Dennis Motta (62) of Torrance, CA passed peacefully from this life into heaven at home in the presence of many loving family members on July 24, 2010. He was born in Taunton, MA on January 26, 1948. In 1968 he joined the Navy and served his country proudly for 4 years (which included 2 tours of duty in Vietnam). Soon after his discharge Dennis settled in Southern California and was hired by Vista Del Mar Child & Family Services (a residential facility for troubled young boys and girls). He was originally hired to run the woodshop but soon worked his way up to become a program director. Dennis worked at Vista Del Mar for 35 years where he made many friends, helped many children and was well respected and highly thought of by everyone. Outside of work Dennis was very involved with his son's activities. He became an assistant Boy Scout leader, a Little League baseball umpire, and a soccer referee. Dennis also spent many years doing volunteer work for the American Red Cross where he taught CPR and first aid classes. Dennis belonged to the do-it-yourself club. He loved to work in the yard, fix things, make things, and build things. Growing up close to Boston, Dennis was a huge Red Sox fan and had an incredible memory for "all things Red Sox". Dennis had a wonderful sense of humor and had a way of looking at life through very clear eyes. He was preceded in death by his father, James Motta; and first wife, Cynthia Motta. Dennis is survived by his loving wife, Kim; his son, Mitchell; stepdaughter (daughter), Wendy (Adam) Barry; stepdaughters, Anna (Jeff) Minnich and Renae Bishop. Dennis aka "Grandpa D", leaves behind grandsons, Cody and Ian Bishop. Dennis aka "Papa" leaves behind granddaughter, Sydney Barry and grandson Gavin Barry; brother-in-law, Rick (Tracy) Trautner; nieces, Emily and Hannah Trautner; mother, Hilda Duarte; and stepfather, Joseph Duarte; hisone-of-a-kind sister, Diane Stevenson; brother-in-law, Frank Stevenson; his brother, Russell Motta; and a very special family friend, Rona Tomkinson. We celebrate his life. We mourn his passing. All who knew him have been changed for the better... and we are grateful. The family asks that memorial donations be made in Dennis' name to Habitat for Humanity or Vitas Hospice Foundation, 990 W. 190th Street, Suite 120, Torrance, Ca 90502.There will be a memorial service for Dennis at Vista Del Mar Temple, 3200 Motor Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90034 at 2:00 pm on Friday, August 6, 2010. Please sign the guest book at www.dailybreeze.com/obits. Please go to the mortuary's website, www.LAfuneral.com to send the family messages, share memories, or to obtain directions to the services.