Dennis A. Dlugolecki – 64 – of 451 Bishopville Road Ext., Arkport, NY (Town of Almond) died unexpectedly Monday morning at his home just shy of his 65th birthday.
Born in Goshen, NY on June 29, 1955, he was the son of Polish Immigrants Teslav “Chester” & Catherine (Shults) Dlugolecki.
Dennis grew up in Orange County, NY and attended Goshen High School (class of 1974) where he excelled in soccer and was named to the all-county team. Following graduation, Dennis worked at the local Ford Motor Plant before starting a career with the NYS Department of Corrections at the Sing Sing Correctional Facility. “Doogie” would later transfer to the Groveland Correctional Facility and retire after 25 years.
In 1990, the family relocated to Hornell, NY where they resided on Heather Heights and Elm Street before moving to Bishopville in Arkport. During his time in Upstate, NY he co-founded two area real estate businesses with his wife Pam, and good friend, Roy Forshee. Growing from a single property on Bennett St. in Hornell, the companies blossomed to tens of properties spread throughout the Southern Tier. As an advocate of the Wounded Warrior Project, Dennis always worked to provide adequate housing arrangements for veterans and their families.
Dennis loved making people laugh, discussing world events, playing with his grandson, Declan, and watching Yankees baseball. He coached youth soccer and Hornell Little League and supported many area organizations including the Hornell Alumni Association and the Humane Society. Dennis was also a member of the Hornell Association and a past officer of the Elks Lodge.
He was preceded in death by his parents, brother & sister-in-law, Leonard & Thereasa Dlugolecki; and his niece, Joanne (Dlugolecki) Space.
Dennis was married 35 years to the former Pamela Nickerson Dlugolecki, who survives. Also, surviving are his daughter, Rachael (Ruadhri McCormick) Dlugolecki of Seattle, WA; his son, Tyler Dlugolecki of San Diego, CA; his grandson, Declan McCormick; his mother-in-law, Sylvia (Byron) Leonard; his father-in-law, Bill (Pam) Nickerson; two sister-in-laws, Tamera Donovan (Don Jackson), and Ginger Montgomery; two brother-in-laws, William (Johnna) Nickerson and Shane (Jill) Nickerson; and several cousins, nieces & nephews.
The family of Dennis A. Dlugolecki will receive friends on Friday from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY. Due to the Coronavirus pandemic restrictions, only 25 people at a time will be admitted into the funeral home and everyone is required to wear a mask. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday at 11:00 AM at St. Ann’s Church in Hornell where everyone will be required to wear a mask. Burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Town of Fremont. A Celebration of life will immediately follow at the Main Place in Hornell at 1:00 PM.
Dennis’ family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to the Hornell Soccer Program C/O the Hornell Alumni Association, PO Box 135, Hornell, NY 14843.
It’s been a few years but I can still hear you laughing while we walked the boulevard. RIP Doogie
Pam and family,
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Dennis – I recall good memories of him when I resided in Hornell – please accept my condolences at his sudden loss.
Pam and Family, What a full and successful life Dennis lived. It sounds like he touched many lives, humans and animals, young and old. I just remember how easily he laughed! Many blessings to you.
I am so sad to learn of Dennis’s passing. He was a great person and fun Polish friend. Pam, Rachael, Tyler, family, and friends are in my thoughts and prayers. Niech cie Bog blogoslawi Dennis!
I am so shocked, Dennis was such a great guy! Pam and family are in my heart, thoughts and prayers!
My deepest sympathies to Dennis’ family and friends. Dennis and my dad, Ben Kozireski, were first cousins. Living in Georgia, I have not seen Dennis in many years but always enjoyed seeing him at family gatherings when we were younger. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
“Doogie” was one of those people that anyone would be happy to have crossed paths with in their life. He was knowledgeable, smiling, laughing, and a joy to be around. RIP “Doogie”
Prayers to the family.
Pam, I am so sorry. We always enjoyed talking with both you and Dennis. He was always interested in what was going on with us and our girls. His smile will be missed by many.
My deepest condolences to Tyler, your mom, sister, nephew and the entire Dlugolecki family. Tonight and for the days and weeks ahead I’ll be keeping all if you in my prayers and will be sending lots of positive thoughts your way.
Pam,we are so sorry hearing about Dennis what a shock not only to us but for all of the people who liked Dennis. He was by far the best landlord ever Dennis would repair anything that needed to be fixed he was a kind man we loved his infections laugh and big smile our prayers are with you and your family God Bless RIP Dennis you surly will be missed
My deepest condolences to Tyler, Pam, Rachael and the whole Dlugolecki family. I will never forget the good memories I have of the times he and the family would come visit Tyler in CA. Dennis had the biggest heart and a great sense of humor. I specifically remember him taking me on a ride in the awesome fast sports-car he had rented one of those times, even letting me drive it around for a bit when he saw that I was interested in it. I also remember all the times I would snatch away Tyler’s phone for a minute or two whenever they were video chatting so I could say hi to Dennis, which would often end up in a fun conversation talking about current events or sports. Rest In Peace, you will truly be missed always.