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BORN
1947
DIED
2026
FUNERAL HOME
14318 S. LaGrange Road
Orland Park, Illinois
UPCOMING SERVICE
Dennis Dellaria Obituary
Dennis C. Dellaria, age 78, late of Orland Park. Beloved husband of Patricia (née Kubiak); devoted father of Julia (Andy) Dellaria-Terrill and Christina (Gary) Rualo; loving grandfather of Drew, Ethan, Genevieve “Gigi”, and Cathlina “Cali”; dear brother of the late James Dellaria; devoted son of the late Charles and Mary Dellaria. He was also a great dog “dad” to Rascal (and Kozmo and Buster).
He was a graduate of Holy Cross High School Class of 1965 and received his Bachelor of Music in Music Education from Chicago Conservatory of Music in 1973.
Dennis had a passion for music his entire life. He played in a band in high-school and then a wedding band, The Gigolo’s, from the late 70s-mid 80s. He then started a DJ business: Denny’s DJ— where he played at parties and weddings for 20+ years. His day job was a music teacher: early in his career as the band director at Wilkins Junior High and then a K-8 music teacher until he retired 2012. In retirement he continued to share his love of teaching and sharing music with his grandchildren.
Beyond music, his favorite past time was collecting Lionel trains and making train displays. He was active in the Chicagoland Lionel Railroad Club up until COVID. He has passed this excitement of trains to his grandsons. He started a tradition of putting the train around the Christmas tree on Christmas Eve at his daughter Julia’s house, which she continues.
His favorite people in the world called him Papa. He loved spending time with his grandchildren: playing games, watching music performances, or just being present with them and watching them play together. As his Alzheimer’s progressed this was something that truly lit him up. He had a special relationship with all of them, but the youngest granddaughter, Cali, brought him so much joy.
Visitation Friday, March 27, from 3:00 - 8:00 PM. Funeral Saturday, March 28, 8:45 AM, from Thornridge Funeral Home (Janusz Family Funeral Service) 14318 S. LaGrange Road (Northbound traffic: U-turn permitted at 143rd St.) Orland Park, to Saint Michael Church Mass, 9:30 AM.
Interment Resurrection Cemetery.
Memorial Events
for Dennis Dellaria
Mar
27
Mar
28
Funeral services provided by:
Thornridge Funeral Home of Orland Park (Janusz Family Funeral Service)14318 S. LaGrange Road, Orland Park, IL 60462
Memories and Condolences
for Dennis Dellaria
6 Entries
Gen Rizzo
March 26, 2026
Pat and family,
So sorry and shocked to hear of Dennis’s passing. He was so full of life!!
I knew him from way back, when we both taught in Cicero and then in
District 109. He even let me borrow his 1st accordion so I could practice every once
In awhile!! I returned it to him a few years back. He said his grandkids would love to
play with it. He totally forgot about it and was so glad I reached out to him. He will
be missed!!
Rest in peace my friend
Joseph Kuffel
March 21, 2026
Always enjoyed talking with Dennis and many funny stories. He was a great guy and a good friend.
Gina Baumgarten
March 21, 2026
Dennis was a beautiful soul whose love for music touched so many lives. As a dedicated teacher and gifted musician, he didn’t just share notes and melodies—he inspired passion, confidence, and joy in everyone lucky enough to learn from him. His music will continue to echo in the hearts of his students, friends, and family.
Beyond his talents, Dennis was a loving husband and devoted father, always putting his family first. His kindness, warmth, and gentle spirit made the world a better place.
Beloved husband of Patricia, devoted father of Julia (Andy) Dellaria-Terrill and Christina (Gary) Rualo; loving grandfather of Drew, Ethan, Genevieve . My deepest condolences to all who loved him—may you find comfort in the beautiful memories he leaves behind.
He will be deeply missed, but never forgotten.
Ron Barreca
March 20, 2026
Patricia, I am so saddened by the news that Dennis has passed. I want to offer my deepest condolences to you and your family. Dennis was a wonderful man. I was always so impressed by his musical talent and his genuine love for his students. He will be deeply missed. Ron
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Frank Imperial
March 20, 2026
Dennis My First Cousin, you are a Musical Genius. You will give your talent to all in Heaven, God rest your Soul.
Love Frank
The Staff of Thornridge Funeral Home
March 19, 2026
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
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