Dennis Blair Lewis Sr., of Howland Twp., passed away at 7:45 p.m., Saturday (8/29/09) in the UPMC Presbyterian Hospital, Pittsburgh while waiting for a heart transplant. He was 67.
Dennis was born March 14, 1942 in Youngstown, the son of E. Blair Lewis and Eileen Price Lewis. He was a 1960 graduate of East High School, Youngstown and captain of their championship football team. Dennis was appointed to the United States Military Academy, West Point, NY. He played football for the Black Knights and graduated in 1965 with a B.S. in Military Engineering.
Following graduation and commission in the US Army, Dennis married his high-school sweetheart, Marie E. Verdreame on June 12, 1965. Shortly thereafter, he completed Airborne training and Ranger school, then received orders to Vietnam. He served in the Vinh-Binh sector from December 1966 to December 1967 as a platoon leader, company executive officer, and advisor to the South Vietnamese Army. He received the Bronze Star, Combat Infantry Badge, Vietnamese Star of Gallantry, and numerous other decorations.
After returning from Vietnam with a rank of Captain, Dennis was stationed in Ft. Monmouth, New Jersey and Iowa State University in Ames. During this time he was an Assistant Professor of Military Science at the Iowa State University of Science and Technology. In 1970, Dennis resigned his commission and returned to Warren with Marie to raise their family.
Along with his brother Carter and son Dennis Jr., Dennis owned Lewis Construction, a multi-faceted company serving the insurance restoration industry, commercial and residential real estate management and development. He founded this company in 1970 in the basement of his home. His vision has led the company through its 39th year. Dennis loved his work and was always optimistic for the next business venture.
Dennis lived large, contributing vast amounts of energy and treasure in making this world a far better place to live. He understood that service is the currency of our place in society. He plainly exhibited that conviction through his contribution in the Army, as a businessman, a concerned citizen, and as a dedicated family man. His guidance and gifts to Northeast Ohio Adoption Services, founded by his sister, Barbara, helped social workers find families for over one thousand special needs kids.
Outside of family and friends, Dennis' main passion was Army Football. He was a season-ticket holder for many years and looked forward to attending games, both home and away. Dennis' attendance at key events with coaches and players and his support of the 'A' Club were recognized by his receipt of an ARMY "A", one of his happiest and proudest moments. He enjoyed discussing the finer points with his lifelong Band of Brothers. Closer to home, he assisted Congressman Tim Ryan in recruiting and interviewing applicants to the service academies.
Dennis' greatest gift was the time he willingly gave to those who needed him most. His extraordinary compassion for helping those in need, included his friend Tim Vogel, a classmate from West Point. Dennis was his guardian as Tim suffered a debilitating disease. Dennis took care of him until the end, ensuring Tim's dignity and pride were intact. Dennis' family, including his elders, always sought his council on their most pressing life issues. His knowledge, experience, and most importantly his caring and support made him the pillar of the family.
Dennis enjoyed playing poker and cards with his friends. He also enjoyed golf, although that was not always evident while playing with him. He was a life-long member of St. John's Episcopal Church, Youngstown, where he sang in the boys choir.
He is survived by his wife, Marie E. Lewis; a son Dennis B. Lewis Jr., his wife Amy, and their children, Madeline, Audrey, and Vivian of Howland; a daughter, Eileen M. Mutolo, her husband Vince and their children Vincent and Trevor of Summit, NJ; a brother Carter P. Lewis, his wife Carole, of Howland, and their children Shayna, Cara and Barbie; a stepmother Carolyn Lewis, Howland; a brother-in-law Angelo Verdreame, Austintown; a sister-in-law, Beverly Gronvall and her husband John, Boardman and their children Jonathon, Lauren and Rachel; two step-sisters, Lynne (Dan) Toth, Tarpon Springs, FL and Sue (Joe) Schmidt, Pagosa Springs, CO; and a foster sister, Jessie Phillips, Warren.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Barbara L. Roberts, the founder of Northeast Ohio Adoption Services.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to Northeast Ohio Adoption Services, 5000 E. Market St., Suite 26, Warren, OH 44484.
Friends may call from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., Thursday (9/3/09) in St. John's Episcopal Church, 323 Wick Ave., Youngstown, OH. Funeral Services will be at 1:00 p.m. in the church.
Dennis will be buried with full military honors in West Point Cemetery, West Point, NY, on September 9, 2009.
Arrangements by the J. Bradley McGonigle Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., Sharon. Condolences may be e-mailed to 10129
Donald E. Lewis, 718 Service Ave., Sharon, PA passed away Thursday morning (5-20-10) at a friend's camp in Jefferson County. He was 68.

Mr. Lewis was born December 16, 1941 in Punxsutawney, PA a son of the late Elmer M. and Crissie M. Lantz Lewis.

He was raised in Punxsutawney and following high school worked at the former Lorie's Footwear in Big Run, PA as a shoe designer; and then for Mack's Auto Parts in Punxsutawney. He moved to Mercer County in 1964 and studied to become an electrician at the former Mercer County Vo-Tech near Mercer. Mr. Lewis was employed at the former Sawhill Tubular Products-Division of Cyclops in Wheatland, PA as an electrician for more than 20 years; and later at AK Steel in Sharon, from which he retired in 2002. As the recipient of Sawhill's S.M.A.R.T. Safety award on Jan. 15, 1991, Mr. Lewis was awarded a brand new truck. He was extremely proficient at repairing anything mechanical or electrical.

Don was a member of Covenant Presbyterian Church, Sharon. He was an outdoorsman who loved to hunt, fish and go to camp with friends. His greatest joy, however, was spending time with his family, particularly his grandchildren.

Surviving are: his wife at home, the former Helen J. Custer, whom he married in Hamilton, PA on May 18, 1963; a son, Donald E. Lewis, Sharpsville; a daughter, Lorinda A. Miller and her husband Todd, Brookfield, Ohio; two grandchildren, Ashleigh L. and Zachary A. Miller; a sister, Donna Jean Fetterman and her husband Dan, Punxsutawney; and two brothers, Kenneth R. Lewis and his wife Patsy, Painesville, Ohio; and John W. Lewis, Punxsutawney.

Besides his parents, Don was preceded in death by a brother, Robert E. Lewis in 1988.

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the American Heart Association or to a charity of the donor's choice.

Calling hours will be from 3-7 p.m. Sunday (5-23-10) in J. Bradley McGonigle Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 1090 E. State St., Sharon, PA.

Friends may email condolences by visiting our web site www.McGonigleFuneralHomeandCrematory.com.

Funeral service will be 12 Noon Monday (5-24-10) in the funeral home with the Rev. Thomas Wilcox, interim pastor of First Presbyterian Church, New Castle, PA, officiating.

Interment: Oak Lawn Cemetery, Punxsutawney, PA.