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Dennis Farina Obituary
Farina died Monday morning in a Scottsdale, Ariz., hospital after suffering a blood clot in his lung, according to his publicist, Lori De Waal. He was 69.
For three decades, Farina was a character actor who displayed remarkable dexterity, charm and, when called for, toughness, making effective use of his craggy face, steel-gray hair, ivory smile and ample mustache.
Farina appeared in films including "Get Shorty," ''Saving Private Ryan," ''Midnight Run" and "Out Of Sight."
Among his many TV portrayals was Detective Joe Fontana on "Law & Order" during the 2004-06 seasons. He starred in the 1980s cult favorite "Crime Story" and was a regular in the 2011-12 HBO drama "Luck."
He recently completed shooting a comedy, "Lucky Stiff."
A veteran of the Chicago theater, Farina appeared in Joseph Mantegna's "Blea cher Bums" and "Streamers," directed by Terry Kinney, among other productions.
Born Feb. 29, 1944, in Chicago, he was a city detective before he found his way into the acting profession as he neared his forties.
His first film was the 1981 action drama "Thief," directed by Michael Mann, whom he had met through a mutual friend while still working for the Chicago Police Department.
"I remember going to the set that day and being intrigued by the whole thing," Farina recalled in a 2004 interview with The Associated Press. "I liked it. And everybody was extremely nice to me. If the people were rude and didn't treat me right, things could have gone the other way."
Farina is survived by three sons, six grandchildren and his longtime partner, Marianne Cahill.
FRAZIER MOORE, AP Television Writer
Copyright © 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
1063 Entries
Barbara
February 17, 2025
Miss you.
John J Sullivan
November 29, 2022
I miss you Dennis. See you on the other side
Frank A. Davis
January 24, 2022
Great actor, very sharp dresser and quite a man. He is missed very much and always will be. RIP my friend I never got to know personally.
Jean England
February 1, 2020
Dennis was a very special actor. My favorite series will always be,"Crime Story's". Please bring them back.
How you can show support
robert merrill
January 30, 2019
I would just like to say to Dennis, is that I loved your acting in all your roles. I loved you in the movie SNATCH it was awesome. peace be with your family. god bless.
January 13, 2019
What a great guy. miss watching him on TV.Thankyou for being someone great to watch.
Regina Maestas
September 18, 2018
RIP Dennis. Fly with the Angels.
August 1, 2018
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Olga Torres
April 21, 2018
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
george turner
April 10, 2018
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Patty Stone
April 9, 2018
One of my favorite actors ever, watching unsolved mysteries and thought he had passed. He is so very missed in this life, such a talent!
April 9, 2018
One of my favorite actors ever, watching unsolved mysteries and thought I remembered he passed, he is very much missed in this life!
Carmine Varano
December 18, 2017
One of my favorites gone too soon RIP Dennis Farina
Gale Peetros
November 18, 2017
Miss you so much way too young to leave watch you every day on unsolved mysteries on lifetime so very good an handsome god bless family rip Dennis
albert frigo
October 19, 2017
Dennis you are sorly missed by all
Michael
October 18, 2017
I feel sadness when I think of Dennis Farina being no longer with us. It is unlike me to feel that way about someone I didn't know. Today I finally figured it out. I just think he was a normal person. In the celebrity world, there are not enough of those people. From Fontana to Bones to Joe May, I'll miss his work too.
Jennie Lucas
October 13, 2017
Your strong, solid presence remains. RIP, Dennis.
Robert S. Hallas
June 7, 2017
RIP Dennis Farina, we watched all of your films and tv series. You were great in our eyes. God has you in His keeping and you'll always be in our hearts. Love always, Robert S.Hallas n Shirley C.Crallie
Grady Youngblood
May 14, 2017
Randy Bryan
January 11, 2017
One of the best Italian actor gone to soon I have enjoyed ur performing and wished I could have met u just to shake ur hand it would have been a honor R,I,P may god help ur family n friends thru a sad loss
John R Cross
December 12, 2016
Dennis you were a great actor and always portrayed cops in a good way. As a retired cop I always admired you and am sorry I never got to meet you in person.m I know St. Michael is watching over you in Heaven as you help guard the pearly gates. From an F.O.P. Brother.
Daniel Kininmonth
July 31, 2016
I enjoyed his performances in television and movies. I just saw his great performance in The Last Rites of Joe May yesterday. It was an unforgettable performance. I am greatly sorry that there will be no new performances.
Harry Simpson
July 26, 2016
Godspeed and thank you for sharing a part of your life with us.
Rest Dennis, until you hear at dawn,
the low, clear reveille of God.
Thank you for your service to this nation.
Kathy
July 22, 2016
Gosh, Dennis, I can't believe that three years have already passed since you left us. I hope you're having a good time up there. It's so difficult to believe because you still pop up on the television and there you are!!! Not apart from us. Then the realization comes that you ARE gone. I feel so sad for your family! especially your children. I know how they feel having lost my Papa 11 years ago. So sad.
Julia Peshek
July 20, 2016
Missing you very much!
Julia Holmes
March 21, 2016
Great actor sad he has gone.
mary brown
May 1, 2015
Always loved watcing dennis. R.I.P. YOU ARE MISSED
JANICE MENDES
August 14, 2014
DENNIS WAS A VERY GOOD ACTOR AND A GREAT HOST ON UNSOLVED MYSTERIES. HE WILL BE MISSED BY MANY.
Barbara Jean
July 22, 2014
What a loss. Dennis was a fantastic actor and so handsome. Rest in peace, Dennis.
Art Grenci
June 28, 2014
God bless you brother, we met in Hollywood at Frankies place and we talked about our police work and being Paratroopers. You will be missed by all of us in those two worlds and more.
Art Grenci LAPD, 82nd Abn.
David Zullo
May 16, 2014
Mr Farina was lighting a prayer candle after mass at the St Louis Cathedral when he noticed me in my (NOPD)police uniform. He crossed himself as he finished his prayer, then reached out his hand with a "How's it goin, officer?" I proceeded to tease him about giving us guys with an Italian last name a bad rep. He immediately seized on the joke and good-naturedly engaged me in some back-and-forth barbs. GREAT cop-to-cop fun!! Deeply appreciated! Have SO much respect and admiration. I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to Mr Farina's family for sharing him with all of us. THANK YOU!!!
Raven Dutko
March 22, 2014
Oh so handsome, debonair, elegant and fantastic dresser. As I watched Law & Order, I kept thinking do all NY cops have the cash to dress like a star? Classy man. I didn't know until now that you passed and am saddened. Bless you and what you gifted us along the way.
Cricket Griffin
March 3, 2014
Just wanted the family and friends to know that Dennis was respected and admired
greatly by many, many
people.
He was a very distinguished, handsome man. Everything he did in life was with the greatest passion. With age he grew more handsome and more distinguished!! Actors like him are few and far between. He has been greatly missed! I know it's been since July 22, 2013 since his passing, but I still think of him often. He seemed to radiate with every character he portrayed. Continued comfort and prayers are with you all.
January 15, 2014
i'm going to miss you Dennis. I truly hope your in a better place. You were a good friend, and a great police officer and actor.
Mary Sanders
January 13, 2014
I would like to send my condolences to the family of Dennis Farina. I too have have almost lost my life to blood clots to the lungs in 2013
Fee
January 5, 2014
Wow. I didn't know until new year's eve that he had passed. When they showed all who passed during the year, I saw his pic. He was a nice guy! R.I.P.
Rick P
December 29, 2013
Amazing how some people you don't even know have a tremendous impact on your life. Dennis Farina was on of those gems. Peace and love to his family.
Nick Gamvas
December 10, 2013
Our deepest sympathies to the family. A talented actor that truly made his role a reality. May his memory be eternal.
Barry Moolman
November 29, 2013
gosh! my belated condolences to your sons. I will always remember him in the movie, with Bette Mildler in That old Feeling also not forgetting his role in Law & order. you leave a void in the entertainment industry. 29th November 2013
Artthur Rivera
November 24, 2013
He will be missied,I really enjoyed watching him and would have loved to have met him..great actor may the good Lord bless his family.Art Rivera
Lisa Weiner
November 23, 2013
To Dan Farina,
You were a very talented actor. I loved watching you in the movie Get Shorty. You made me laugh. My prayers go to you and your family. Lisa Weiner
carol fitzsimons
November 20, 2013
My mother worked at a Chicago bar a long time ago when he was a Chicago cop, she used to tell me stories of him. they were all great..
Frankie 'Callahan' Garcia & Family
September 26, 2013
Dennis will be deeply missed from a lot of us Through all his work it seemed that he became a Friend,As if I knew him personally,May God Bless all His Family and Give them the strength they need to keep going in life I Have another Angel in Heaven by the name of 'Dennis Farina' My condolences to all his Family.,.,
Bonnie Campbell-Schmelzer
September 22, 2013
I loved seeing Dennis Farina quietly standing in the back of church, Blessed Sacrament, in Scottsdale, when he was in town. As a community, we respected his privacy when he was at Mass. But, I felt he was a humble soul and didn't want the attention. He would smile, nod his head to say hello, but seemed to be just another parishioner and nothing else.
He was a great, diverse actor who will be missed.
nancy dailey
September 6, 2013
Marianne,
Marianne - I worked with you in Chicago during the late '90's. I remember Dennis calling for you on the phone @ work and how respectful and polite he was. I am so sorry for your loss. -Nancy Dailey.
Maryanne Lenardo
August 30, 2013
I echo Sandy's sentiments. He is an irreplaceable talent. His authenticity came through in every role he took on. Warmest regards
Sandy McDonald Jones
August 22, 2013
Marianne and Farina Family: My heart goes out to you all. He will be missed. The consummate actor, we loved him well. I will keep you in my prayers. I was in Europe at the time of his passing and just found out about this tragedy.
Tony Bihn
August 19, 2013
To the Farina Family:
My heartfelt condolences go out to you at this sad time; it was such an unexpected tragedy and he seemed like a charming and nice guy. He will be definetly missed.
Tony Bihn
Fan ( Calgary, Canada )
this for Dennis
August 14, 2013
He was a Great Actor and a Great human been.
August 13, 2013
Dawn Dixon
August 10, 2013
When I asked if he got the nickname "The Great Wounder" because he was a heartbreaker, he laughed and explained that it was because in his career as a cop, he wasn't that good of a shot. Even in everyday conversation his delivery was impeccable. My sympathy to his family and his love on the loss of a man I will always remember as gracious and genuine.
Ellen Kiltau
August 6, 2013
I absolutely LOVED him in everything he did. He could be tough, he could be funny and he was always charming. He will most deinitely be missed. My thoughts are with his family at this time. God bless.
Maureen Sullivan
August 6, 2013
I loved to see him on the screen; he just oozed Chicago and cop. Loved him on Law and Order. He brought a dose of reality to that show. God bless him and keep him.
August 5, 2013
I know he will be missed..He was one of my favorite actors. Loved him in That Old Feeling...My sympathies to the Family. MaryAnn Worek
Mary Ann
August 5, 2013
Good night, "Cousin-Cousin",
And flights of angels sing thee to thy rest!
MaryAnn and Ted Wiszowaty
August 5, 2013
To The Farina Family and Marianne our Prayes and Condolences go out to You.I Lived around the corner from The Farina Family on Mohawk Street and our Family knew The Farina Family.I am an usher at St. michaels Church and when I heard Dennis bought a Condo in Sandburg I looked for him on Sundays at 11:00 Mass.He will be missed greatly.Condolences and Prayers,
kelly gradowski
August 4, 2013
I am so sorry. Dennis will be deeply missed. He was the greatest actor and I was his biggest fan. I wish you the best of luck in getting through this difficult time.
August 3, 2013
May the God Almighty comfort and heal your hearts during this time of grief. Jas 4:8
Josie, Atlanta, Georgia
Michelle & Tom Kissel
August 2, 2013
Your dad will be missed by those who knew him and his work. All my sympathies and best wishes at this sad time. He will be remembered always.
debbie carrion
August 1, 2013
Dear Brianna and family,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Thinking of you during this very difficult time. Take care.
Don and Patricia Pagel
July 31, 2013
Dear family of Dennis: A few years ago we took the Metra train from Kenosha to Chicago. Patricia spotted a corner restraunt downtown noticing lots of interesting people going in. It was Gene and Georgettis. We ordered lunch at the bar and the owner happened to be there. We noticed a photo of Dennis Fraina on the wall! We asked why our favorite Law and order cop was there. The owner explained that he and Dennis went to the same high school and that Dennis would return for reunions and or fund raisers.What a guy. God love him and give you comfort. We are going to order his movies on dvd so we can see himn again. We have been back to the restraunt several times and the food is great.
Don Roth
July 31, 2013
You will be missed. Don Roth, Retired tactical Sergeant, 20th District.
Brenda H
July 31, 2013
R.I.P. Dennis, you will be missed. God Bless your family. You were one of my favorite cops on TV and you never forgot your roots.
KEN&MARY O'DANIEL
July 31, 2013
WE ARE SENDING OUR LOVE,PRAYERS,&CONDOLENCES TO THE FARINA FAMILY,FRIENDS,FANS,&ALL WHO KNEW MR. FARINA. CON AMORE
Peter & Jodi Serena
July 31, 2013
We will miss you and all your fine work. Our condolences to your family.
July 30, 2013
Fond memories of growing up in the old neighborhood. Great knowing Dennis. Saw each other last year at St. Mike's reunion.
Tom McDonald
George Kunkel
July 30, 2013
A regular Chicago guy makes good. A first class cop, actor and human being. Ciao, Dennis. God Bless.
Kendall and becky
July 30, 2013
He was a great actor you could tell he was a cop from everything he knew about it. RIP to a tribute to police men and women everywhere.
Karen Kruse
July 30, 2013
Dennis, you will be truly missed. Maybe now the Cubs will have an angel working on their behalf! Rest in peace.
July 30, 2013
We at Pottawattomie will miss Dennis very much. Those of us that were close to him feel his loss deeply, and I personally considered him a dear friend. To Marianne and his family I send my deepest sympathies. Dennis was as kind and generous a man as I have ever known and I will cherish my friendship with him forever.
Milt Dabagia Michigan City, In
Milt Dabagia
July 30, 2013
We at Pottawattomie will miss Dennis very much. Those of us that were close to him feel his loss deeply, and I personally considered him a dear friend. To Marianne and his family I send my deepest sympathies. Dennis was as kind and generous a man as I have ever known and I will cherish my friendship with him forever.
chuck manola
July 30, 2013
An impressive and very talented actor upon whom I had the pleasure of working with countless times when I was one of the prop guys who supplied countless Picture cars, etc on the set of "Crime Story". Dennis could be a very comical guy too, Especially when fellow co-actor Andrew Dice Clay was at the lunch table. We often exchanged jokes and encountered many stomach grabbing laughs from one another. He was also by total coincidence the Chicago copper who wrote me up my very first Chicago traffic ticket in 1974 while I was driving my then 15 year ole 59, Ford sedan that again coincidentally, Dennis would be driving 12-13 years later on the set of filming Crime Story in Chicago. He was a fun guy upon whom will be missed greatly, deeply, and sincerely. My regrets go out to all his fellow Family, Friends and Fans whom loved em.
GP
July 30, 2013
Condolences to the Farina family. Dennis entertained many with his believable characters and talent. We appreciated them all but even more was his devotion to his family. As he sleeps awaiting his call to life again on this beautiful earth when only peace will reside we will mourn his absence until then.
Patsy Raymond
July 30, 2013
Loved Mr.Farina on Law and Order. I'll miss him.
Michael Tarczan
July 30, 2013
RIP Brother
Gil Cureau
July 30, 2013
RIP, Mr. Farina..Next to my own Father, you are a person I strive to be like in life
Gil Cureau
July 30, 2013
RIP, Mr. Farina..You are a person we should all strive to be in life
Gil Cureau
July 30, 2013
RIP, Mr. Farina..You are a person we should all strive to be in life
joey palermo
July 30, 2013
to the farina family my condolences to you and your loved ones im sorry about the passing of dennis farina im a great fan of his he will be missed such a great person and a nice police officer of the Chicago police department and he was a great actor on tv shows what a special man may him rest in peace
Joseph Martorano MD
July 30, 2013
Never had the priviledge of meeting Dennis, though we had a mutual friend in Joe Gagliano, retired CPD officer who knew Dennis very well and spoke highly of him. Dennis was admirably old school, a straight shooter, approachable, honest and sincere...a real gentleman. They don't make them like Dennis anymore on or off the silver screen. Condolences to the entire Farina Family. Dennis, may the Lord carry you gently in the Palm of His Hand into Our Father's Kingdom of Eternal Life.
Gregg Merksamer
July 30, 2013
The greatest testament, perhaps, I can offer with regards to the fervent, decades-long esteem in which I held Dennis Farina can be found in how CRIME STORY was the first TV series I ever purchased on DVD in its entirety. It's undisputable his previous employment experience allowed him to approach the role of cop or wiseguy from a truly authentic perspective, and no one save Gene Hackman in THE FRENCH CONNECTION rocked a 1960s porkpie hat like Dennis! Much as his family and his fans will miss him, maybe James Gandolfini rang him up because he knew the company would be top shelf.
"Farewell Comrade" - Post #3579
Tommy Gierut
July 30, 2013
FAINA FAMILY: MY SINCERE CONDOLENCE.I WAS SADDENED TO HEAR ABOUT DENNIS.WE CAME ON-THE-JOB AROUND THE SAME TIME-[I WAS ON THE WEST SIDE-FILLMORE DIST.].I REMEMBER DRIVING PAT CAMDEN [FILM UNIT] TO LAKE ST.,WHERE THEY WERE SHOOTING A SCENE-I THINK DENNIS WAS IN THAT.IT SEEMS LIKE AGES AGO.I WILL ALWAY'S CONSIDER DENNIS A BROTHER AND KEEP HIM IN MY MEMORY.
SINCERELY,
TOMMY GIERUT
[ CPD RET.& VFW CHAPLAIN-PARK RIDGE ]
July 30, 2013
My deepest sympathy to the Farina family...I was shocked to hear about Dennis....I was a huge fan of his and never had the opportunity to meet him personally...watched all of his shows and saw his movies.....may his family find peace in the memories they have of him...he will be missed by many. My husband is a retired Chicago Police Officer and they have that common bond in the Police family.....may he rest in peace. Prayers to his family. A true gentleman for sure.
Sincerely
Jeanne Garofalo
July 30, 2013
Met Dennis when he was a Det. in the old CPD/CIU Commanded by a very dear friend of mine. Dennis and I sat at the same wedding reception table on Harlem Ave. One of the nicest guys I had ever met and continued to know as the years passed. He never forgot from whence he came. A true old school Chicago guy. God Bless him and his family. Al Scarnavack,(Former CPD/ASA)Naples Florida
Danelle Davis
July 30, 2013
A true talent....you shall be missed.
Maddy Fields-Gollogly
July 30, 2013
My late Son, Tim Fields, acted with Dennis on Crime Story. He wrote a book & Dennis was on the first page with the caricature of him and Dennis. If you wish a copy of the page or picture, e mail [email protected]. My condolences to you.
john maniatis
July 30, 2013
Dennis was an inspiration and a class act. May his memory be eternal.
July 30, 2013
My godmother, Virgie Giamerese spoke very fondly of Dennis. On behalf of her may I express the deepest sympathy to the Farina family.
Carmenuch
July 30, 2013
Spent 3 days with Dennis in the crime story days ln Las Vegas
Too soon. See you when I see you. Sorry to the family
Argento Family
July 30, 2013
Our deepest sympathy to the Farina Family & his love Marianne. A tragic loss. We were fortunate enough to have known him and spent time with him in Lake Geneva. A wonderful man who NEVER forgot where he came from....so down to earth. Another wonderful person taken from this world way too soon. He will be deeply missed by many. Our love and prayers go out to Marianne and his family.
Honey Horan
July 30, 2013
My thoughts and prayers to the entire Farina Family. Met Dennis 20 some years ago, truly a Great man, kind, funny and considerate. A loss to all who knew Him.
PJ Kulina Kulina
July 30, 2013
Just a fan since Crime Story days . I will truly miss you. And I am not the kind of person that tends to miss people. Dennis just had something real about him. So long.
July 30, 2013
Our family would like to send its condolences to the Farina family at this most difficult time. My partner and I met Dennis at a restuarant in the Pilsen
district and he was very cordial and you just knew he was a down to earth kind of a guy who loved the police department and Chicago.
Raymond (retired Chgo, police detective) and Patricia Connors
Lilli Ippolito Kruml
July 29, 2013
My deepest sympathy to the Farina Family. Dennis was an fun and loving man with a heart of gold. I will always remember the picnic in the park some 25 years ago. I know your having one hell of a party with your sister by your side. You and Bernadette are now the angels for the Hundson(Jones) family. R.I.P. Dennis. You are missed.
Barbara Tricoci
July 29, 2013
To the Farina Family and Marianne,
Always enjoyed Dennis' acting and you could always see what a down to earth guy and special guy he was. Was lucky to see him once when he was in a restaurant with all his friends. You could tell his really enjoyed time spent with his friends. Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.
July 29, 2013
Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.
Kurt Aspen
July 29, 2013
My sympathies to the family, I worked with his nephew Tony who always spoke very highly and fondly of his uncle Dennis. Mr Farina was a great actor and will be truly missed.
Rose Caccamo-Acciari
July 29, 2013
Sending prayers and my sincerest sympathy to the Farina Family. Im so sorry for your loss. Mr. Farina was an excellent talent and an excellent human being. He will be remembered fondly.
Carmella L.
July 29, 2013
Dennis will be greatly missed. Great down to earth person. He always remembered were he came from. Wonderful family. With deepest sympathy our prayers go out to the family.
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