John Henry Dennison Sr
11/15/1968-02/12/2023
BUXTON- John Henry Dennison Sr, 54 of Buxton passed away on February 12th, 2023 at Maine Medical Center after suffering a sudden cardiac arrest.
Johnny was born on November 15th, 1968 in Anchorage Alaska to Parents Sandra and Duayne Dennison. He was the 4th of their 5 children. They were an Army family so John grew up in various places all over the United States, but it was South Portland he called home and where he attended school.
Johnny has spent his best years with the love of his life Melissa (Missy) Frank Lovejoy. They met and fell in love when they were just 14 years old. Life took them in different directions but 10 years ago they were able to reconnect and fell even deeper in love. On March 17th, 2020 in a private ceremony they committed their hearts and their lives to each other. Johnny the true romantic had their rings engraved “As You Wish” a true testament to the depth of his commitment to Missy.
John explored many different careers over his lifetime. Truly a jack of all trades he has worked as a welder, he’s done major construction, home contracting, fabrication and the list goes on. Recently he owned his own burner service company and found great satisfaction in helping homeowners achieve the best energy efficiency in their systems. But his most favorite career and life’s passion was being a chef. Johnny spent countless hours in the kitchen and loved to make everything from scratch. Every time you ate something he served you; you could taste all the love he put into it.
John had many hobbies, he loved fly fishing, bow hunting and camping. He was a huge fan of music his favorite bands were Van Halen, The Red Hot Chili Peppers and his all time favorite The Foo Fighters. His MEGA hobby and love was his Jeep, John loved all things jeep- in fact he loved his jeep so much he had it tattooed on his arm. He also loved the New England Patriots so much they were tattooed on his arms too! Johnny was also a fierce patriot. Growing up as an “Army brat” as he would put it instilled a great love for his country. On any given day he could be found watching the deer in his back yard, hanging out in his beloved garage, sitting by the fire with his brother and best friend Darrel, or spending time with Maddie and Indy, his chocolate labs whom he adored. Johnny had tons of friends who he loved hosting at his house for cookouts or meeting up with them at his favorite spots- Chaps Saloon in Buxton and Evelyn’s Tavern in South Portland.
John is predeceased by his parents, Sandra and Duayne Dennison, his brothers Duayne and Joseph Dennison, his sister Danette Langley, his nephew Jason Frank and several aunts and uncles.
John is survived by his aunts- Dorothy Winslow, Cathy Lewis, Sherry Wilcox and Claudia Dennison Lawler. His brother Darrel Dennison of Portland. The love of his life Melissa Frank Lovejoy, her parents William Frank Sr and his wife Jan Frank of Buxton, her mother Carol Smith of Westbrook and her children Corey Lovejoy, Kyle Lovejoy and his spouse Emily Cabana. His daughter Cara Small and her spouse Josh Stowell of Standish, his pride and joy and the lights of his life his grandchildren, Dakota and Joey Small of Standish. A son Derek Dennison of New Hampshire, his son John Henry Dennison Jr of Charleston South Carolina and his youngest son Douglass Symington of Portland. Nieces and nephews Antinette, Duayne and Christopher Frank and Emma and Darrel Dennison. John had a huge family with tons of rowdy cousins who he loved, but on any given family gathering you could find him busting the chops of his favorite “brat” Sherry Wilcox Chapman and her husband Steve or laughing until he cried with his cousin Deanna who he considered a sister. Johnny leaves behind countless family and friends who could always count on him for a good laugh- and for that he will be forever missed.
Johnny had the biggest heart, a true teddy bear by definition. He loved so many people so deeply and he wasn’t afraid to say it. He was the guy who would crack all the jokes at your expense and then turn around and give you the shirt of his back. He loved animals and children and often organized “Teddy Bear” parties for all the kids just as an excuse to get them together for a fun afternoon and beautiful memory. He loved animals so much he frequently made donations to the Animal Refuge League in his parent’s honor, or the MSSPA where he loved to visit the horses. He was well known for organizing toy drives for Toys for Tots- a true believer that every child should smile on Christmas Morning. John was a wonderful father- he taught us so many lessons growing up but a favorite from over the years is “always leave a place better than how you found it” and that’s exactly what he did- he left us and we will miss him dearly but we are better for being loved by him and this world is a better place because he was in it. You will be missed John Henry Dennison Sr- We hope you’re driving your dream Jeep all over heavens golden streets with your hair blowing in the wind, your dad riding shotgun, your siblings in the back and throwing the Jeep wave to Mammie. Rest in Peace, we love you forever.
Visiting hours will be held on Monday Feb. 20 from 4 - 6 PM at the Chad E. Poitras Cremation and Funeral Service Chapel, 498 Long Plains Road (Rt. 22) in Buxton.
A celebration of life will be held on March 11th from 1-5pm at Chaps Saloon, 1301 Long Plains Road Buxton, ME 04093- all are welcome to attend and share a funny story or memory of Johnny.
In Lieu of flowers a donation can be made in John’s name to Marine Toys for Tots @ marinetoysfortots.salsalabs.org