Dennis Ernest DeFrain "Denny"

Dennis Ernest DeFrain "Denny", was born in Detroit, Michigan to Ernest and Marion DeFrain. He was one of two children. Denny was orphaned by the time he was 5 years old and he was raised lovingly by his mother’s sister, Rose Ruby.

Dennis passed away peacefully in Livonia, Michigan on Tuesday, June 17, 2025 at the age of 83. He was under the gentle care of Open Arms Hospice at The Manoogian Manor Assisted Living.

Denny was the beloved husband of the late Carol for 50 years. Together they raised a “Brady Bunch” family. He was the loving father of Michael DeFrain, Kevin DeFrain, and Kelly DeFrain (Norma). Caring stepfather of Julie Cleveland (Norvin), Suzan Hunt, Laurie Soto (Kevin Borso), and Linda Soto-Stonier. Dear grandpa of Christina Lambert (Scott), Nathan DeFrain (Zoe), Joshua DeFrain, Nicholas Cleveland, Benjamin Hunt (Daina), Lucas Hunt (Madi), Tommy Gatses, Carolin Stonier, Corey DeFrain, Jaret DeFrain and Jack Stonier. Great-grandfather of Carson Brown, Theo Lambert, Paisley DeFrain and Savannah DeFrain. Brother of the late Diane Rose Byars. Uncle of Marian Dmochowski and Kim Dmochowski-Kenyon . Denny will also be missed by his best friend Frank Levens who was one of his neighborhood friends as a child.

Denny graduated from Cody High School in Detroit, Michigan. After high school, he proudly served his country as a Sergeant in the Michigan Air National Guard 127th Tactical Squadron where he served with his best friend, Frank.

Born with a love for the great outdoors and dogs, especially his loyal companions "Foxy", "Ringo" & his latest "Wookie". He enjoyed sailing, going up north, and bonfires. A talented jazz drummer, Denny played at countless weddings, parties, and local clubs. He played somewhere almost every Saturday night. However, his passion was fast cars; As a kid, he loved figure-eight racing, as a teen, he loved drag-racing, and as an adult, he could be found enjoying a cold beer and watching NASCAR (or any race) in his man-cave on any given Sunday. In the 70's & 80's, he would drag a TV in the backyard to watch the races while having a cold beer and a bonfire. He almost always had on a NASCAR t-shirt or hat. Watching a live race was on his bucket-list, and that was finally checked off his list when Kelly and Norma took him to a race in 2023.

Denny retired from Ford Motor Company, where he was a hard-working mechanic. Upon retirement, Denny and Carol realized a dream of buying a cabin up north to enjoy the peace and beauty of nature. Family would visit and enjoy the pontoon boat on the peaceful lake.

Denny was a devoted husband to his late wife, Carol, whom he cared for tenderly until she passed. He sacrificed a lot and Denny’s commitment to Carol was a testament to his character; he often said, “You never know what you can do until you have to,” and he showed this in all aspects of his life.

He made friends everywhere he went. In his later years, even while on hospice, he flirted with the nurses and staff at the assisted living facility, reminding us all that you are never too old or sick to make a friend.

His family remarks how lucky they were to have him in their lives. Denny and Carol are celebrating their reunion by dancing together to some good jazz music up in Heaven surrounded by Foxy and all the dogs he cherished throughout the years. He will be deeply missed.

Denny's life will be celebrated with a Memorial Mass at St. Priscilla Catholic Church on Saturday, July 19, 2025 at 10:00am. Mass will be led by Father Joseph Tuskiwicz. Immediately following Mass, military funeral honors will be presented by The United States Air Force Funeral Honors Team.

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