November 17, 2021 at the age of 81. Dennis was predeceased by his loving wife, Lydia, and his brother, William (Bill) Wake. He is survived by his children, Michael Wake, Anne (Michael) Wake-DePasquale, Timothy Coleman and Jeffrey (Holly) Coleman; grandchildren Jane and Cecilia DePasquale, and Patrick, Jillian and Aryanna Coleman; brother Jim (Nancy) Wake; and many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Dennis grew up in Cortland, Ohio, the second son of William and Mary Wake. Dennis was always an athlete, playing both basketball and baseball at Cortland High School. He attended the University of Cincinnati for his B.S. in Mechanical Engineering and was a proud member of the Delta Tau Delta fraternity. Dennis had a long career in sales which took him across the country, eventually settling in Rochester where he made his home. After working at firms such as Texas Instruments and Kodak, he began his own business, CV Sales, where he earned numerous awards. He retired from Northeastern Controls in 2003, a sales leader in his firm.
Dennis’s greatest joy was in time spent with the people who made his life so rich. He was an active member of his community at Greece United Methodist Church for many years, singing in the choir and happily volunteering his time. Dennis was also a concerned and kind neighbor, often found sitting outside his home, eager to chat with whomever happened to drop by. He was a supportive and caring friend to all who knew him, and he was a wise and loving father, grandfather, brother and uncle; he will be dearly missed.
Services will be held at the Greece United Methodist Church on 1924 Maiden Lane at 11am on Saturday, November 20, 2021. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Dennis’s name to his church (www.greeceumc.org) or to Cancer Support Community Rochester (www.cscrochester.org).
Thoughts and prayers for all of Aden’s family. You kids and your kids were his world. He loved you so much.
Dennis was a great friend to all members of GUMC.
May he Rest In Peace
Marguerite Fowler
My deepest sympathy to family and friends. May memories remain in your heart and bring a smile as you reflect on the wonderful stories you share. Hold those memories in your hearts.
Uncle Denny was a kind, sweet, funny, generous and loving man. We will cherish the memories on the golf course, family reunions and visits. May he rest in peace.
As a staff member at Gilda’s Club Rochester (now Cancer Support Community Rochester) I first met Dennis when he was on the Board of Directors. He always had a smile and a joke for everyone and was a very giving and caring board member. I also met him again while we both were taking classes at Osher right before COVID and we used to sit together and laugh. He was a wonderful man!
My “Sympathy” to Jim and Denny’s family.
A “Friend” always!
Dennis was a good friend. He would visit his parents who lived in Cortland, Ohio. On Sundays he would visit the Church I Pastored, Mecca Community Church. Jackie and I send our love and prayers to the family.
Pastor Charles and Jackie Kindle
Dennis was such an important part of the ministry of Greece United Methodist Church. He was almost always the first to greet new folks in the worship service. He served on several of the church administrative and caring committees, and he helped many individuals with their needs. He prayed for and cared for me and my family in many ways. He had a real heart for service to others – a sign of his faith!
Dennis will be greatly missed.
Rev. Matt Stengel, GUMC pastor 2011-21
Our deepest sympathy to Michael, Anne, Jim and Nancy and family. Denny and I shared the same birthday which we always joked about. He was a true gentleman and friend. Mike and Donna Vlasov