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Dennis Howard Obituary

Dr. Dennis Fitzgerald Howard, 67 years old, died on Sunday, September 29 while looking at the ocean. As an avid surfer he spent some of the best days of his life on the water and took every chance he could to get wet. Dennis loved his family and was eternally a voice of compassion, reason and fairness. He treasured every moment that he spent with his grandchildren. He loved to travel, especially to surf or snowboard. Dennis was an exceptionally gentle and skillful dentist and built a thriving practice near the oceanfront that he was very proud of. He read voraciously and knew something about everything. Dennis was a remarkable listener and took the time to really understand things. He fiercely struggled with a number of serious health issues for many years, yet he did so gracefully and without ever complaining. Dennis was an ethical, smart, loving and strong man who will be missed deeply. He is survived by his mother Noel Howard, his wife Carolyn, his daughter Devan and son-in-law Michael Dorto, his son Logan Howard and daughter-in-law Christina, his grandchildren Lucia, Abraham, Francesca and Salvador, his brother Anthony Howard and sister-in-law Millie, and a large network of family and friends. His dog Kiona is heartbroken. Services will be held at First Presbyterian Church at 300 36th Street on Saturday, October 5 at 2pm. In lieu of flowers, please consider supporting The Surfrider Foundation or Surfers Healing in his name.

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

Published by The Virginian-Pilot from Oct. 1 to Oct. 2, 2019.

Memories and Condolences
for Dennis Howard

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Patsy Allen Hicks

September 25, 2022

I think of Dr. Howard occasionally. He was a wonderful Dentist and an even better person. I know he is rejoicing with our Lord.

Donna Jackson

January 26, 2022

Was told today of Dr Howard´s passing and was deeply saddened. He was my dentist for many years
Such a nice man. Thoughts and prayers are with the family

Lorie Beskin

January 10, 2020

Carolyn - I just learned of Dr .Howard's passing this morning. He was an amazing person and dentist and I will never forget everything he did for me. My thoughts are with you all!

Connie Saunders

October 20, 2019

Carolyn,
Im so saddened to hear of Dennis death. I remember when I worked for him on Thursday nights for a bit -cleaning teeth. I think that you were pregnant. We were all so young. Kaytren thought he was wonderful. Dennis will be missed by so many people. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time.

Paul West

October 17, 2019

Wonderful man, I remember a great surf trip a long time ago - it was my first trip to Nosara, Costa Rica. It was with Bob Holland, Dennis was recovering and yet he surfed like a beast, never complained, always quick with a smile, great times, kind man, it was hilarious the three of us sharing a room, Dennis, always squared away and early dawn patrol surfer. Great times bro, may God bless you and your family. Aloha...

Albert Butzer

October 16, 2019

Carolyn,
We were traveling at the time Dennis died and just saw a notice in the church newsletter. He was such a wonderful man. Thinking of you and your family and sending love, blessings and prayers. -Al

Mary Pinnell

October 7, 2019

Dr. Howard was a wonderful dentist and even put a filling into my son's mouth without anesthesia. I was and still am grateful for his kind, friendly, and skillful dental practice that continues in the spirit of his original creation.

Heather Cullen

October 6, 2019

Dennis was my childhood best friend's father and my dentist. I remember him very fondly as a friendly, easygoing man. The world is worse off for his passing.

Steve and Tami Failla

October 4, 2019

We are so saddened to hear of Dennis's passing. He was a fine gentleman and best dentist we ever had. We cherish many fond memories of times together in Steamboat. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Carolyn, Logan, Devon and family.

Pat Cole

October 4, 2019

I first met Dennis when I transferred from Kellam to First Colonial in 1967. We were on the wrestling team together and worked the beach service for a couple of years as well. He and Tony were some of the first friends I made in the new school and I am so sorry that I did not stay in touch even though I stayed in the area. Fair winds and following seas my friend. Catch that big tube upstairs.

Buster Lankford

October 4, 2019

Carolyn, so sorry to hear about Dennis, he was a kind and gentle soul. Memories of the Duck Island Gang come to mind. Thoughts and prayers to you and the family.

Darlene Shipp

October 4, 2019

I have been with Dr. Howard since 1985. He was a great man and a wonderfully dentist. Dr Howard is now in heaven with his suffering buddys having a great time. You will be missed.

Linda Theurer

October 4, 2019

We will all be missing this wonderful man for lots of reasons. What a special person and what a special family.
I'm so sorry and thinking of each of you. May all of your treasured memories help you through your time of loss.

Cindy Crosslin

October 3, 2019

My deepest condolences to the Howard family. I have very fond memories of watching Dennis playing doubles w/ Van. Dennis was a good tennis player and a wonderful man. He will be missed.

Jean Koch

October 3, 2019

I am very sorry for this loss and remember the Howard family from years ago. Our fathers worked together at NAS Oceana. Sincerely, Jean Ellis Koch

Dianne Brothers

October 3, 2019

Back in the day, the 60's when he was growing up on 23rd St. We used to surf together. There was a really good break between 23rd and 24th St. many a morning at sunrise lots of us met there and would paddle out. One morning the waves were really hollow and I caught one and got locked in. When I came out Dennis was paddling back out and yelled to me with a thumbs up. The only time I ever got in the tube. He was my only witness. What a great day and what a great memory of him.

Mark Vernay

October 3, 2019

I knew Dennis in high school and worked with him with the beach lifeguard service 3-4 Summers. He never a bad word about anyone that I heard. He won the state championship in wrestling 1-2 years and was an art form to watch. Later I sat in his dentist chair for the first time and needed a cavity filled and as he gave me some novocaine as he caringly asked if that shot hurt. I about broke down laughing as I remembered him getting some poor guy in a "grape vine" on the wrestling mat more than once. Truely a great loss and I am so very sorry to hear of his passing so soon. My heart is with you Carolyn and family. You will see him again in Heaven I am sure.

Mark Vernay

Diane Stephenson Grant

October 2, 2019

Classmate that was always kind, generous and had a great sense of humor. Comforting prayers for the family and friends. I was just in Va Beach at our 50th high school reunion but back in Los Angeles so sorry I will miss his celebration of life.

Vicki Cousins

October 2, 2019

Such a beautiful tribute for a man well loved. Rest in peace Dennis.

Pinky Amburn Hipp

October 2, 2019

I have wonderful childhood memories of Dennis. Love and prayers to his family

Chrisie Campbell-McGuire

October 2, 2019

I started working at Dr Howards office in 1991, & became his full time assistant in 1992 & ended up staying till 1999. Over the years he helped me become a great assistant & taught me alot! One of my fondest memories of him was when he would come in on our late days, in his wet suit carrying his surf board!! LOL
Jane would get so mad at him!! But, that's just who he was. I loved working w/him & cared deeply for him.
Heaven has truly gained an "Angel"

Tom & Andrea McGoldrick

October 2, 2019

So sorry to hear this..thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Be comforted by the fact that he left so peacefully . May his love and strength see you through this difficult time.

Jody Williamson

October 2, 2019

He was the best person I have ever met. He believed in me before I did. It was a privilege to work for him.

Patsy Allen Hicks

October 2, 2019

I am so sorry to hear this. Dr. Howard was my dentist for years. He took care of my mother as well. One of my fondest memories of him, one Christmas he sent my mother a card with a paid in full bill. Our family was so grateful. Heaven surely gained an Angel. Rest In Pest Dear Dr. Howard your job here on earth was well done.❤

Cynthia Shaw - Bickford

October 2, 2019

Sending love and support to Dennis' family.

Marti Macy

October 2, 2019

You will be greatly missed by many. I've
Known you since you began
Your practice many, many years
Ago. Have referred many friends to you who were scared of going to the dentist ! You performed your services with passion & empathy. Enjoy your new body Dr. Howard. May God comfort & bring peace to your family during their grieving.

Lynn Mangus

October 2, 2019

Every time I hear the words humble, patience, devoted, loyal and kind. One man stands out above and beyond all... Dennis Howard.
I had the honor of working for this gifted man for 24 years at Oceanfront Dentistry...
Not one day with regrets. He is loved by many and will be missed. Prayers to his beautiful family.

Meri Gaudio

October 1, 2019

I had the pleasure of meeting Dr. Howard when he became my boss in 2000. He was the best employer I could ever ask for. Heaven gained an awesome angel. Love & condolences to the family. Joe & Meri Gaudio

October 1, 2019

I am so very sorry to hear this sad news. My sincere condolences and prayers to the family.
Becky Durham

October 1, 2019

Having known Dennis from high school this photo took me back 50 years. All my love to his lovely family and much support to my friend CDay.

Chenoa Dovon
Norwich, VT

Kay Gore

October 1, 2019

I have so many fond memories of Dennis and Tony as we were growing up. That he has passed so young and after so many challenges breaks my heart, for him and for his family. I am so saddened that his grandchildren didn't have more time with him or he with them. However, he lives always in your memories. He was an exceptional person who created exceptional children of whom he can be very proud. I wish that I could be in Virginia Beach to attend the celebration of his life on Saturday; however, I work with the Surfrider Foundation here in San Luis Obispo and will honor his memory on the central coast of California. Much love and many hugs.

James and Mary Higgins

October 1, 2019

So very sorry to hear this sad news. Dennis was a wonderful boss and good friend years ago. Our hearts go out to C Day and his family. May you all find peace in his passing and his legacy will surely live on in the memories and lives he created. God Bless You All and may He give you strength now and in the days ahead. May his Soul Rest In Peace. Our love and heartfelt thoughts your way.....

Haley Mullins (Schoenhut)

October 1, 2019

Sorry for your loss. I may have only met him a couple times but I could tell he was a great man.

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5

Service

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First Presbyterian Church

300 36th Street, VA

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