Dennis D. Kantarski

Dennis D. Kantarski passed away peacefully at home July 12, 2022.  Born June 23, 1930 to John and Monica Kantarski, he is survived by his wife Maria, son Dennis J  (Debbie) and grandchildren, Lyndsey and Kelly Kantarski. One of four brothers, he was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers John, Gene and Edward Kantarski.
Dennis graduated from Holy Trinity High School in Chicago and married Maria (nee Cimino) on February 12, 1955 at St Pascal Catholic Church. After a brief move to Schiller Park, they moved to the northwest side of Chicago. Dennis taught music for over twenty years and played accordion in a multitude of wedding bands. At 18, Dennis won a city-wide contest playing Beethoven's Coriolon Overture (and in fact had the original 78 vinyl recording digitized on CD!). In his later years, Dennis enjoyed playing the Lowry organ to entertain his family.

Dennis was a true sports fan of all Chicago teams and enjoyed the Bulls, Blackhawks, Cubs, Bears and White Sox championships with his family. Dennis coached his son's Niles Hockey teams for several years (and was most notable for being the only coach who did so in short sleeves and no jacket!). In addition, he was an avid fisherman and enjoyed "throwing in a line" or casting whenever possible.

In fall of 1987, Dennis and Maria built a home and moved to Barrington. He took great pride in watching his granddaughters grow up, attending their concerts, basketball and softball games throughout the years. Dennis was a "jack-of-all-trades" and passed this endearing trait to his son. Dennis and his son tuckpointed their Chicago English brick home, repaired cars and tackled every imaginable project with true gusto.
Dennis worked in sales in the artist supply industry, initially for Flax & Co and later with Silver Lead.

Throughout his 35+ years in Barrington, Dennis regularly attended the 7:15am Sunday mass at St Anne Catholic church. He was the #1 Fan of his son's men's league hockey team (Unknowns/Gerry's Kids) and regularly attended those games regardless of many 11pm starts over the course of the last 40 years.  He enjoyed spending time with his family (especially his granddaughters); this truly was one of his greatest joys.

Visitation will be 10am until the Mass of Christian Burial at 11am Wednesday, July 20 at St. Anne Catholic Church, 120 N. Ela Street, Barrington.