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Dennis C. Stopen

Town of Perrysburg Supervisor

GOWANDA — Dennis Charles Stopen, of Deerfield Dr., passed away unexpectedly Sunday, August 27, 2017. Dennis was 76 years old.

Born in Niagara Falls, NY, August 24, 1941, the son of Theodore and Anna Patricia (Maley) Stopen. Dennis graduated from Wayland High and then attended Indiana Tech before enlisting with the United States Navy. Dennis honorably served his country during the Vietnam War.

Den’s U.S. Naval Submarine base was in New London and Groton, Connecticut where he was aboard the USS FRANCIS SCOTT KEY, one of the more notable commissions of his military career.

Once discharged Dennis finished his education and received his Bachelor’s of Science degree in Food Science from the University of Wisconsin at Madison. Dennis was one of only a very few Master Cheese Makers in the state of Wisconsin. Dennis went on to work in the food service field until his retirement working for Sorrento Foods in Buffalo and Mico Welding Food Equipment in Chaffee, to name a couple.

Dennis was most recently employed with the Town of Perrysburg, where he was the elected Supervisor for the town, a position he has held for several terms. Dennis was an active member of the American Legion Post 409 in Gowanda, he could be seen cooking the hot dogs at the clubs annual picnic, a tradition he maintained for many years. Not only was Dennis a life member of the Legion Post, he also was a life member of the James Cruden VFW Post 5007 also in Gowanda and was a life member of the USSVI and the Holland Club.

Survivors include his wife, the former Catherine A. Zemlicka, whom he married August 1, 1966; along with their children, Todd (Debbie) Stopen of Fond du Lack, WI, Trina P. Stopen of Gowanda, and Kristin A. Stopen of Madison, WI. Dennis also has six grandchildren, Rebecca, Rochelle, Autumn, Xavier, Caitlyn and Stellah; four great-grandchildren; two sisters, Suzanne Stopen and Karen (Tim) Stothers, all of Warsaw, NY; and

several nieces and nephews also survive.

Friends may call at the SCHINDLER FUNERAL HOME, 44 Center St., Gowanda from 4-8 p.m. on FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2017. A Memorial Mass with full Military Honors will be celebrated on SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2017 at 11 a.m. from the St. Joseph’s RC Church East Main St., Gowanda

(please assemble at church).

Dennis will be buried in the Bath National Cemetery to join his brethren that have fallen before him. If desired, memorials may be made to a local charity of one’s choice.

Catherine and her family would like to thank all who have sent prayers, kind words or the many acts of kindness bestowed upon them over the past few days. A special thank you to the Cattaraugus County Sheriff’s Office, the Fire Department and Rescue Co. for your assistance

on the day Den passed. Your kindness did not go Dennis Stopenunnoticed.