Dennis Joseph Budzbanowski

Dennis Joseph Budzbanowski, 68, of 17740 Mullen Rd., Meadville, passed away Wednesday, June 3, 2015, at Meadville Medical Center after a gallant fight against pulmonary fibrosis.
 
Denny was born in Chicago, IL on July 14, 1946, a son of the late Bruno Barney and Josephine Fusco Budzbanowski.
 
On September 16, 1968 Denny married Sandra "Sandy" Marie Pruskowski; she survives.
 
He was a member of St. Agatha Roman Catholic Church and when in Florida, he attended Quasi Parish Ave Maria Oratory in Ave Maria, Florida.
 
Denny’s family moved to Meadville when he was in the 9th grade; he graduated from Meadville High School in 1964. He furthered his education at Allegheny College and Ball State University, and served in the US Army Reserves.

In 1969, with one chair and one office, Denny established The DJB Group Insurance Agency. Under his leadership, the agency grew and established a strong reputation for integrity, service and intense focus on his clients, most of whom became lifelong friends. Subsequently, and according to plan, the torch was passed to the capable hands of daughter Lisa and her husband Dan Severo, who helped make Denny’s dream become a reality. The success of his company and employees was a tremendous source of pride for Denny.

Denny was a self-made man who valued loyalty and loved to make others laugh. He was known for his stylish dress, impeccable taste, attention-to-detail, sharp wit, wisdom and sense of humor. But Denny will be remembered most for his generosity, as anyone he touched would attest, especially his extended family and huge circle of friends.

While he received most satisfaction from giving, it was his role as “Ja Ja” to his grandchildren that brought the most joy.

Denny loved to be around children, and coached Little Gridders Football in the program’s early years. He enjoyed fishing, golfing, riding his Harley Davidson, feeding wildlife, wintering in Florida and spending time in the sun, whether on a beach or by a pool; and a party or outing hosted by Denny was not soon forgotten.

Denny adored his family, and treasured his pet dogs.

In addition to his wife of 49 years, Sandy, Dennis is survived by two children Lisa J. Severo and her husband Daniel, Dennis Joseph "DJ" Budzbanowski, Jr. and his wife Kristina, both of Meadville, five grandchildren Ryan Severo, Victoria Severo, Samantha Keller, Alaina Budzbanowski, Serenity Smock, a brother Garry Budzbanowski and his wife Sandra of Meadville, several nieces and nephews.
 
In addition to his parents, Dennis was preceded in death by a sister, Helen Watkins.
 
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Agatha Roman Catholic Church, 353 Pine St., Meadville, at 11:00 AM on Saturday, June 6, 2015, with Fr. Matthew Kujawinski, Pastor, officiating.
 
As per his wish, a reception celebrating Denny’s life will be held this Sunday, June 7, from 4-8 PM at the Iroquois Boating & Fishing Club, 10733 Konneyaut Trail, Conneaut Lake. All friends, family and well wishers are most welcome to join.
 
Memorial contributions may be made to Quasi Parish Ave Maria Oratory, 5068 Annunciation Circle, Ave Maria, FL 34142 or Seton Catholic School, 385 Pine St., Meadville, PA 16335.
 
Share a memory or condolence at www.miznerfuneralhome.com