Dennis Edward Marcola

Dennis Edward Marcola, 80, of Estero, Florida, passed away peacefully in his sleep after just telling his wife Vera "Hun, I love you". This happened on Friday, January 29, 2021. He was in the comfort of his home and wife of 60 years, Vera Marcola (Slupski). He was an active Catholic and member of the Knights of Columbus since he was 17.

Dennis was born on January 30, 1940 to Thaddeus & Maryanne Marcola in Detroit, MI. After graduating from St. Rita' Catholic High School in 1958, he went on the study business at Iowa University on a football scholarship but left college early to marry his sweetheart Vera in 1960.  Dennis & Vera had previously met in high school. After their marriage, he landed his first job selling insurance and they went on to have five children, Theresa, Gregory, Karen, Joseph & Pamela.

Dennis was a force of nature, determined to provide for his family and give them the life he felt they deserved. He was unendingly proud of Terry, Greg (Tammy), Karen (Mel), Joe (Marcie), and Pam (Mike).

He was also proud of his grandchildren Alex, Kelsey (Travis), Benjamin (Amanda), Jessica, Alicia, David (Meg), Michael (Annette), Spencer (Bridget), Elizabeth (Jeff), Kallie, Chase, Andrew, Joshua, Dana & Jessica. And all his great-grandchildren Lucy, Charlotte, Ezekiel, Everly, Virginia, Gabriel, Michelle, Norah, Janie, Claire, Addison & Tucker.

Dennis loved to travel. In his career, while working at Rockwell International as an Export Manager, Vera accompanied him on his business trips to England, Paris, Australia, China, and Mexico whenever possible. He and Vera hosted international travelers, as well as Dennis, loved to show off his family.

After he retired, they purchased their place at Woodsmoke. They have been residents there for over 25 years and have been living there full time the last several years.

Anyone who knew Dennis knew that he used to stay physically active and that he was the social director of any crowd. Vera even nicknamed him the "SD". During his time at Woodsmoke, Dennis was active in shuffleboard, pinochle, singing in the Church of Woodsmoke choir, Michigan parties, and karaoke at the Tiki Hut. He was often seen walking on the treadmill in the Rec Hall, and he loved being a part of the Woodsmoke Security Team.

Dennis was predeceased by his parents, Thaddeus & Maryann Marcola, and his siblings Eileen, Ronald (Susan), & Claudette (Jim). He is survived by Thaddeus (Erika), Kevin (Suzy) & Connie (Hal).

Dennis would have liked you to know he really loved you all. He would want you to celebrate his life and he will be waiting for you in heaven.

A Memorial Service will be held Friday, May 21st at 10:00 am at St. John's Catholic Church in Fenton, Michigan.  Due to covid restrictions, luncheon will be following the mass at Seven Lakes State Park.