Dennis Clouse

In Loving Memory of Dennis Keith Clouse 2/24/1941-7/19/2025
Dennis Keith Clouse, of Everett, Massachusetts, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and brother passed away surrounded by loved ones on July 19, 2025 at the age of 84. He was born on February 24,1941 to Charles and Helen Clouse, and was amongst seven brothers and two sisters. He grew up in Chesterton, Indiana, splitting his time as a young boy between workin' the land and attending school. In 1958, Dennis enlisted in the U.S. Navy just a mere few days after his 17th birthday, where he served a happy almost 10 years between land and sea. By the end of his time serving, Dennis earned Third-Class Petty Officer and Ship Serviceman ranks, signified with an eagle, a key crossed with a quill, and a chevron on his sleeve, which he always wore with the utmost pride. While ported in Boston in 1961, Dennis met his one true love, Carol, in Medford, MA at the Bal-a-roue, which was a local hang out spot where all the hip youngins frequented. They shared their first roller dance, and before they knew it, sparked a 64 year love that would burn deep enough to last an eternity. But that wasn't the first time Dennis had his eyes set on Carol-she was the hottest ticket he'd ever seen standing around at Somerville bus stops, and he wasn't afraid to let his friends know. Just two years later on March 3, 1963, Dennis and Carol took each other's hands in a marriage they were told wouldn't last, and soon welcomed their daughter and first born, Tammy, a few months later. It felt like a long 4 years of splitting his time between Navy assignments and making it home to Somerville for Tammy's milestones, but in 1967, Dennis put his whites into retirement and went home to where his whole heart was.
Soon after his honorable discharge from the Navy, Dennis attended Fisher Junior College in Boston, where he earned an Associate's Business degree, allowing him to work for First National Stores in Somerville as a warehouse manager. Dennis took the new knowledge he gained in this role paired with his love for working with heavy machinery and his leadership skills from the Navy, and began working for The City of Somerville in 1973. He worked until his retirement in 1996 as a heavy machinery operator, and was often a friendly face driving around well-known neighborhoods in trash trucks, or was deemed the local hero who spent numerous hours plowing during The Blizzard of '78. While their life began to settle into the new normal, Dennis and Carol welcomed their son, Jeffrey, in 1975. The family of 4 established roots on Park Street in Somerville, where they befriended many neighbors and shared an abundance of happy memories with loved ones. It was in 1984 when Dennis received his Non-Hodgkin lymphoma diagnosis, flipping him and his family's world inside out. With an uncertain life expectancy, Dennis battled aggressive chemo and maintenance treatments for 1.5 years, and came out on the other end beating absolutely all odds. Dennis ultimately lived so much longer than anyone ever would have expected, and he never took a single moment for granted, later earning him the family nickname "Iron Man."
As Tammy and Jeffrey grew older and leaned into their own lives, Dennis and Carol had to choose how they wanted to live out their retirement. So, they made the decision to haul down to Florida in 2001 where they'd reside in Kissimmee Gardens. Dennis and Carol quickly became well-known and well-loved, so much that they managed the community in which they lived until moving back to Massachusetts in 2010. It was a job they never had to ask for, but was bestowed upon them in recognition of their infectious charm, and ability to make any space they entered a welcoming one. The 9 years they spent in Kissimmee were full of friends-new and old-visits from their children and grandchildren, familiarizing themselves with cruises out of Port Canaveral (a whopping 17, but who's counting), and countless trips to Disney. But once again, Dennis and Carol's hearts called home to Massachusetts. They adopted their beloved shih tzu, Jake, and hit the road once again, where they'd go to live with their daughter, Tammy, and grandchildren, Matthew and Rene, in Everett. Dennis filled his time with family, sitting under the gazebo, listening to music, ball games, home renovation shows, Lego sets, too many DIY projects to count, and the occasional vacation back down to Florida. He lived the last of his years enjoying the finer things, all while braving his declining health. A number of chronic health conditions, and being in remission for almost 40 years, Dennis was re-diagnosed with cancer in 2023. He was treated with a series of radiation, putting him into remission and, yet again, defying all odds. Despite beating cancer a second time, Dennis' old age ultimately caught up to him, but Iron Man did not give up without a fight.
Dennis is predeceased by his parents, Charles and Helen Clouse; his brothers, Dale, Duane, Richard, Robert, and Frederick Clouse; and his sister, Lois Eckert. He is survived by his wife; Carol Clouse, his sister; Nancy Ponce; along with his children, Tammy Clouse Maldonado, Jeffrey Clouse and his wife, Jessica Clouse; 4 grandchildren also survive their "Papa" Dennis, Rene and Matthew Maldonado, his wife Samantha Johnson, Corey and Shelby Clouse; as well as his very special pup, Jake.
An enjoyer of the simple things: blueprinting and building things with his hands, a sweet treat, well-maintained antique cars, real country music, a crisp Bud Light from an aluminum bottle on a particularly hot day, a campfire with familiar faces seated around it, the Boston Red Sox, filling the neighborhood with echoing melodies on karaoke night, a small hot Dunkin' black coffee, and cruising the Caribbean for pleasure in his post-naval years with Carol by his side. Dennis has taught everyone he's met a thing or two about living simply, and the value of doing it with a smile on your face. To say he will be missed is an understatement, and he leaves behind a legacy of so much love and light. Dennis had a deep zest for his life, and all of those who were a part of it will continue to be guided by his relentless spirit and wise lessons.
A celebration of life in Dennis' honor will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the MSPCA of Boston in his memory. Dennis found that connecting with animals in his older years was very healing and cathartic, and he would love to help give more pets opportunities to live healthy lives in loving homes.
Fair winds and following seas, Until next time, Iron Man- We'll be hangin' in and hangin' on