Dennis Munczenski
Dennis Munczenski, 73, passed away on Monday, September 30,2024.
Dennis is survived by his beloved wife, Teresa, two children: Shannon Gimple (David), Devin Munczenski (Kelli), grandchildren Caroline, Alex and Murphy, his sisters Janice Stephenson, Nancy Lewisson (Kim), and several nieces and nephews. Dennis was predeceased by his parents, Ed and Margaret Munczenski as well as his sister, Patty Barger.
Born in 1951 in Chattanooga, and with the exception of attending and graduating from Georgia Tech and acquiring additional training from Emory University, he lived his entire life in Chattanooga. A proud graduate of Notre Dame High School,Class of 1969, he was instrumental in starting the Notre Dame Alumni Golf Tournament, which is still going strong after almost 40 years.
With so many life long friends, Dennis never met a stranger. He was a practical joker with a generous heart, willing to lend a hand to anyone with no hesitation. His quick wit and sharp sense of humor were legendary among his friends. To say he was loved by many is an understatement.
Dennis was the chief financial officer of Econ Mills for 23 years. Following that work, Dennis was a successful entrepreneur, lending his talents to the start up of several local businesses. Dennis was a passionate, disciplined, confident, open minded and creative businessman, with strong people skills. In retirement, he had a few “hobby jobs”, he kept Chattanooga looking smart while managing Jos. A Bank and putting his extensive knowledge of pools and pool maintenance to work at Tri State Pools, where he so enjoyed seeing his friends there.
Dennis and his wife, Teresa would have been married 32 years on Oct. 6. Teresa was Dennis’ rock. Their vibrant personalities were a perfect compliment to each other. Dennis often remarked to his friends that Teresa was the best thing that could have happened to him. Teresa and Dennis treated each other with love and respect…a true and loving partnership.
Dennis had many titles: Monk, Husband, Dad, Grandad, Brother, Son, and of course, so many knew him as Coach. He began coaching his son’s youth baseball teams in 1982 and continued for over a decade, successfully mentoring so many young players thanks to his drive and dedication. If you couldn’t find Dennis on the baseball diamond, you could probably find him on the golf course or soaking up the sun on his boats with friends.
Dennis was a strong, kind, loving and supportive Father. He was his family’s biggest cheerleader and supported any and all of their activities, never more so than with his three precious grandchildren: Caroline, or “Sweet Caroline” as he called her, Alex and Murphy. Dennis was a natural athlete and intellect, its is apparent those traits were passed down to his grandkids. Sweet Caroline is in the Netherlands working an internship for The Hague, Alex plays soccer in the Academy for the Major League Soccer team, Columbus Crew, and Murphy, the baby of the grandchildren is an 11 year old soccer player in the Atlanta United Futures program.Dennis’ grandchildren brought him so much joy.
The kindness and compassion of Dennis’ physician, Dr. Bertrand Anz of Chattanooga Oncology, bolstered his spirits over the course of his two year journey and his family could not be more thankful. His family remains committed to sharing Dennis’ story as a “race well run”.
His family is so appreciative of all the prayers and well wishes.
A visitation will be held at Chattanooga Funeral Home-North on Oct. 3, from 5-8 p.m. A private family funeral will follow at a later date.
Cancer research is so close to our hearts, in lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St. Jude Children’s Hospital in Dennis’ name at stjude.org.
Arrangements are under the care of the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory and Florist, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson.
Please share your thoughts and memories at www.chattanooganorthchapel.com.