Richard E. Dennis

Richard (Dick) E Dennis passed away peacefully on July 2nd, 2023 surrounded by his family. Born in Swedesboro, NJ on April 30th, 1935 to Clifton and Laura Dennis, Dick lived out his childhood in Pedricktown, NJ where he spent his time on farms and racing cigarette boats, even winning a few races. Voted “Cutest Baby” at age 1, Dick only got cuter as he aged. His trademark bright, blonde hair and blue eyes were outshined only by his big heart and friendly smile. Dick was a proud Army Veteran where he served as a paratrooper. He even took on the role of quartermaster of the Rakkasans for many years and attended reunions all over the country with his family. While his time in the military was a source of great pride, nothing made him more proud than the titles of “Dad” and “Poppy”. Dick was married to his wife, Martha, for 61 years. Together they raised their 9 children in Carneys Point, NJ. No family was more notorious on Jefferson Street, whether it was for a helping hand or a candy apple on Halloween, the Dennis clan had you covered. It’s hard to imagine calling Dick a good storyteller, since he could barely make it through without cracking himself up before ever getting to the punchline, but his infectious laughter would keep you entertained for a 15 minute story that, in theory, should’ve only taken 2. He would bring himself to tears, an emotion you would only see through laughter or through frustration when the Birds would lose on Sunday. While holidays at the Dennis house were unmatched, summertime was the best time of year. On any given day, the backyard pool would be overflowing with dozens of Dennis children. Dick would beam with pride as he watched his kids and grandkids swim, occasionally having them walk (NOT RUN) him over a beer. In recent years, as his grandchildren began having children of their own, another generation of kids got the pleasure of calling him “Poppy”. It’s hard to encompass the magnitude of who Dick was in just a few paragraphs, just know that he was loved immensely and will be greatly missed. Dick is survived by his wife, Martha, and their nine children, Terry Dennis (Donna), Lance Herrman (Christine), Jayme Herrman Smith, Scott Dennis (Leslie), Robin DiSantis-Gehringer (Bill), Bryant Dennis, Kelly Dennis Newkirk, Bill Dennis (Nicole), Ellie Smith (Dave), and honorary “10th kid” and birthday buddy, Doris Patrick Johnson, his grandchildren, Amanda (Ryan), Michael, BJ, Jordan (Sarah), Madison, Olivia, Jillian (Michael), Ashley (Eddie), Lex (Jessica), Jackson, Lauren (Chris), Andrew (Kate), Christie (Adam), Steph, Wyatt, Reese, Samantha, Marley, Jacob, and Helen, and great-grandchildren Emma, Ella, Aidan, Joey, Lance, Ea, Alice, Dustin, Nathan, Lorelei, Declan, Harper, Cooper, Braylee, William, Gavin, Quinn, Archie. He was predeceased by his parents, Clifton and Laura Dennis, sister, Barbara Perry (Dennis), aunt, Jo Pedrick, son-in-law, Bill DiSantis, and his beloved dog, Puttsy. A Celebration of Life will be held at the Salem County FOP located at 693 S Broadway in Pennsville Township, NJ 08070 on July 16th at 2pm.

Richard E. Dennis

April 30, 1935 - July 2, 2023