Mr. Dennis John Wojcik

UTICA – Mr. Dennis John Wojcik, age 73, went home to his Lord when he passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 8, 2024. At the time of his passing, his loved ones were by his side. Born in Utica on August 25, 1950, Dennis was the son of the late Stanley and Anna (Chelada) Wojcik. He was a graduate of Utica Free Academy/Class of 1968 and was proud to be a life-long Utican. On May 14, 1977, Dennis wed the former Colleen Walker with whom he shared nearly 47 years of mutual love and devotion. He was the most wonderful husband Colleen could have ever asked for. The two spent much of their alone time together taking long walks with their dog, Toby. They also enjoyed their time spent with each other at the shooting range. Dennis was employed with the United States Postal Service as a carrier for 45 years prior to his retirement in 2014. He spent nearly a decade of those years working 6 days week to allow Colleen to stay at home and commit her time to raising their three children. Dennis enjoyed the camaraderie he shared with his customers and co-workers who would later become his dearest friends. He was a proud member of the National Association of Letter Carriers for 50 years. Dennis was extremely dedicated to every facet of his life, from his family to his career, to sports, and even to his Utica Club memorabilia collection. He would often venture to thrift stores looking to purchase vinyl records of which he was a master seller on his own eBay store. Above all, time spent with his loved ones was of utmost importance to him. He sacrificed his personal desires to allow his children the opportunity to attend Catholic schools. For many years he continuously drove an old Dodge Omni, which was quite difficult for him to get in and out of; this made for humorous memories for his friends and family and was just another example of his self-sacrifice. Known as “Pooh Man” to his daughters, Dennis had an extreme “father bear” personality and was very protective of his little girls. For his son, on the other hand, the rules were a little more lenient. No matter what, he loved them all the same. He still provided for his children until the very end. For nearly 40 years, the entire family enjoyed yearly trips to both Cape Cod and Niagara Falls. Dennis relished being the grandfather of his three grandsons and spending as much time with them as possible. In his spare time, Dennis enjoyed shooting different types of pistols and rifles and was a proud member of the National Rifle Association. Dennis and his son looked forward to attending any type of Syracuse sports game possible. He also found enjoyment in participating in a Pitch league on Monday nights. A faithful Catholic, Dennis was a communicant of Mary, Mother of Our Savior Parish, Lourdes Campus, where he served as a Eucharistic Minister. At one time, he was fortunate to take an inspiring trip to the Holy Land. His faith and prayers sustained him and helped him through his battle with cancer. Dennis is survived by his beloved wife, Colleen; son and daughter-in-law, Martin and Mary Wojcik; daughters and sons-in-law, Kerrie and Dennis Philipson, and Caitlyn and Marc Massoud; grandchildren, Matthew Wojcik; Maxwell Massoud; and Devin Philipson who was born only 9 months ago and was so fortunate to meet his Papa; sister, Christine Wojcik; many nieces, especially Carly Horvath who accompanied them on family vacations every year; nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins; and in-laws, Maureen and Edward Horvath, Katherine and Gerry Scott, Dr. Kathleen Walker, Michael and Debbie Walker, and Loreen Walker. He also leaves his best friend and canine companion, his cocker spaniel Toby, and he fondly remembered his four cocker spaniels who preceded him. Dennis shared close friendships with Vinny and Patti LaPaglia, Artie and Kathy Trozzi, and Eddie Washburn. He was predeceased by his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Martin and Helen Walker; brothers-in-law, James Walker, Robert “Joe” Walker, and Kevin Walker; and niece, Kara Horvath with whom he shared a special bond. The family extends their sincere gratitude to Dr. Dhabhar, Dr. Butala, Dr. Goel, Dr. Kaul, Dr. Eldredge, and Dr. Mian for their years of meticulous dedication to Dennis’ care. Thanks as well to the many nurses at the Wynn Hospital ICU for their compassion. Visitation will be held on Monday, May 13, 2024, from 4:00-6:00 p.m. at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Memorial contributions in Dennis’ honor may be made to Making Strides Against Breast Cancer on behalf of Team Dennis online at https://tinyurl.com/4ej6mpz4; or by mail to Team Dennis, MSABC of Utica, American Cancer Society, Attn.: Making Strides of Utica – AZ9LNZ, P.O. Box 10727, Rochester, NY 14610; envelopes will also be available at the funeral home. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Dennis’ Mass of Christian Burial and Celebration of Life which will commence on Tuesday, May 14, 2024, at 12:00 p.m. at Mary, Mother of Our Savior Parish, Lourdes Campus, 2222 Genesee St. Interment will follow in Holy Trinity Cemetery.

Mr. Dennis John Wojcik

August 25, 1950 - May 8, 2024