He was born May 6, 1944, raised and educated in Buffalo, New York. Dennis started working at an early
age and found his calling in the trucking industry where he spent over 50 years, much of it as an overthe-road owner-operator. He traveled over 3 million miles up and down the East Coast, throughout the
Midwest, South Central, and Southeast United States and crisscrossed the nation making life-long
friendships. Many trips he was accompanied by loved ones: his children, grandchildren and members of
his four-legged family. Mr. Kramer was his most notable partner-in-trucking as security manager for
Dennis for several years. Kramer kept their truck safe from theft and warned him of approaching
livestock. They retired together and enjoyed the well-deserved solitude shared with multiple cats at all
times. Dennis enjoyed talking with his family & friends across the country on a regular basis, watching
westerns and old movies, reading about our nation’s history, listening to talk radio, discussing current
events and rides on his motorcycle. He was an avid fan of NASCAR and the Buffalo Bills – GO Bills!
Time spent with his family and friends was most important and precious to Dennis. One of his favorite
places was in the Keys where he lived for several years. His cremains will be scattered there at a later
date.
Dennis is survived by his devoted wife, Patricia, of Port Charlotte, FL; beloved daughters Kathleen (John)
Ledger of Riverview FL, and Jennifer (Keith) Ciccarella of Buffalo, NY; cherished grandchildren Cortney
(Jim) Battistella, Corey Burroughs, & Colby Burroughs of Riverview, FL, Samantha Ryan and Mia, Talia
and Rocco Ciccarella of Buffalo, NY; precious great-grandchildren Nathan Nasca, Presley, Cole and Lola
Battistella of Riverview, FL, & Kehlani Ryan of Buffalo NY, and former spouse Elizabeth Ryan of
Riverview, FL; brothers Michael (Teresa) Ryan, Richard Ryan, Robert Ryan, Thomas (Jan) Ryan and
William Ryan along with several nieces and nephews to whom he was the “cool” uncle, and his fur-kids,
Tiger, Chloe, Buddy and Charlie. He is preceded in death by his parents Francis Ryan and Helen Kraus
Ryan. Memorial donations may be made to St. Judes Children’s Hospital or the animal welfare
organization of your choice.
DONACIONES
St. Judes Children's Hospital
Animal Welfare Organization
COMPARTA UN OBITUARIO
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