David Arthur Dennis passed away Dec 4 after a courageous battle to stay with his family as long as possible. Anyone who knew our DAD knew that he loved dogs, hunting, and above all his family. David was born on August 1, 1949 in Oceanside Long Island, NY. Growing up he was a committed boy scout and athlete that excelled in Football, Wrestling, and Lacrosse. He had a competitive spirit and a perseverance in times when challenges seem insurmountable. He was an eternal optimist. David was a proud graduate of the United States Naval Academy and a winning team member of the 1970 National Lacrosse Championship. Day's after graduating he married his high school sweetheart Teresa (Terri) DeBaun and they embarked on an adventurous 52 years together. Terri followed Dave's ship to every port until they were stationed in Virginia Beach and called it home. Dave was the ultimate entrepreneur, selling meats, cheesecakes, donuts, and shrimp before he started a career in coffee and vending. He launched Dennis Foods out of his garage and grew his K-12 vending business to 12 million dollar a year enterprise. He believed in shared success and truly loved every coworker and employee. His adventurous spirit and laughter will be missed tremendously. He is survived by his loving wife Teresa, two sister's Anne O'Leary and Sue Dennis. His two children Justin, wife Ashley and Kristen, husband Ryan and four beautiful granddaughters Emerson, Madison, Avery, and Morgan.

Forever chugging and plugging

A Service will be held Jan 26th at 11am at Saint Gregory the Great in Virginia Beach.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Daily Press from Jan. 6 to Jan. 7, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
for David Dennis

11 Entries

Lisa lantrip

December 31, 2024

Dave is one of the nicest people I ever met. He always made you feel comfortable and welcome. To this day I use his chugging and plugging phrase. He is missed by so many and especially me. I'm sure he is in Heaven chugging and plugging.

Phil Masters

April 13, 2024

I am so sorry to hear Dave passed away. Dave was a friend and business associate of The Wittern Group in Des Moines Iowa. We had many good times with Dave coming to Des Moines to go hunting with his dog and a number of his friends over the years. My Conddolenes to the Terri and the entire Dennis family. Phil Masters and all at The Wittern Group in Des Moines. Phil Masters

Ivy Haynes

January 26, 2024

My Heartfelt Love is with you Justin, and your Family. Your Father was your biggest Champion and Loved all of you always. My prayers are with you and all of The Dennis Family today. Ivy

Lisa and Gary Lantrip

January 22, 2024

I was one of Dave's employees. I remember when I went for my interview. I was so nervous, but Dave started talking to me like he had known me for years. He made me feel so welcome and relaxed that I had a good feeling about the interview. Next thing I heard was can you start next week. Well he was one of the nicest supervisors I ever worked for. I use his chugging and plugging phrase all the time, and everytime I use it I think of him. He will be missed by so many.

Charlie Cortellini

January 12, 2024

David was a customer, business partner and friend! To say he always put family and relationships before business is an understatement! He was truly one of a kind and will be missed on so many levels!
My condolences to his family for their loss.

anonymous

January 12, 2024

Thank you for your military service Sir.

Mike Boddie

January 9, 2024

On behalf of Boddie-Noell Enterprises, Inc. we were deeply saddened to learn of Dave´s passing. Dave was like family at our office having been associated with BNE since the early seventies. We purchased coffee and tea from Dennis Foods for many years. During this time Dave and
Terri became well known and loved in our office and restaurants. He and our late father, Mayo Boddie, Sr., were hunting buddies and enjoyed many trips together! Dave was just a great guy and would do whatever he could to help anyone who was in need. He will be missed by many but has left his family a wonderful legacy of love and respect.
RIP dear friend!

Jane Reynolds

January 7, 2024

David always involved in seeing that his Business Dennis Foods contributed to the success of his customers. BODDIE NOELL Enterprise Hardee´s Restaurant was one of them. I was in many of the restaurants serviced by them. Dave and Terri attended many store openings to help with the flowing of coffee to customers by keeping the pots filled at rapid pace. Each pot served seven cups and they managed without missing a cup! This done on Saturday mornings if you can imagine.
Ice Tea was Dave´s specialty he followed up that the specific recipe was being followed throughout. This is how I knew and respected Dave and Terri. As time went bye contact was moved to an occasional note on Facebook but always the yearly Christmas card bringing back memories and good times. The New York connection always present.
Dave thanks for the years. Prayers for this Journey.

Lisa Sykes

January 6, 2024

I will never forget Mr D walking me home across the street in the middle of the night. I was having a sleepover with Kristen and wanted to go home. So many great memories on Wakefield Circle that I will never ever forget, One is Kristen having the best Birthday parties. Pony rides in the circle!

Steve Corneliussen

January 6, 2024

Dave was my shipmate in his first assignment after Annapolis--the USS Noxubee. His enthusiasm for supply and logistics was so affecting that he quickly became the supply officer, a great place for his talents. Terri, with Deborah Mullen, came to the various ports where we put in during the 1973 Med cruise. I only saw him once in the intervening half century, and I regret that. Everybody on that ship just plain liked him, and for good reason.
Steve Corneliussen

Gregorio Buenviaje and Family

January 6, 2024

Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.

Hugs and Prayers to you and your family .<3<3

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