Dennis "Zdenek" Trason

October 24, 1926 – March 31, 2018

Dennis Trason, a 64 year resident of Pacific Grove, made his peaceful transition on March 31 at Stanford Hospital at the age of 91. He passed in the loving arms of Deane Ramoni, his significant sweetheart of 25 years. Dennis will be greatly missed by all his friends and relatives in the Czech Republic, Germany, Canada and the United States. He was a shining star that let his vigor, enthusiasm and intelligence light up a room full of people.

Dennis was born in Czechoslovakia on October 24, 1926. He was the cherished and adored son of Frantisek and Anezka Zelinkova Trason. From an early age, Dennis excelled in soccer, ice hockey, tennis, swimming and skiing. He had an affinity for languages as well. By a stroke of good luck, he was able to study and become proficient in the English language which served him well throughout his life.

While attending Charles University in Prague, during the Communist takeover after the German occupation, Dennis met George Kreshka, a American of Czech descent who encouraged him to escape and find his way to Berkeley, California and promised that he would help Dennis. With bravery and determination, Dennis undertook the challenge. He did escape into Germany. Because he could speak both German and English, he landed his first teaching job at the IRO Children’s Village Bad Aibling, Germany. While waiting to immigrate to the United States, Dennis also worked for Radio Free Europe.

Dennis’ voyage to the U.S. occurred in April of 1952. He entered through Ellis Island. By May of 1952 Dennis arrived at Berkeley, CA and true to George Kreshka’s promise, he helped Dennis acclimate and enroll at UC Berkeley. While at Berkeley, Dennis became the assistant soccer coach.

In 1954, Dennis became a Czech instructor at the Army Language School in Monterey (now referred to as Defense Language Institute). The following year, Dennis completed his Masters degree from UC Berkeley.

Dennis went on to become a beloved educator at El Cerrito High School, Monterey High School and Seaside High School.

While residing in Pacific Grove for the past 64 years, Dennis developed a passion for the game of golf. At the time of his passing, he was the oldest member of the Pacific Grove Golf Links. A cypress tree will be planted on the 1st tee in Dennis’ honor. A special thank you to Jerry Robertson for making this tribute a reality.

Dennis Trason is survived by his daughter, Ann B. Trason and son, John Z. Trason, and three grandchildren: Jonathan, Sarah (Mike) Sipal, Bradley and great-grandson Carter Sipal; his life partner for the last 25 years, Deane Ramoni, her daughter Angelique (Rich) Reyes, granddaughter Brandi, grandson Justin, and great-grandson Lukas. His wife Winona Bethune Trason predeceased him in 1991.

Dennis’ family would like to thank all the doctors and staff at CHOMP’s Inpatient Rehabilitation Unit, Michele Balsimo, Jynae & Jeremy Clapper, Ethan Howe, Dr. Michael Davis, Dr. Salar Deldar, Dr.Reb Close, Dr. Shahid Khan, Dr. Susan Kim, Dr. Gerard Issvoran, Dr. Alejandro Centurion, Dr. Larry Berte, Dr. Lloyd Garren, Dr. David Dansky, Mary Welschmeyer,RN and Stanford University Hospital ICU nurses Jonathan and Chi Mai, VNA visiting nurse association & hospice professionals, Fatima, Diana Vernon, Deborah Zuniga and Renate.

Last but not least, heartfelt thanks go out to relief caregiver Julianna Cespedes. Over the last several months Julianna showered Dennis with her loving kindnesses. He became the pampered prince of Pacific Grove.

Memorial donations may be made to the Dennis Trason Foundation which will bring a better quality of life to our local area issues.

Visitation will be at the Paul Mortuary 390 Lighthouse Ave., Pacific Grove on April 20,2018 from 4:00-7:00PM.

A celebration of life is planned for April 21, 2018.

For further information, please contact Deane Ramoni at 831-372-8957 or

[email protected]

Vaya con dios, my darling. I’ll be seeing you on the 1st tee at P.G. Golf Links.