Dennis Leonard Cerkiewicz
Dennis Leonard Cerkiewicz, 78, of Orange, TX, passed away peacefully surrounded by family at his home on November 6, 2024. Services with military honors will be under the direction of Claybar Funeral Home in Orange with visitation on Tuesday, November 12, 2024, from 4 - 6 pm and service at 6 pm with The Rev. Dr. James M. Pevehouse officiating.
Dennis was born on April 9, 1946, in Buffalo, NY to Leonard and Alice Cerkiewicz. He grew up in the Catholic Church where he served as an altar boy. He participated in Boy Scouts and achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. After graduating from Hutchinson Central Technical High School, Dennis joined the United States Air Force, serving his country honorably in Vietnam, completing two tours of duty.
Upon returning home, Dennis attended his sister’s friend's wedding, where he met the maid of honor, Susan, who became the love of his life. They were married on September 16, 1972. Together they raised their three boys in Buffalo, NY, until Dennis’ employment with Dupont brought them to Orange, TX in 1991, where they would eventually welcome their fourth son.
Dennis’ pride and joy were his children and grandchildren. He coached his kids in bowling and baseball. He spent many hours attending his grandchildren’s softball games and other sporting events, dance recitals, plays, band and choir concerts, as well as many other events. He never met a stranger and would strike up a conversation with anyone, wherever he went.
Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of 52 years, Susan Cerkiewicz, and siblings, Marlene (Bill) Zulawski of Buffalo, NY. Gregory (Darlene) Cerkiewicz of Windermere, FL. Sister-In-Law Pamela (Wayne) Robinson of Buffalo, NY. Children Jason (Erica) Cerkiewicz of Tonawanda, NY, Michael (April) Cerkiewicz of Beaumont, TX, Nicholas (Shawna) Cerkiewicz of Orange, TX, and Steven Cerkiewicz (Citlaly Quezada) of McAllen, TX. Grandchildren Sydney Cerkiewicz, Parker Cerkiewicz, Emily Cerkiewicz, Lilly Cerkiewicz, Tyler Woolwine, Krista Romine, Lea Cerkiewicz, and Brady Cerkiewicz. Uncle Dennis is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.
The family would like to give special thanks to Southwest Texas Home Health and Morgan Haynes of Harbor Hospice of Beaumont for their compassion and care of Dad.