Dennis L. Pardee

Dennis L. Pardee, 76, of Warren, died Friday May 29, 2009 at Forum Health - Trumbull Memorial Hospital. He was born December 29, 1932 in Warren, the son of Leroy and Nina (Strapp) Pardee, and had lived in Trumbull County most of his life.

Dennis graduated from Warren G. Harding High School in 1951 following an illustrious beginning to an astounding football career that earned him recruitments from Michigan, Ohio State and Notre Dame. Preferring to focus on education, he made the decision to play for Case Institute of Technology where he earned four letters in football and two in track. In 1953 Dennis was chosen to participate in the all-conference team unanimously. He then went on to be awarded the Les Bale MVP Award before being named to the Associated Press All-Ohio Small College Team. In 1954, he was invited to try out for the Colts but Dennis opted to drop football and focus on his education in the engineering field.

After Graduating from Case Institute of Technology, Dennis went to work for IBM where he stayed for one year before signing up with the Marines to fight for his country in the Vietnam War. He served in the Vietnam War from 1967-1968 and was an artillery battery commander during the siege of Khe Sanh during the Tet Offensive where his actions were awarded with the Bronze Star and Purple Heart. While enlisted, he spent time playing football with Camp LeJune, the Pensacola NAS and two years with the Quantico Marines as well as interservice football at Fort Meade helping to take his team to three straight championships.

After his retirement from the marines in 1969, Dennis began work as a senior civil engineer at the Vienna Air Base, retiring in 1993. In 2001 he was inducted to the Warren Sports Hall of Fame and in 2006 he was inducted into the Case Hall of Fame. In addition to his love of the game and his country, Dennis took enjoyment with golf and corvettes none of which matching his love for his family.

Surviving are his wife, Beverly (Webb) Pardee, whom he married November 23, 1973; two daughters, Charlotte (Ida Donald) Cervone of Girard and Sue Rossi of Girard; four grandchildren, Jacquie (Rich) Gresley, Anthony Cervone III, Daneine and Dominic Rossi; four Great-Grandchildren; and a Step-Father, Jack Taylor. Sister Sandy Pardee Crick, of Fayetteville, NC, Niece Sheryl Wilson, Nephews, Kevin Biran Sr, Charles Dennis Sr., and Kenneth Lloyd Crick Sr.
His parents precede him in death as well as a brother Gerry Lee and a son, Robert James Butler who passed away in 1990.

Friends may call 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. Monday, June 1, 2009 at McFarland & Son Funeral Home, with Military Honors to follow. Private Interment will take place at a later date. Material contributions may be made to the Warren Sports Hall of Fame, P.O. Box 1444, Warren, OH 44482.

Arrangements are entrusted to McFarland & Son Funeral Services Co., 271 N. Park Ave., Warren, Ohio 44481. Please visit www.mcfarlandfuneral.com to view this obituary and send condolences.