In Memory of Dennis W Lio:

May 20th, 1947 – December 17th, 2024

A Life Dedicated to Christ, Family and Friends:

It is with profound sorrow that we announce the passing of Dennis W Lio, a cherished husband, father, grandpa, great-grandpa, brother, uncle and friend. Dennis, whose life was as vibrant and dynamic as a summer day at the ballpark, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, December 17th, 2024, surrounded by his loving wife of 57 years, his sister, and his oldest son, after a valiant battle with glioblastoma brain cancer. 

Early Days in the Minor Leagues:

Dennis's journey through life mirrored the trajectory of a dedicated ballplayer climbing the ranks. Born in Detroit, he was the oldest son in the Italian American family of Tribune Lio and Filomena Lio (Moscone). Chasing the sunshine, they moved when he was a child to Pomona, California, where he met his wife Janice in his church, Bethel Baptist’s, youth group. As a young married couple, they decided to move to Oregon to raise their children in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. 

Off the Field:

Dennis was an avid Detroit Tigers fan and collector of baseball memorabilia, with a collection that spanned decades and included some of the sport's iconic moments. He also studied WWII as a proud son of one of the Greatest Generation’s Airforce B-17 Bombardiers. An avid reader and writer, one of his passions was talking about the book he was working on about his father and the many missions faced during his father’s time in the air over Europe. His office was filled with cherished mementos, photos and memories of a life well-lived. He was a great cook and loved baking and experimenting in the kitchen. He loved gardening and being out in his yard, enjoying God’s creation all around him, and he loved music, and he loved people. Dennis never met a stranger. 

A Home Run in Life:

His greatest achievements were his unwavering faith in Jesus Christ and dedication to his family. He always put family first. Dennis loved kids and spent at least a decade of his life coaching baseball and softball, never missing a game. His ‘bad news bears’ high school team loving referred to him as “Garfield” and his nieces and nephews called him “Nardo”. Throughout his life, he took great pride in attending his children and grandchildren's games, cheering them on from the sidelines. We’re sure the local referee community recalls his constant tutorials from the sidelines vividly. 

He is survived by his wife Janice Lio (Johnston), his son Chris Lio (Denise Jackson), daughters Jennifer Lio and Tanya Lio, his sister Nancy Allsup and her husband Steve Allsup, his grandkids Chase Lio (Emily), Brynn Giza (Jordan), Aidan Bird (Jessica), Avery Bird and Peyton Banuski, and many nieces, nephews, in-laws and friends. His latest and greatest pride was for his four beautiful great-grandsons Brooks Giza, Mason Lio, Callan Giza and Warner Lio. He was predeceased by his father Tribune Lio, mother Filomena Lio (Moscone), his sister Susie Wise, and his son-in-law Michael Veraldi. 

Final Inning:

As we say goodbye to Dennis, we remember a life that was as filled with fun and as unpredictable as a baseball game. He faced every challenge with determination and sense of humor, and his legacy will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. The bases were loaded in the great ballpark in the sky. Dennis stepped up to the plate one last time and as he rounded third, sliding into home and the arms of his Savior Jesus Christ, celebrated by family and friends waiting there for him, we took solace in knowing that he is now part of the eternal ball game, watching over us and cheering us on.

Dennis W Lio, you were a true legend, and you will be dearly missed. Rest in peace, and may your memory be a source of inspiration for all who love you.

A Celebration of a Life Well Lived for Dennis will be held Saturday, December 28th at 11am at Red Hills Church at 115 SW Third Street, Newberg, Oregon. All are welcome at the celebration and gathering after in the reception hall of the church. 

(Please check these details again Dec 27th, as times are subject to change)

Please do not purchase a memorial tree off of this website. Your condolences and memories are all the family needs from you to honor Dennis. Any flowers sent for the service will be graciously accepted. Thank you!