Jane's Speech

I remember the day that Jodi brought Dennis into our family. It was a little over 10 years ago. Besides the obvious-- his incredible good looks and great taste in clothes, there was always something extra special that glowed about Dennis. Many of you here have been blessed because you knew Dennis his whole life…you already knew what a great journey Jodi was in for. She gained not only a husband but a soul mate. He gave her a life that she never thought she could have. His love and devotion to his family was the one thing that Jodi adored about Dennis.
I remember him telling me that he never worried about Jodi staying a Rich after he was gone because of how much she truly loved his family. He was proud of the fact that Jodi and the girls would head off to Topsfield many Sundays even if he couldn’t make it. This gave him great comfort. I may be Jodi’s only biological sister but it is very clear to me that Dennis’ 5 sisters love her like she is #6.
I have never witnessed a love or bond between brothers like Dennis and Jimmy. I can only equate it to the love and connection I have with Jodi. It is unconditional,
never ending and always forgiving. I think we can all sleep a little better at night knowing that Alana, Elise, and Mia have Uncle Jimmy in their life.
Dennis is truly the kindest person I have ever known. I am proud to say he was more than my brother in law, he was my treasured friend. There was only joy when you were with him. He loved life and as we all know he was hungry for it. I know it sounds crazy to say, but I believe he made you want to be a better person. I would watch his friends rally around him and fight for his attention. Who could be louder, funnier or noticed by him more?
In these past few weeks we have all seen with our own eyes how many lives Dennis has touched. Countless staff members at Mass General have told Jodi they have never seen such a remarkable patient. Only a remarkable person is able to deal with the fact that they have a terminal illness and still continue to pick themselves up each day and be a loving husband, son, brother and friend to us. He continued to create amazing memories for his little girls knowing painfully inside he would not be with them forever. He was never bitter or mad and has even made it very clear that he felt he got his illness so Jodi and his girls could be spared of anything bad ever happening to them. This is what I call a hero.
The one wish that Dennis had that everyone here can help to carry out is a simple one. Don’t be afraid to talk about him to his kids, he doesn’t want them to just remember him from pictures. He wants them to know all his quirks, how crazy he was and what a great dad he would have been.
Dennis- we can all do that for you. It’s the least we can do. Thank you for allowing us in your life. We will never, ever forget you.