Dennis M. Ferrence, 86, U.S. Air Force Veteran
Dennis M. Ferrence, age 86, of Lorain, died peacefully on the afternoon of Monday, September 28, 2026, at his home with his faithful four-legged companion, Buddy, at his side.
Dennis rescued Buddy more than a year ago and since that day they had become inseparable.
Dennis was born on October 7, 1939, in Lorain. He proudly served in the United States Air Force and fulfilled duty assignments as an aircraft engine and maintenance specialist attached to the 3358th S.T.U. Squadron at Chanute Air Force Base in Rantoul, Illinois. Following his service, he dedicated thirty-three years as an inspector/driver with E and L Transport. After retirement, he continued to provide for his family by working at Sears and Roebuck, serving as a groundskeeper at local golf courses, and selling cars at local auto dealerships.
Throughout his life Dennis enjoyed many hobbies such as hunting, fishing, golf, woodworking, and flying model airplanes. He maintained a booth at Jamie’s Flea Market for many years and was always willing to make a deal!
A devoted Catholic, Dennis was a life-long parishioner at St. Nicholas Byzantine Rite Catholic
Church in Lorain where he was also a member of their Holy Name Society. Always wanting to help, he dedicated countless hours volunteering at both the church and school with a multitude of duties including mowing, custodial work, kitchen help, and even driving the school bus. This continued throughout Dennis’s life until a decline in health prevented him from doing so. Above all, his greatest joy was his family.
Dennis is survived by and is loving Dad to Brenda (Vincent) Foreman, and Kenneth (Karen) Ferrence, proud Grandpa of Josh Ison Jr., Shane Ferrence, and Abby Ferrence, Great Grandpa of Ariana Harris, and Great-Great Grandpa of Zachariah Sfero whom he adored.
Dennis was preceded in death and has now been reunited with the love of his life, Jean Ferrence (nee Kulchar), his mother, Helen Hritz (nee Popovich), baby brother, Timothy, and his beloved Yorkie, Dido.
Friends and family will be received Friday, October 2, 2026, from 10am until the time of Divine Liturgy at 11:00 a.m. in the St. Peter Notre Dame Chapel located in the St. Peter Parish Center at 3655 Oberlin Ave. in Lorain. Reverend Vasyl Kupar will officiate. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery.
Due to limited chapel space, the family is respectfully requesting all floral donations be omitted. Instead, please consider donating in memory of Dennis to the Friendship Animal Protective League – 8303 Murray Ridge Road, Elyria, OH 44035 or to a charity of the donor’s choice.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Gluvna-Shimo-Hromada Funeral Chapel.