Photo courtesy of Richard J. Reidy Funeral Home - Lorain
Sep 23, 1947 - Jan 30, 2026
I knew Dennis when he was teaching with Lorain City Schools. My class was down the hall from his. At times we would talk. Dennis was well read in a number of literary genres and at times we would enjoy the literary diversion. To say Dennis had an ear for language would be an understatement. I am the better person for having met Dennis. My sympathy is heartfelt.
Daniel Zacharias
February 09, 2026 | Cleveland, OH | Friend
Dennis Michael Slattery, 78 passed away peacefully at Symphony of Olmsted Falls Friday, January 30, 2026, after suffering with Dementia. He was born September 23, 1947, in Lorain to Frank and Glenna (nee Hadsell) Slattery
Dennis graduated in 1965 from Lorain School. During high school he traveled to Austria as a foreign exchange student. While there he made a film of the scenes and history of the country. Following high school, he graduated Cum Laude with a 4.0 GPA and a master's in liberal arts from Kent State University. He was fluent in French, German, Spanish, and later Portuguese.
He enjoyed traveling the country, Mexico, and Canada, utilizing his language skills in his social contacts. His first teaching job was Trinity High School in Berea Ohio. Later, he taught Spanish in Kentucky. While he lived in Laredo Texas, he would spend time in Mexico teaching the children there, English. After returning home, he taught French, German, and Spanish at Lorain high schools. While teaching, he owned and operated several businesses as well. After over 30 years, he retired from teaching and moved to Georgia. There he studied Portuguese at Athens University. He was the best student in the class and was given the option to become an Ambassador in Brazil. However, it was decided that a younger student take for the position.
Dennis lived an active lifestyle. He kept fit with good nutrition and weightlifting. He had high moral standards and was sincere in his Catholic faith. He remained active in church in Georgia and spent time with friends and family there. He continued to teach as needed in the Atlanta School system which became full time work for him. He loved learning and being with people.
Dennis was also a lover of all animals. He took in stray cats and rescued a very emaciated dog caring for her until she was well. He wrote essays on various species while at Athens University. He was generous, he donated to save and care for all types of domestic and feral animals in the world. He also assisted with feeding the poor organizations, orphaned children, homeless and Shriners Hospital.
Around 2022, Dennis began to show symptoms of decline and family assisted him to move back to Ohio where was cared for by his sister, Debra. He improved enough to live again on his own until experiencing a fall outside his home. He spent the remaining year and a half at Symphony Memory Care.
He is survived by his sister Debra Anne Slattery Erin and his nephew Gregg F. Slattery, Jr.
Other than his parents Dennis was preceded in death by his brother Gregg F. Slattery
His family will receive friends at St. Frances Cabrini Parish, 2143 Homewood Drive, Lorain, Ohio 44055 Tuesday, February 10. 2026, from 11:30 AM until 12:30 PM Mass of Christian Burial. Rev. Father Neil G. Walters, Pastor will officiate. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery, Lorain.
In lieu of flowers his family suggests memorial contributions to the Friendship Animal Protective League, 8303 Murray Ridge Road, Elyria, Ohio 44035-4746
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