A Friend to All.
Cummaquid Heights - It is with great sadness that the family of Dennis Hayden Cambal, 69, passed away with his loving wife Samantha by his side on September 9, 2018. After putting up a gallant fight with several illnesses over the past few years, he is now free. “I have overcome the world” John 16: 33
Dennis was born in Waltham, MA on January 27, 1949. It was a great place to be a kid. He loved playing in the brook behind his home and sledding on the hills across the street. Dennis and his family summered in West Yarmouth. He and sister Judy would often sail and race their Beetle Cat named ‘DeJu’ in the Lewis Bay Regatta and together winning many trophies. This is where he loved to be. In the years that followed, he would make this his permanent home.
In 1968 Dennis graduated from Phillips Academy in Andover, MA and earned 12 varsity letters; 4 years of basketball, football and track.
Dennis continued his education at William & Mary in Williamsburg, VA. He graduated in 1972 with a Bachelor of Arts in English and with course work in education. He played for the W&M Tribe football team. Due to his exemplary athleticism, he was drafted by the NFL as a running back with the Oakland Raiders. After one year, Dennis was traded to the New York Jets. Dennis had suffered a back injury and was sadly forced into early retirement.
In 1975, Dennis embarked on a new career - teaching. This was Dennis’ true passion. He went back to college and received a teaching certificate at Bridgewater State. He brought his love of education to Dennis Yarmouth Regional High School where he taught American and English Literature. Dennis was best known as “Coach”. He was an outstanding mentor as the head football coach for the D-Y Dolphins. He loved his players and the players loved him. Many fabulous memories were created and formed on that field. A legacy from 1975-1983 and forever. He also began the Girls Track Team.
Dennis moved onto another career in Wealth Management 1983. His first firm was with Thomson McKinnon Securities. He later worked with other firms such as Prudential, Legg-Mason and RBC. One of his greatest achievements was being able to work his son Geoff. Together they created a radio show called “Common Cents.”
Along with his son Geoffrey, his other blessings were his two daughters Shannon and Taylor. They created unforgettable memories like skiing at Gunstock Mountain or just making each other laugh. Every year he looked forward to his first dive into the ocean. Driving his boat ‘Stocks and Blondes’ to Egg Island and digging up quahogs. This was the highlight of summer days with friends and family. He enjoyed nothing more than listening to Jimmy Buffett on the boat and then heading back to the main land to play the piano - Rachmaninoff, The Beatles and so many more. He was also an avid golfer and member at the Cummaquid Golf Club for 30 yrs. Dennis was an amazing man that touched everyone he met. He was kind and loving. Larger than life itself.
Dennis was predeceased by his parents; father Clarence Clement Cambal and mother Betty (Hayden) Cambal. He was the loving husband of Samantha Marie (Pearson) Cambal.
He is survived by his 3 children; son Geoffrey Scott Cambal and wife Laura (Puzio) of W.Yarmouth, MA; daughter Shannon (Cambal) Hohmann and husband Greg of Norwell, MA; and daughter Taylor Hayden (Cambal) Cianco and husband Steven of Marshfield, MA along with the mother of his children Barbara. Loving sister Judy Edmunds and 2 nieces Heidi and Laura Edmonds of W. Yarmouth, MA.
Papa also leaves behind his 9 beautiful grandchildren; Hudson, Tanner, Evangeline and Brooks Cambal; Ryan, Madison and Cameron Hohmann; and twins Steven and Hayden Ciancio.
“He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death' or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” Revelations 21:4.
A Memorial Service will be on 11 a.m. Friday, September 21, 2018 at the West Yarmouth Congregation Church, 383 Main St. (Route 28), W.Yarmouth, MA 02673. For online condolences please visit www.doanebealameshyannis.com.
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