset to all the skiers he assisted. He survived an aggressive battle with cancer and was able to continue to appreciate and enjoy the Cape. He spent weekends in Dennisport since he was a child, and as he grew up he would bring the surfing crew back from Coast Guard Beach to a pot full of his father’s famous meatballs.
This year he and his wife, Dianne, celebrated their 41st wedding anniversary in June. In addition to his wife, he leaves behind his sons, Timothy, of Eastham and Terence, of Orleans. He was predeceased by his daughter Shannon in 2012.
Memorial services will be held in the spring for family and friends. Donations in his memory may be made to the charity of one’s choice.
For online condolences please visit www.nickersonfunerals.com
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