Dennis C. Dellaria, age 78, late of Orland Park. Beloved husband of Patricia (née Kubiak); devoted father of Julia (Andy) Dellaria-Terrill and Christina (Gary) Rualo; loving grandfather of Drew, Ethan, Genevieve "Gigi", and Cathlina "Cali"; dear brother of the late James Dellaria; devoted son of the late Charles and Mary Dellaria. He was also a great dog "dad" to Rascal (and Kozmo and Buster).

He was a graduate of Holy Cross High School Class of 1965 and received his Bachelor of Music in Music Education from Chicago Conservatory of Music in 1973.

Dennis had a passion for music his entire life. He played in a band in high-school and then a wedding band, The Gigolo's, from the late 70s-mid 80s. He then started a DJ business: Denny's DJ— where he played at parties and weddings for 20+ years. His day job was a music teacher: early in his career as the band director at Wilkins Junior High and then a K-8 music teacher until he retired 2012. In retirement he continued to share his love of teaching and sharing music with his grandchildren.

Beyond music, his favorite past time was collecting Lionel trains and making train displays. He was active in the Chicagoland Lionel Railroad Club up until COVID. He has passed this excitement of trains to his grandsons. He started a tradition of putting the train around the Christmas tree on Christmas Eve at his daughter Julia's house, which she continues.

His favorite people in the world called him Papa. He loved spending time with his grandchildren: playing games, watching music performances, or just being present with them and watching them play together. As his Alzheimer's progressed this was something that truly lit him up. He had a special relationship with all of them, but the youngest granddaughter, Cali, brought him so much joy.

Visitation Friday, March 27, from 3:00 - 8:00 PM. Funeral Saturday, March 28, 8:45 AM, from Thornridge Funeral Home (Janusz Family Funeral Service) 14318 S. LaGrange Road (Northbound traffic: U-turn permitted at 143rd St.) Orland Park, to Saint Michael Church Mass, 9:30 AM.

Interment Resurrection Cemetery.