Dennis E. Dalbec

Sergeant First Class Dennis E. Dalbec Sr., U.S. Army (Ret.), 79, of Holden, passed away peacefully on Friday, December 19, 2025, surrounded by the family he so deeply loved.

Born on April 22, 1946, in Worcester, Dennis was the oldest of six children of Edgar and Gayle (Fields) Dalbec. He was raised in Worcester’s French neighborhood on Canterbury Street and graduated from South High School. A true patriot, Dennis proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War. Following his discharge, he began his career with the Massachusetts Army National Guard, later becoming a full-time soldier and serving the citizens of the Commonwealth until his retirement.

In 1980, while assigned to the 1st Battalion, 181st Infantry, Dennis met Lt. Kevin L. Mercadante and accepted a part-time position as a funeral assistant at Mercadante Funeral Home & Chapel. What began as a part-time role became a lifelong calling, as Dennis worked alongside friends and colleagues there for 45 years.

Dennis is survived by his devoted wife, Donna J. (Hine) Dalbec; his six beloved children: Dennis Dalbec Jr. and his wife Teri of Palm Bay, Florida; Robert Dalbec and his wife Annette of Shrewsbury; Matthew Dalbec and his wife Carina of Fitchburg; Gary Barber Jr. of Holden; Ronald Bowers of Spencer, Wisconsin; and Rhonda Garron and her husband Tracy of Worcester. He is also survived by his brother, Ronald Dalbec and his wife Nancy; four sisters, Diane M. Leufstedt, Susan Rennie and her husband James, and Ann Marie Svedberg and her husband Darryl; ten grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; his brother-in-law, Barry Beckwith; and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

Among Dennis’s greatest joys was time spent with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, each of whom held a special place in his heart. He shared especially close bonds with his granddaughters Tori, Shelby, and Eloise, and his grandson Braeden, and in recent years, the arrival of his new twin great-grandsons became another profound source of pride and joy.

Family was the center of Dennis’s life. He lived for his weekly phone calls with his children and siblings, near and far, simply to let them know he was thinking of them. He held a deep and unwavering commitment to being there for those he loved — in body or in heart. He was predeceased by his parents; his daughter, Deborah Gray; his sister, Janine Beckwith; and his brother-in-law, Richard Leufstedt.

Dennis was deeply committed to supporting veterans and veteran organizations, including the Holden Senior Veterans Group, the Yankee Division Association, and the 181st Battalion Association. In recognition of his service, he received numerous medals and honors, including the Quilt of Valor, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, and Army Achievement Medal.

A classic car enthusiast, Dennis enjoyed buying, trading, and attending shows, and was a proud member of the Old Car Club. He also cherished daily coffee, meals, and conversations with friends. Above all else, family was his greatest love.

Friends and relatives are invited to calling hours on Sunday, December 28th, from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. at Mercadante Funeral Home & Chapel, 370 Plantation Street, Worcester. His funeral service will be held Monday, December 29th at 11:30 a.m., followed by burial with full military honors at the Massachusetts Veterans Cemetery in Winchendon. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name may be made to: Yankee Division Veterans Association, Worcester Chapter 9, P.O. Box 22, West Boylston, MA 01583