Dennis L. Grogan, Jr.

DENNIS L. GROGAN, JR. aged 78 years, beloved husband for 56 years to Juana Fustes Grogan (nee Amores), dear father of John, Maria Ule (husband Doug) and Michael, (wife Alma), loving grandfather of McKenzie , Cody and Kevie Grogan, Tricia Ule, Casey Roubic (husband Aaron), Heather and Joey Ule, devoted son of the late Dennis L. Sr. and Nellie Belle (nee Stewart), cherished brother of James (deceased) (wife Sue) and Jackie Austin (deceased) (husband Ron), fond uncle and great­ uncle to many. Dennis was a United States Navy Veteran.

Dennis Lee Grogan Jr was born and raised in Akron, Ohio.  The youngest of three, he graduated from Garfield High School and joined the Navy on 31 July 1961. He rose to the rank of Aviation Machinist’s Mate (Reciprocating Engine Mechanic) Petty Officer 3rd Class and separated honorably in 1965. During his time in the Navy, while stationed in Spain, he met his future wife, Juana Fustes Amores; they were married on 10 February 1965. Together for almost 57 years, Dennis and Juana would go on to have three children and seven grandchildren.

Dennis worked for Conrail Railroad for 19 years then became an Amtrak conductor and worked another 21 years in the industry. After 40 years, he and Juana retired and moved to northeast Indiana where they lived for almost 30 years.  In retirement, Dennis loved to play golf, visit car shows (he was a bit of a car nut), and flea markets. In addition, they traveled extensively and although they covered nearly every corner of the United States, their favorite destination was Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Dennis was in his ‘happy place’ walking the beaches with his dog Strudel (his longtime faithful little buddy).

As a younger man, Dennis was a true-to-life “MacGyver” as there was nothing Dennis couldn’t fix around the house. He never quite understood the concept of why someone would want or need to call a plumber, electrician, auto mechanic, etc. He had a rare ability to figure things out and devise a solution or fix. Of course, he was not a perfect man, and let’s just say there were a few “home projects” or “great ideas” that went horribly awry, but they nevertheless made for good stories.

Dennis’ friends and family would describe him as an incredibly generous and kindhearted man. He was a great conversationalist and loved to tell stories (usually hilarious) from his youth.  More importantly, Dennis was a great listener and loved to learn and hear the stories of others – even that of total strangers! But, perhaps his greatest two qualities were, one, he had an infectious self-deprecating sense of humor that just drew you in and made you feel comfortable; and two, his unparalleled love for and devotion to his wife, Juanita.

His family cherishes his memory and deeply misses him! As Dennis is now home with the Lord, he would want his beloved family and friends to not be sad because in God’s time we will be together again; for now, he would wish those he knew, fair winds and following seas.

Funeral services Wednesday, Dec. 29, 2021 at the Funeral Home at 11 AM. Private burial in Ohio Western  Reserve  National  Cemetery   (Seville, OH.). Family will receive friends to pay tribute and celebrate the life of Dennis at THE DeJOHN FUNERAL HOME & CELEBRATIONS CENTER OF CHESTERLAND 12811 CHILLICOTHE RD. WEDNESDAY DEC. 29, FROM l0AM UNTIL TIME OF SERVICE