Gordon Dominic Deniso Jr.

1960 - 2016

Gordon Dominic Deniso Jr., 55
BIDDEFORD - Gordon Dominic Deniso Jr., known to family and close friends as "Tumboy," passed away on May 28, 2016, after a sudden illness.
Born in Boston on Nov. 29, 1960, to Gordon Deniso Sr. and Marjorie Steele Deniso, he is survived by his mother of Cape Elizabeth, his twin brother G. Daniel Deniso of Scarborough, his sister Gay Deidre Deniso and her partner Connie Pacillo of Cape Elizabeth, and nephews Cameron and Reid Deniso of Scarborough.
He was predeceased by his father in 2002.
Gordon resided at Pineland Center in Pownal for 30 years. Having suffered brain trauma at birth which caused severe learning disabilities, he was admitted to Pineland in 1966 as there were no public school options at that time. He was an eager student, quickly learning over 100 ASL signs to help compensate for his profound deafness. A very social and likable little boy, he so enjoyed his newfound means of communication. As a young boy at Pineland, he befriended those less capable and was known for his gentle and compassionate nature.
During this time he made frequent visits home to Portland where he loved riding his bike and playing baseball with his brother and sister. He was tremendously skilled at puzzles in which small metal balls have to be carefully rolled into holes. Possessing enormous perseverance, he was always successful. But toy pinball machines were his favorite; he enjoyed going to the local drugstore to pick out new ones.
In 1971, he suffered a status epilepticus seizure and was left severely brain-damaged, losing all his capabilities.
Since 1996, he had resided locally in group homes. During these years, he was fortunate to have some truly wonderful caregivers whose company he greatly enjoyed. Most recently, with the help of his caregiver, Cody McManus, he was able to visit his mother weekly for lunch at her home.
The Bob Dylan song "Blowin' in the Wind" was sung, at a graveside service held at Riverside Cemetery in Cape Elizabeth, by Laura Dover, whose husband Keith cared for Gordon for several years and enjoyed many laughs with him during that time. As Dylan penned, "How many years can some people exist, before they're allowed to be free," Keith remarked this week, "How tremendously difficult it must have been" for him, but that, "he can finally rest."
To sign Gordon's guestbook and leave memories and condolences for the family, please visit: www.advantageportland.com