ForeverMissed
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This memorial website was created in memory of our loved one, Dennis Szczygielski, 67, born on October 8, 1948 and passed away on August 20, 2016. We will remember him forever.
August 25, 2016
August 25, 2016
Pat Szczygielski introduced me to Dennis not long after he came back from Viet Nam. He was living in a huge apartment on Empire Blvd that saw a couple of memorable New Years parties. We spent a lot of time together for a couple of years. His cousin gave him an old Valiant that I took care of one winter before Dennis got his license. We used to walk (swiftly) from 3rd Ave & 11th St to the apt on Empire & Washington and sometimes back. He said I was the only girl who could keep up with his pace. My memories with him have been flooding back since I found out last night. He used to hypnotize friends. Although it didn't work on me, it worked amazingly well on others. He taught me the only 2 songs I ever learned to play on guitar. We never had an argument. I don't even remember having a disagreement with him. He was probably the nicest guy I ever dated. It was nice reconnecting with him on Facebook. I've always though of him fondly and I can't believe he's gone.
August 24, 2016
August 24, 2016
Dennis is one of my favorite cousins. Whenever I saw him, he would light up and give me a huge hug-they were the best. Dennis was so funny and engaging, he could talk about ANYTHING and make it the most interesting subject in the world. He and Anthony used to babysit for me many years ago, when my father would go out bowling; I still remember those times some 50 years later. To say my heart is heavy and that he will be missed is an understatement. You were called home way too early Dennis, yourmemory, love and legacy will live on in all of us whose lives you touched. My heart goes out to Gay, Thomas, Mary, and Amy, Joanie and Anthony and all of their families. Rest in peace, my dear cousin.
August 24, 2016
So glad to have seen you at Patrick's graduation this summer and down in seaside as well. It was a joy to have known you and you will be missed by many friends and family. So sorry you didn't have more time to enjoy your retirement. I know how much you looked forward to it! ❤️
August 24, 2016
August 24, 2016
As a family friend, I knew (and loved) Dennis as a teenager. I moved out of state and many years have passed, but I still fondly remember Dennis and his warm and inquisitive spirit. Hope to see you on the other side sweetie.
August 23, 2016
August 23, 2016
I so enjoyed Dennis's company in Seaside Heights this summer, and my granddaughters were privileged to have met such a good man. What fun we had here.
 Dennis I bet you are having a Pinot Grigio and a nosh (after your nap). Lol. Sure hope they have baseball and football for you!!!  Love and hugs.
August 23, 2016
August 23, 2016
Milward - Southland Drive
Milward - Southland Drive
391 Southland Drive, Lexington KY 40503
859-276-1415
This is the funeral home for the viewing.
August 23, 2016
August 23, 2016
Bill and I are so sorry for your loss. It's difficult to lose a sibling. We'll be thinking of you and your family.

Fondly, Sue and Bill
August 23, 2016
August 23, 2016
I always remember sneaking Amy out of the house to play with me and you or Anthony would have to stay home to watch Joanie lol. Amy's tribute says it all. I can only say "Ditto" I'm happy I got to share Patrick's graduation with you. God bless you and bring peace to your family at this sad time. Love, Peggy
August 23, 2016
August 23, 2016
There are no words to describe the pain of losing you. We had so many plans to see each other more often now that you were retired. When I was only 14 and we lost Daddy, you & Anthony became my father figures. Always pointing me in the right direction and giving me sound advice on life. You were the only person I wanted to speak with when I finally made it home the evening of 9/11 and you continued to help me through that for many years. I will miss your annual call to me on that dreadful day just to make sure I am doing ok. You were not only my rock, but everyone's whose life you touched, which were many. I love you Big Bro. More than you'll ever know. Your baby sister, Joanie
August 23, 2016
August 23, 2016
As you all know, Dennis was a special person. A little story about him follows. One day at an event/gathering at Joannie's we were having a intellectual discussion re: politics, religion, etc. We all know that Dennis was very smart. So in the middle of the discussion/disagreement he waves his hand up and says "Stop."  "Why is it that if we disagree we still remain friends?" "Why?" says I. "Because 1) we love each other, and 2) at the end of the day we shake hands and say - Go Giants!" That was the Dennis I loved.
- Dick Schoeller
August 23, 2016
August 23, 2016
When Dennis was a teenager he was a frequent visitor to our house at 450 11th street and he was always a welcomed guest. He charmed us all. Our mother thought of him as a third son and we four kids thought of him as a third brother. This open-hearted Dennis could talk for hours about parapsychology, his love life, his beloved Giants, ...whatever. The thing about Dennis was, we all loved him equally. He'ld come in, sit down, and muse. NO ONE was better at musing than our Dennis.
Till we meet again,
With all my love,
Cousin Rosalie
August 23, 2016
August 23, 2016
Dennis although I only knew you for a short nine years, God is good to me to enable people like yourself to enter into my life you were one of the nicest people I've ever met and it is obvious that you were loved and rightfully so by so many, one other thing you were the only one who was able to spell my last name. God bless you my friend. Rest in peace.
August 23, 2016
August 23, 2016
At this moment Dennis/Gomez the pain of losing you is still so raw, but at quiet moments I am flooded with happy memories. You and Anthony were fixtures at our house on 11th Street where you would ask Rosalie and me about girls, you came by to show us your outfit for the prom and shared with us your teenage angst. You were a great brother, father, husband and friend. You were so easy to love I will miss your hugs and your mega watt smile. Have fun in heaven!
Love, Vicky xoxoxo
August 23, 2016
August 23, 2016
Dennis you made such an impact on my life as well as many others and for that I am beyond thankful! You are one of the best men I ever met. Thank you for everything and your service. I'll miss you dearly. As my daughter would say.. Have fun in the clouds with God.
August 23, 2016
August 23, 2016
Dennis, this breaks my heart.... You believed in me and gave me my oppurnity in MICU... I did and seen so many things there and worked with most of the best nurses there... Thank you for giving me that chance to know you and being part of your team... I will never forget you...
August 22, 2016
August 22, 2016
My big beloved brother is missed beyond words. Dennis will be remembered for the brave soldier that he was in Vietnam that luckily returned to us with sound body and mind. What a joy I felt when I Awoke one morning to find him sitting in the kitchen strumming a guitar safe home from Vietnam!
I'm proud to be his sister and to have made such great fond memories over the years and in recent past. We made plans for future good times that will not be fun without him. I'll still keep some of those plans and always cherish the privileged times we've had.
Can't stop thinking of you Dennis. My heart aches and the tears won't stop.
You were a dedicated loyal husband, and a great father to a beautiful, talented daughter, Mary along with your handsome, smart, accomplished son, Thomas.
We miss you terribly.
Love Always,
Your sister,
Amy XOXOXO

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Recent Tributes
August 25, 2016
August 25, 2016
Pat Szczygielski introduced me to Dennis not long after he came back from Viet Nam. He was living in a huge apartment on Empire Blvd that saw a couple of memorable New Years parties. We spent a lot of time together for a couple of years. His cousin gave him an old Valiant that I took care of one winter before Dennis got his license. We used to walk (swiftly) from 3rd Ave & 11th St to the apt on Empire & Washington and sometimes back. He said I was the only girl who could keep up with his pace. My memories with him have been flooding back since I found out last night. He used to hypnotize friends. Although it didn't work on me, it worked amazingly well on others. He taught me the only 2 songs I ever learned to play on guitar. We never had an argument. I don't even remember having a disagreement with him. He was probably the nicest guy I ever dated. It was nice reconnecting with him on Facebook. I've always though of him fondly and I can't believe he's gone.
August 24, 2016
August 24, 2016
Dennis is one of my favorite cousins. Whenever I saw him, he would light up and give me a huge hug-they were the best. Dennis was so funny and engaging, he could talk about ANYTHING and make it the most interesting subject in the world. He and Anthony used to babysit for me many years ago, when my father would go out bowling; I still remember those times some 50 years later. To say my heart is heavy and that he will be missed is an understatement. You were called home way too early Dennis, yourmemory, love and legacy will live on in all of us whose lives you touched. My heart goes out to Gay, Thomas, Mary, and Amy, Joanie and Anthony and all of their families. Rest in peace, my dear cousin.
August 24, 2016
So glad to have seen you at Patrick's graduation this summer and down in seaside as well. It was a joy to have known you and you will be missed by many friends and family. So sorry you didn't have more time to enjoy your retirement. I know how much you looked forward to it! ❤️
Recent stories
October 9, 2016

In 1978 I ran the NYC marathon. When Dennis and I talked we realized we were both going to run the marathon and thought it would be a good idea to run together. 

We crossed Staten Island, Brooklyn and Manhattan. Since both of us were such fine shape when we got to the Bronx we were thinking that this would be a good place to drop out and started doing the logistics of where our support teams could come find us. At about that time Walt Stack passed us.

Walt Stack was a minor running celebrity - he was 80+ years old - and when he passes us we noticed a 16 oz can of Schlitz in his back pocket.We called out his name and he waved back at us. 

WTF!

If an 80-year-old man could keep going, we both realized we could not drop out, and when some firemen offered us a beer in Harlem we used it as the fuel that got us across the line.

Our time was 4:22, which was only an hour and 15 minutes off the lead. 

Amy & Frank's wedding

August 23, 2016

During our beautiful wedding ceremony in St. Charles Church in Staten Island, NY some psalms were read. We chose Dennis to read one. As my handsome big brother positioned himself at the pulpit to begin the reading he started mouthing the words only to be overshadowed by the opera singer belting out a beautiful song. Well, it appeared that Dennis was singing and all were stunned. In that nano second most people thought..... "Wait I didn't know Dennis took up opera singing" ..... And then realized he didn't. The guy off to the side was singing. And all I could hear was Liz Winslows hilarious laugh echoing which caused a chain reaction and everyone trying to muffle the laughter.

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