Dennis Gerardi, 78, passed away on December 24th, 2024 in Mission Viejo, CA.

Dennis was the youngest of three children, born to Gerry and Teresa Gerardi in Greenwich, CT.  He proudly served in the US Navy during Vietnam and would regularly regale his family (and complete strangers) with stories from his time on the USS Coontz.  During his service, he earned four medals and received an accommodation for personally developing a faster and more efficient refueling system utilized during combat operations.  His world forever changed in 1967, when he met Barbara at a New Years Eve party.  They were married eighteen months later and would remain side by side for fifty-five beautiful years.

After Vietnam, Dennis and Barbara settled back in CT where they had two amazing children, Beth and Chris. In 1987, they moved to Southern California, where they opened a Janitorial and Maintenance company.  Dennis successfully led and operated Coastline for 25+ years.  His family has it on good authority, that he will not miss dealing with insurance companies, employees who don't show up, and clients that 'stretch' their payables.

Dennis had a larger than life personality and left a 'wake' wherever he went.  He was a master storyteller and genuinely loved being with family and friends.  Dennis was very aware that he was given a second chance at life, and as a result, he did not take the little things for granted.  He appreciated a good cup of coffee, ill-timed humor, walking in Dana Point with Barbara, all USC football victories and any excuse to watch his grandkids play together.

Make no mistake, Dennis could be a massive pain in the ass, but he would say that was simply a part of his charm.  Up until his last moments, he was cracking jokes and holding Barbara's hand. He will undoubtedly be missed, but remembered fondly and often.

Dennis is survived and celebrated by his wife (Barbara), two children (Beth and Chris), five Grandchildren (Luke, Tanner, Olivia, William and Mia), niece (Stacy), son-in-law (Damon) and daughter-in- law (Tanya).