Dennis Gulkis, 65, of Tierra Verde, FL, passed away from a sudden illness on Friday, November 8, 2013, at the Bay Pines VA Medical Center. He was born and raised in Philadelphia, PA, graduating from Abraham Lincoln High School in 1967. He moved to the Tampa Bay area in 1993.
Dennis was a Vietnam veteran, 1970 – 71, who served in the US Army as a Data Specialist. Following his military service, he attended St. Joseph’s University in Philadelphia while beginning a long and successful career in Information Technology management and directorship. Dennis recently retired and moved to Tierra Verde with his wife.
Dennis will be remembered for his quick-wit, quiet generosity, and his ability to see the value of all things. His hobbies included collectibles, foraging at flea markets and garage sales, and occasionally letting his buddies win a round of golf. He will be long missed.
He is survived by his loving wife, “Tu” Rachanok and further survived by his brother, daughter, step-daughter, step-son, grandson and many good friends.
A Military Honors service will be conducted at 12:45PM on Friday, November 22, 2013, at Bay Pines National Cemetery. The cemetery is located at 10000 Bay Pines Blvd, Bay Pines, FL 33708.
We surely will miss you Buddy ! Yessir!
Dennis was a much loved brother-in-law and uncle and will remain in our hearts always.
Dennis we will miss you very much. Your sense of humor will be something we will always smile at when we think of you.
Dennis, we always have a smile on our faces when thinking of you. We are so lucky to meet you in this life.
The big guy with the big & good heart.
We love you.
Oil’s mom& dad, Al, oil.
Dennis had a way to make you laugh at yourself. I miss him very much. His end came way too soon.
To a man who stole my heart with his wicked sense of humor and most adorable blonde crew cut. There always was and always will be a special place in my heart for you. The world was a better place with you in it.
I met Dennis through his wife Tu. Dennis always had an upbeat attitude, even in the end. He was still joking with us the night before he passed. He was a kind, caring person to my son Doug who is mentally challenged. He would sit for hours talking to Doug about various movies and subjects. I haven’t been able to bring myself to tell Doug of Dennis’ passing. I will have to wait for the right time. Doug will take the news badly. He adored Dennis.
Dennis was always around for a laugh & to throw me a smile. I will always remember the amazing memories we had together when living at the castle.
Dennis was a true leader, and great friend; I miss him a lot.
Dennis was a terrific guy and I am honored to have known him as a close friend and work associate for many years!! He was a very talented IT person and businessman. His passion and sense of humor made him very special. He was also a very caring person who would do anything possible to help someone in need.
I will truly miss him dearly.
God bless Dennis and his family!
Ernie & Jen Dianastasis
Dennis was a valued friend and member of the Veterans of South Pinellas County. He will be missed by all. It was an honor to have known him.
Our thoughts are with you Tu, The Family and other Friends of Dennis.
Will miss you Dennis; we will always cherish the good times together. Thanks for your service to our Country. You are not forgotten.
Dennis was truely a SPECIAL person as we all know. Beneath that tough guy exterior was a person with a loving heart of gold who would do anything for anybody. From the first time we met him he has kept our family entertained with his quick wit and enormous sense of humor. We will treasure with a smile all the many good times we had over the years and will miss him dearly – He definitely lived large! Tu and family – we will keep you in our thoughts and prayers during this loss.
My dearest friend who I affectionately called Dennis the Menace. For although it’s been 20 years since we met it seems like yesterday. I will never forget and cherish Philly Kid and the Brooklyn “Don “many long weekends to Marco Island ,the week vacations to Captiva the cruise over the Millennia. The many dinner’s we shared and the constant jabbing at each other. the are so many laughs I couldn’t count . Who could cheat better on our golf scores. the only man I went out with in full tux patent leather shoes and “no Socks”. The only man who would go to Bealls and buy shirts not that he needed them but because he could brag it only cost him $5.00. God I Miss YOU. you were my best friend and I will always love you and will always be in my prayers. I can see you now trying to barter with ST.Peter to get a better place in heaven . I will miss you dearly, with love Ken and Yvonne
Besides being a “Class “A” Cut-Up” which was always entertaining, Dennis was a very soft-hearted, caring person who would give you the shirt off his back. What a very special man!!! He adored his Tu and his little dog Joey. We will all miss his quick wit, easy-going attitude, and friendship.
My Friend
We do not know for certain how long we have here. We can not know Gods Plan for us and the paths we will take. We lost touch but I had the memories. We met 20 years ago as two couples sharing laughs, vacations, dinners and golf, though it was a challenge keeping score. the body is gone the memories and gifts still remain. What we do with the memories will create a smile or a tear. you will always live on with those who knew you
Linda Mc Kenna
Dennis is my cousin who I lost touch with for 40 years. I found him on LinkedIn. I am glad I had a chance to communicate with both he and Richard before they passed. He was kind enough to send me
photos of my grandfather, who I never met nor even knew what he looked like, and one of the uncles, who I never met nor saw a photo of either. I regret never having a chance to meet up with them again. I am so glad he did not suffer long
So saddened to learn of Dennis’ passing. We worked together at Fischer & Porter Company in the Philadelphia area during the 1980’s, and there are countless memories of what a crazy and fun person Dennis was. I remember a particular time when Dennis was in a very serious auto accident and hospitalized in critical condition for a few days. The company could not do its end of month financial closing because no one could find the passwords to the Financial System. When Dennis came to a day or so later, he said he couldn’t remember the passwords, but he kept them in his office behind the Phila. Eagles Cheerleader Calendar!
I can remember Dennis getting into heated arguments at our staff meetings, and you know he was just trying to fire people up. He would have people steaming, wanting to choke him. I remember after one long heated meeting, we are in the men’s room lined up at the urinals, I was on the left of Dennis and the other manager was on Dennis’ right. This was the guy who just a few minutes ago nearly needed to be restrained from attacking Dennis. Dennis turns to guy and says, “5 bucks and I’ll tell you what you’re holding in your hand right now?” He was absolutely nuts. We had some great times together “adjusting our attitudes” after work on Friday nights. It was a great time to be in IT. Rest in Peace, Dennis my friend. You left us way too soon. Until we meet again. Love – Tony Baccari.