Dennis Paul Caracciolo

Dennis, beloved brother, uncle, great uncle, teacher, reporter, real estate agent, novelist, loyal 49er fan, sci-fi aficionado, Kennedy assassination expert, enthusiast of Gershwin, Brubeck and Sinatra, dedicated historian of his home town, San Lorenzo, and much more, passed away in peace on January 25, 2026 in Walnut Creek, CA. following a stroke. His family was attending him. He was 79.
Dennis was born in Oakland on May 1, 1946, the son of Pauline E. (née) Paul and Joseph E. Caracciolo. His parents moved to San Lorenzo Village when he was four and Dennis came to cherish it. It grew as he did.
His life interests emerged early. Like his parents, he thoroughly enjoyed TV comedy, the latest movies, big bands and crooners, and details about Hollywood movie stars. He performed in family skits. He idolized the 49ers. He soaked in family political discussions where supporting information was required.
When he was eight, he decided to write his own newspaper. He convinced his mother to mimeograph a one-page news sheet. It contained all the local gossip he heard from friends in the neighborhood. Local moms bought out all ten copies.
He dreamed of playing football. He became an offensive tackle at St. Elizabeth’s in Oakland and continued when he transferred to San Lorenzo High. He was disinterested in classwork until his English teacher, and then his drama instructor, inspired him. When Mrs. Benvenuto cast him as the lead in “The Inspector General,” the stage became another field of play for him.
About that time, the assassination of John F. Kennedy rocked him. Then, not long after graduating from high school in 1964, two friends were dead in Vietnam. When leaving Chabot Jr. College for SF State as a junior he changed his major from drama to English. He also became Senator Eugene McCarthy’s Presidential Campaign Manager for the SF State campus.
Dennis began teaching English in 1969 at Moreau High School in Hayward. He also took on Journalism and Drama instruction. In a matter of weeks he was launching the school’s first newspaper, "The Explorer," and began the school’s first regular fall and spring drama productions. His journalism students were interviewing SF Chronicle columnist Herb Caen, a Bay Area icon, and drama students were performing works by Eugene O’Neil and Joseph Heller.
He continued teaching at Moreau until 1981. But in the summer months he filled his own performing and writing bugs. He created the “The Crack News,” on cable channel 12C in Castro Valley. Former students filled roles as Entertainment Correspondent, Weather Guy or Gal, and more. Dennis anchored, taking fictitious on-air calls from world leaders in the comedic style of Bob Newhart. This was years before SNL’s Weekend Update. Summer months also allowed him to pursue his writing. He began completing multiple unpublished novels and TV scripts.
In the 1980s Dennis divided his time among three major pursuits: He joined the Contra Costa Times as a feature reporter and immediately scored big by interviewing Bill Walsh just after Walsh was hired as 49er head coach. He also produced “A Primer on the JFK Assassination” on cartridge tape. He narrated the facts and irregularities of the assassination, and presented alternative explanations. The Sixth Floor Museum at the former Texas Schoolbook Depository in Dallas sold it for several years. And, he launched “Dog Days,” a humor publication. It caught the attention of KGO radio personalities and he was interviewed about it on-air for an entire segment.
During this time Dennis celebrated the weddings of his sister and brother, and enjoyed an expanded family that included their spouses and the families of spouses. He doted on his nieces and nephew, embracing his role as uncle (and volunteer football coach). He was thrilled as each of them gave birth to their own children, expanding his role into great uncle. He looked forward to birthdays and always had a special gift for the occasion.
Dennis joined RE/MAX in Danville in the 1990s and closed out his professional career in residential real estate. He enjoyed matching homes to clients and making available his broad knowledge of local history to those new to it. He also deepened his faith. He attended mass regularly at St. Isidore Catholic Church in Danville.
In retirement, Dennis self-published "A Doorway to Time," a science fantasy. It entwines the Kennedy assassination with Dennis’ discernment of attitudes and understanding of time. At his death he was also re-working drafts of other works.
Dennis will be remembered for his eagerness to celebrate (and photograph!) family and friends at special events; his joy at each new family birth; and his empathy for friends experiencing a tough circumstance. He maintained contact with distant friends through phone conversations that often lasted more than two hours. He inspired countless English, journalism and drama students, and was tutoring in the week before he passed. He was an unforgettable personality.
He is survived by Paul Caracciolo, his brother (Mary Mansell) and Diahnn Goldsmith, his sister (Jay Goldsmith); nieces Lindsay Tanner (Sean) and Annie Booth (Colin); and nephew Michael Caracciolo (Dariya); and great nephews and nieces Sullivan and Leona Tanner; Finlay, Olivia and Rory Booth; and Vivian Caracciolo, born one month after his passing.
Dennis will be interred at Holy Sepulcher Cemetery in Hayward on March 14, 2026. He will be sorely missed.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial donation can be sent to The Society of St. Vincent de Paul, c/o St. Isidore Church, 440 La Gonda, Danville, CA 94526.