Dennis E Schack

Dennis E. Schack passed away peacefully on March 29, 2023, at home in Forked River, New Jersey.
The oldest of eight children in a devout German and Irish Catholic family, Dennis was happiest when surrounded by family and friends. A graduate of Weehawken High School, he proudly served more than two decades with the Fire Department of North Bergen, New Jersey, retiring in 1996 as a Deputy Chief. On multiple occasions he earned citations of valor from the Department for rescuing victims from fires. Dennis also served a five-year stint in the United States Army National Guard, during the late 1960s and early 1970s.
Behind that brave, tough, exterior lied a sensitive, generous soul who supported loved ones when they needed it most. Dennis was a tireless worker who took pride in providing for his family, often toiling at extra jobs - from roofing to hazardous materials removal - on his days off from the Department. During leisure time he enjoyed an array of outdoor activities, including hunting, fishing, boating and golfing with friends. He also liked to challenge his sharp intellect, faithfully completing daily newspaper crosswords and cryptograms, and rarely missing an episode of Jeopardy on television. And he enjoyed a wide variety of music, from the 50s doo-wop classics he sang with teenage friends on the streets of northern Hudson County to seminal opera arias such as Nessun Dorma, as performed by Luciano Pavarotti.
A devoted Catholic, Dennis was a longtime parishioner of St. Pius X Roman Catholic Church in Forked River, where he was active in the men's group. During his many years in Forked River he also had a robust social and community life, through organizations such as the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and the Loyal Order of Moose.
Dennis is predeceased by his parents, Edward and Ruth (Maisch) Schack; a brother, Steven; and his beloved partner Ursula Cuccia, who passed away on December 12.
He is survived by his son, Justin Schack, daughter-in-law Roseanne Dattilo-Schack and granddaughter Zoe Schack, of Westfield, New Jersey;four brothers: Brian, of Netcong; Edward (Ellen), of Long Beach Township; Kevin (Donna), of Forked River; and Gene (Angel), of Nutley; two sisters: Janet and Maryann, both of Toms River; and many dear nieces, nephews and friends. He was previously married to JoAnn (Baker) Puczilowski, the mother of his son.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held for Dennis at 10am on Saturday, April 1 at Holy Trinity Roman Catholic Church, Westfield, New Jersey, immediately followed by interment at Holy Cross Cemetery in North Arlington, New Jersey. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Catholic Charities USA.