Dennis "Denny" Spanitz

Passed away on March 15, 2026 at the age of 81.

Predeceased by his parents, John & Stella Spanitz; brother, Jack Spanitz.

He is survived by his daughters, Traci (Robert) Gustke & Melissa Richardson; grandchildren, Shane O'Neill & Alexis O'Neill; several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Denny lived a life marked by quiet strength, steady dedication, and just the right amount of mischief.

A proud veteran of the United States Army, Denny served 18 months overseas in Vietnam as a military policeman. That sense of duty never left him, carrying seamlessly into his career as a New York State Trooper. As an investigator, he was not only respected for his work, but for the many individuals he trained along the way—passing down not just knowledge, but a standard of integrity that others could follow.

Outside of his service, Denny knew how to enjoy life. He was an avid bowler who achieved the rare and impressive feat of rolling three perfect 300 games—no small accomplishment, especially considering he was still knocking down pins well into his 70s. When he wasn’t at the lanes, you could likely find him on the golf course, enjoying tournaments, leagues, and, most importantly, time spent with friends.

Denny also appreciated the finer things in life—namely, a good drink prepared just the way he liked it. Whether it was a Dewar’s Scotch neat or a Southern Comfort Manhattan with a twist, he believed some things were best kept simple and done right.

Above all else, Denny was someone you could count on. He showed his love not through grand gestures, but through a lifetime of being there—always ready to lend a hand, always making sure his family was cared for and supported. That was simply who he was.

Denny leaves behind a legacy of loyalty, laughter, and love—a life well lived, with a few perfect games along the way.

Family will receive friends on Friday, April 3, 2026 from 11:00 - 1:00 PM, immediately following at 1:00 PM will be his Army military honors & then a funeral service at New Comer Cremations & Funerals, 2636 Ridgeway Avenue.

In lieu of flowers, in honor of Dennis, contributions may be made to: The National Kidney Foundation

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