Dennis M. Dwyer, RADM USN Retired
August 22, 1951 ~ April 14, 2020
Rear Admiral Dennis Michael “Denny” Dwyer, USN (Ret.) sailed into the sunset on April 14, 2020 after an extended battle with Alzheimer’s Disease. He was 68 years old.
Born August 22, 1951, he grew up in Levittown, PA with an inseparable gang of childhood friends. These friends served as his roots and their unbreakable bond through many decades of life serves as a testament to the true power of genuine friendship.
In 1969, Denny accepted his congressional appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy, graduating as a member of the class of 1973’s 18th company. During a career spanning 32 years, his life would be a whirlwind of adventures. He initially served as a Surface Warfare Officer aboard the USS LUCE (DDG 38) sailing the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea. In 2002 he was promoted to Rear Admiral ( upper half ) and became the third Program Executive Officer for Aircraft Carriers where he served until his retirement in 2005. As PEO Carriers he was responsible for the development and acquisition of carriers including the commissioning of REAGAN (CVN76), construction of BUSH (CVN 77), design of FORD (CVN78) and maintaining and modernizing the carrier fleet, enabling the surge deployment of six carriers for IRAQI FREEDOM.
In addition to his impact on national security Denny’s legacy will also be defined by the love he fostered with his devoted wife of 40 years the former Eva Cicero; his two children, Shannon (Christopher) and Kevin (Jessalyn); his granddaughters, Kathleen and Caroline; and his sister, Diane (Terry). Denny’s dry sense of humor was integral to his personality. He loved to play jokes on his family, always with a twinkle in his eye, followed by his trademark grin and chuckle. Whether he was tracking down pink station wagons, conversing all the way through our favorite TV shows, or blaming all mishaps on an invisible rabbit, Denny always brought the family together with his antics. His family saw him as a humble, real-life Columbo who was known to wander away from VIP tours of nuclear bases in order to hang out with the Marines watching cartoons in the ready room.
Denny was welcomed into his wife, Eva’s, large Italian family with open arms. His favorite family memories involved visiting the Cicero’s down the Shore. There he learned that family cookouts involve not burgers and hot dogs, but rather spaghetti and meatballs, and that giving your goodbye greetings at the end of a visit may last 2 hours.
A Navy football season ticket holder for more than two decades, Denny loved showing off the Naval Academy to friends and family, and delighted in time spent with his Class of 1973 classmates at tailgate parties and Army-Navy games.
Denny’s pride and joy was his beach home in Fenwick Island, where he spent time enjoying the surf and sand. Denny could often be found relaxing by the water’s edge with a good book and a cooler full of Diet Coke. When he wasn’t rescuing dogs that were washed out to sea, Denny was overjoyed to teach his children, nieces, and nephews how to body surf and build child-size airplanes out of sand.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the Naval Academy at a future date.
In this time of economic crisis and to honor his love of family please donate to your local food bank in Denny’s memory.
Born August 22, 1951, he grew up in Levittown, PA with an inseparable gang of childhood friends. These friends served as his roots and their unbreakable bond through many decades of life serves as a testament to the true power of genuine friendship.
In 1969, Denny accepted his congressional appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy, graduating as a member of the class of 1973’s 18th company. During a career spanning 32 years, his life would be a whirlwind of adventures. He initially served as a Surface Warfare Officer aboard the USS LUCE (DDG 38) sailing the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea. In 2002 he was promoted to Rear Admiral ( upper half ) and became the third Program Executive Officer for Aircraft Carriers where he served until his retirement in 2005. As PEO Carriers he was responsible for the development and acquisition of carriers including the commissioning of REAGAN (CVN76), construction of BUSH (CVN 77), design of FORD (CVN78) and maintaining and modernizing the carrier fleet, enabling the surge deployment of six carriers for IRAQI FREEDOM.
In addition to his impact on national security Denny’s legacy will also be defined by the love he fostered with his devoted wife of 40 years the former Eva Cicero; his two children, Shannon (Christopher) and Kevin (Jessalyn); his granddaughters, Kathleen and Caroline; and his sister, Diane (Terry). Denny’s dry sense of humor was integral to his personality. He loved to play jokes on his family, always with a twinkle in his eye, followed by his trademark grin and chuckle. Whether he was tracking down pink station wagons, conversing all the way through our favorite TV shows, or blaming all mishaps on an invisible rabbit, Denny always brought the family together with his antics. His family saw him as a humble, real-life Columbo who was known to wander away from VIP tours of nuclear bases in order to hang out with the Marines watching cartoons in the ready room.
Denny was welcomed into his wife, Eva’s, large Italian family with open arms. His favorite family memories involved visiting the Cicero’s down the Shore. There he learned that family cookouts involve not burgers and hot dogs, but rather spaghetti and meatballs, and that giving your goodbye greetings at the end of a visit may last 2 hours.
A Navy football season ticket holder for more than two decades, Denny loved showing off the Naval Academy to friends and family, and delighted in time spent with his Class of 1973 classmates at tailgate parties and Army-Navy games.
Denny’s pride and joy was his beach home in Fenwick Island, where he spent time enjoying the surf and sand. Denny could often be found relaxing by the water’s edge with a good book and a cooler full of Diet Coke. When he wasn’t rescuing dogs that were washed out to sea, Denny was overjoyed to teach his children, nieces, and nephews how to body surf and build child-size airplanes out of sand.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the Naval Academy at a future date.
In this time of economic crisis and to honor his love of family please donate to your local food bank in Denny’s memory.
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There are way too many memories to mention. Putting a big wheel together, unclogging a drain on Thanksgiving. My son still talks about the time Denny rescued him after a very bad fall at my dad’s house. I know he was Davie’s hero that day. I know my family and I will miss Denny.
I am sorry I never met Denny, Eva. My loss for sure. I am sorry that he passed during the COVID19 quarantine. I am sure you lost time spent with him. May your memories of such a good husband help you get through this tough time. Patti Gill DiGiovanni
My heartfelt condolences to you Eva and your family. May Dennis RIP. ??
Eva I am so sorry for your loss. Your faithful love and devotion for him was such an incredible witness to us all. I loved his smile and sense of humor. God bless you and your family and eternal rest granted to him O Lord and let your perpetual light shine upon him. May he Rest In Peace.
My husband, Bob, who worked as an engineer for the Navy, as a civilian, and Denny, always seemed to be able to talk for, what seemed like hours, about their enjoyment of the work they did in their respective jobs ?
Bob and I are so very sorry for your loss, Eva ?. Denny was a dear and kind man and we loved him ? He was truly a wonderful part of our huge family and will miss his great warmth and smile ?
We are saddened by the passing of this great American. His legacy to our Navy will be the Aircraft Carriers that he helped bring into service. John Paul Jones described him best when he said, “It is by no means enough that an officer of the Navy should be a capable mariner. He must be that of course but also a great deal more. He should be as well a gentleman of liberal education, refined manners, punctilious courtesy, and the nicest sense of personal honor.” Denny was lucky to have the devotion of his loving wife and best friend Eva to care for him selflessly in his final years. Denny, may you rest in peace. Those you have left behind are grateful for your service. Jim and Mary Jane
Karen and I send our condolences to Eva and the entire Dwyer family. Denny was a friend and fellow Acquisition Professional at NAVSEA and at SSP! He was a positive force in all that he undertook! Denny touched many people during his in lifetime. Rest in peace my friend!
I have been blessed to call Eva my friend and neighbor. Unfortunately I never got to know Denny until he became ill. Eva has shared so many beautiful stories and fond memories of their life together that I feel I know him. He was an accomplished man who touched all who knew him. His memory will live on in the hearts of his friends and family.
I am deeply saddened to hear of Denny’s passing. He fought the good fight for a long time, and we will always remember him for that. I will always remember him as one of the best storytellers I’ve ever met. His stories of us getting in trouble as upper class-men, and then him somehow saving us from disaster are legendary. His sea stories were just as entertaining as well as the rough and tumble negotiations over aircraft carrier design. The stories seemed to get better and better as the years went on. So we all look forward to a remembrance of him someday, when hopefully this pandemic has subsided. Farewell dear friend. We shall meet again.
Denny was a great classmate and a true patriot. He alway had a positive attitude and a helping hand. He knew one speed, wide open. I will miss him greatly.
I had the pleasure of meeting Denny and could tell instantly that he was a kind man. I wasn’t able to get to know him, but I could tell, through Eva’s stories, that he was a wonderful husband and father. I know he will be missed and so fondly remembered.
Denny Dwyer, It’s a privilege and a pleasure when you hear a name and you recall some wonderful distance memories. When I hear the name Denny – I remember a very kind, generous and humorous midshipman who was always very positive and upbeat. I never ever heard a bad thing about him and he never ever talked down or against anyone. If you wanted a task explained or the correct gouge or something done right – Denny was your man! Being a member of his 18th Company and graduating with Denny in 1973, along with some very outstanding individuals, yields a richness of special memories and a unique perspective of our classmates. I would like to share some of those memories. We were together on the 18th Company soccer team. Gil was the Goalie, I was the right fullback, Jake was the left fullback, Tom White and Denny was playing somewhere in mid field. After Gil blocked a shot on goal, he rolled the ball over to me. Seeing Tom White up the right side I gave the ball a hard kick, Tom deftly centered the ball and Denny flew up from nowhere and headed the ball in for a score!! Very Athletic! Together we were good and we did win the Brigade Championship that year! There was a late Saturday night evening at some DC bar. There was a group that included Dave Toms, Denny and Partlow and myself. We were all laughing, sharing and way over the legal limits. Needless to say, we were feeling no pain! I think for the remaining epilogue, I’ll let Dave Toms or Parts tell the story of our miraculous voyage concerning our group’s adventure of going “under that chain” – that night!! Miracles do happen! True story!! Another time, again a late-night Saturday night evening, while sitting on the curb, in front of a house, laughing and sharing a quart of beer (Budweiser – I think?) and attempting to sing “When Irish Eyes are Smiling / Crying”! Ha Ha Fun times! Always – humorous, generous and magnanimous in both deed and spirit. A “Very Good Man” who will definitely be missed! And, I humbly say, I became a better man – by just knowing you! And, I Thank You Denny! Sincerely, Jim O’Connor 18th CO. USNA 1973
Denny and Eva have been our long time neighbors. Admiral Dwyer always kept to his routine, letting the family dog out, picking up neighbors newspapers, taking a daily walk, and checking in with neighbors for the all clear with his big grin. I know this is a difficult time for your family and you are in our thoughts and prays.
Eva and family, Linda and I are very saddened to learn of Denny’s passing. I first met Denny when he was an instructor at EDO School in Vallejo and I was going through the basic course. Many years later I was fortunate to work closely with him when he was CO of NESSEC Washington DC and we moved that command to Charleston SC. Later I relieved him as the EA to COMNAVSEA and was privileged to serve alongside him as an EDO Flag. He was a great mentor, friend and colleague. He always handled the toughest challenges with a good nature and wisdom. I miss that. Tony Lengerich
I offer my sincere condolences to Eva and the rest of the Dwyer family on the loss of Denny. I had the honor of being his “Deputy” during his tour as PEO Aircraft Carriers. Of the four Flag Officers I was deputy for, Denny was by far the best and my favorite. I shared two wonder trips to the United Kingdom with Denny helping the Royal Navy with getting its Aircraft Carrier Program, HMS Queen Elizabeth and HMS Prince of Wales up and running. I remember fondly our train ride from Bath, England to London’s Whitehall to meet with the Royal Navy in the Office that Winston Churchill used when he during World War II. He was always a gentleman, had a great sense of humor and in the face of difficult situations could always see through the fog and make the right decision. Very Respectfully and with great sadness, Brian Persons
Deepest sympathy and condolences to the Dwyer family. He was a very influential leader and much enjoyed his leadership,
We join so many that are saddened at the passing of Denny Dwyer; The Naval Officer, The Friend, The Son, The Brother, The Father, The Grandfather and The Husband. Denny was all things to everyone who knew him. And, he was loved by everyone who knew him. As I struggle for the proper tribute, I draw on the wisdom of Eleanor Roosevelt who said, “Many people will walk in and out of your life, but only true friends leave footprints in your heart.” Denny’s footprints are in my heart and in the heart of so many who knew and loved him. The world will be a much less interesting place without Denny, and for those who were privileged to have had him in their lives . . . for even a moment . . . are better people for it. Eva, we have watched for years, with admiration and our deepest respect, as your selfless devotion and care for Denny was unwavering — Denny always came first. God Bless you and it is our deepest hope that with time the wonderful memories you and Denny shared will bring you comfort. I miss my friend. God Bless you, Denny, and may you rest in peace. Leif & Karen
Leif, I have been so grateful for your love and support these many years. Denny was always cheered by your visits, they meant so much to him and to me. I will always remember his smile when you were with him. You made him so happy. You are a good and faithful friend. God Bless you and Karen. I am eternally grateful for your kindness.
Working directly for Director, Strategic Systems Programs presents many adjustments and challenges. I was very fortunate that this kind and easy going man was the Director and became my boss when I moved into the Front Office. I always valued your friendship, guidance, patience, and advice during all our working time together, and I carry many wonderful memories of shared SSP experiences. My sympathy to you, Eva, and your entire family. Rest in Peace, Denny, your struggles are over.
My deepest sympathy to the family. What a wonderful person he was. I enjoyed the years of working with such a caring man at PMO, SSP Pittsfield. His strength and leadership remain as wonderful memories. R/Sue Albertazzi Former Administrative Officer
Eva has been a dear friend and neighbor of mine for years. I had the privilege of attending a Naval ceremony honoring Denny, an Anniversary celebration and his last home at Arbor Terrace. What I remember most about Denny was his beautiful smile and love of family. Denny received such tender care from Eva. She truly was his “Angel”. God Bless you and your family during this difficult time. Love, Sheila Grant
In my 22 years in the Navy, Admiral Denny Dwyer was the best boss I ever served with. He was a great leader and motivator, and most importantly a good and decent man, with an infectious laugh and smile. You could not help but to want to do great things when you worked for him, he inspired you to do so. In October 2000, I had the unfortunate honor of escorting the Admiral and Mrs. Dwyer to the funeral of Seaman Patrick Roy, who was the last of 17 Sailors to be removed from the USS COLE following the terrorist attack on that ship in Yemen. Admiral Dwyer spoke at the funeral and was the Officiating Officer at Patrick’s burial at Antietum National Cemetery in Sharpsburg, Maryland. He was the right man for the job that day, and spoke with elegance, humility and grace, comforting the family and friends of that young sailor. When I was set to retire from the Navy in 2003, I wanted to do my Ceremony in Kings Bay, Georgia, not DC. Admiral Dwyer had moved over to be PEO Aircraft Carriers at the Navy Yard by then. I made an appointment to see him, and asked him would he be my guest speaker in Georgia. He did not hesitate to say yes and he and Eva were there in July of that year, to send me off to the next phase of my life. I could not have asked for a better man, to help me end my Active Duty Navy Journey. A couple of years ago on a trip to a Navy League Conference in Baltimore, I scheduled my plane flight home late on a Sunday night so I could have the day to go visit the Admiral at his home in Virginia. I had seen him only once since he and I both had retired. I did not call ahead, because I was afraid Eva would tell me not to come, so I surprised her when I pulled up and she was about to head to Church. The years melted away since I had seen her, and we both just hugged a long time in the driveway before going in to see him. This horrible disease of Altzhimer’s had by then claimed so much of this remarkable man I worked for. It was heartbreaking for me to see him like this, but in the midst of the darkness was some light in his beautiful smile and laugh. I spent the whole afternoon there, Eva went out for a bit to find and bring us back some lunch while I stayed and recalled memories with him. He remembered every detail of Patrick’s Funeral, and my Retirement Ceremony, but could not remember what I told him when I first arrived. Although very tough, it was a day I was so blessed to share and one I will always cherish. Eva, to you and your entire family, I send my love and ask for God’s Grace to comfort and sustain you all. Admiral, sir you stand relived, we have the watch. And now, in the language a sailor knows best, you at long last have the eternal winds and following seas you so rightly earned during your time here on earth. Rest easy Good and Faithful Servant ….
Than you Keith. Every occasion you describe I remember vividly, Seaman Patrick Roy’s Funeral, your Retirement Ceremony and your surprise visit to Denny. I want you to know how eternally grateful I was for that visit. It meant so much to Denny and to me. May God Bless You.
Denny was a great Navy Officer. I worked closely with him in the Navy at NAVSEA in the 1990’s and later at GDAIS. He was part of the honor guard during my Navy retirement in 2000. Since my mother’s maiden name is also Dwyer, the Dwyer guests were all excited to meet a Dwyer admiral. I think they posed for more pictures with him than me. RIP Denny, Herb Kaler, Rear Admiral (ret)
When I think of Denny, one of the best memories that comes to mind is Denny’s help at Linda’s and my wedding. We graduated on Wednesday and Linda and I married on Friday, two days later. I asked Denny to be an usher and sword bearer in the wedding. Denny didn’t hesitate one second before giving me that characteristic Denny grin and saying he would be honored, even though it meant sticking around the Academy after graduation. I remember Denny escorting guests down the aisle to their seats before the wedding. After the wedding, Denny formed up on the Naval Academy Chapel steps with five other classmates to form the arch of swords. In the picture of that part of the day, you can see Denny on the lowest step on the right with his sword down, blocking Linda’s and my passage, standing so proud, so stern, so serious, so atypical of Denny. Later, at the reception, Denny joined with my brother and others to decorate our car with writing using white shoe polish, streamers, balloons, and tin cans; ensuring that no permanent damage was done to the car. Again, watching out for the well-being of a classmate. That was Denny’s way. Randy “Wigit” Wight
Denny was a lifelong friend of mine beginning with our boyhood days in Levittown. There are so many fond memories I have of time spent with Denny – playing baseball and football at Manor Elementary, weekends at the Jersey Shore, the 1972 Pocono Mountains Rock Festival, Monterey Wine Stomps, Lake Berryessa house boating trips, Phillies games at Wrigley Field, and far too many more to mention. I’ll always remember Denny’s smile and his gift of gab, could he tell a story! Five guys from the old neighborhood and myself visited Denny together after he entered assisted care. We all had a great time with Denny that day and it felt like we were all back in Levittown just hanging out on Bald Cypress Lane. I remember Eva saying we reminded her of the Sandlot gang. Denny, even with his successful Naval career, was always just one the guys and our bond will never be broken. Denny was very proud of his Naval career but even prouder of his family – Eva, Shannon and Kevin. Rest well, Denny.
Thank you John. Yes, so many good memories. I cherish them all. The friendship and devotion that the Levittown crew have shown for Denny and each other is inspiring. You are like brothers. God Bless each and everyone of you.
For Eva, Shannon and Kevin, please accept our condolences on the passing of Denny. During the two years we lived next door at Mare Island Naval Shipyard we got to know you all pretty well. Denny was truly a special person and one of a kind guy. We were honored when, on one of his few vacations, he brought all of you out to Idaho to spend a few days with us. Denny was a professional Naval Officer right down to his Naval Academy ring. He was very proud of that institution and he brought great credit to himself, his family, our Navy and our Country with all his engineering expertise ranging from the Aegis Combat System to shepherding three nuclear carriers into existence. He was a good man, a great father, and someone you enjoyed being around. We are all a little diminished by his passing. Marilyn has added his name to the St. George prayer list and 73 people will pray for the repose of his soul. We will also pray for comfort, consolation, strength, wisdom and guidance for Eva, Shannon and Kevin and the whole family. Marilyn R. Hunt, CDR, USN (Ret)/Robert B. Hunt, QMC, USN (Ret) 2536 W Falling Star Loop Post Falls, Idaho 83854
Debbie Gallagher Denny grew up in my neighborhood. The first thing that comes to mind about Denny is that he was a Gentleman & a Scholar. Our gang played many outdoor competitive games. I never saw Denny agitated as a youth or as an adult for that matter. What I saw was an easy going, bright man that liked to smile. It had been on my Father’s bucket list to visit Denny & Eva, & take us to the War Museums in D.C. My fondest memory of Denny was by the time we went to see the Miramar show on WW2, it was over. Denny in his humble way took his ID card out, & explained the importance of this event to my Dad to the person no longer selling tickets. My Dad never saw the exchange of Denny’s ID, & when they escorted us for a private showing, Denny said to my Dad “It’s a good thing you wore your Coxswain WW2 hat.” My Dad beamed for weeks as we spoke with pride about our visit with Denny & his down to earth hospitable wife Eva. My Father liked to talk like Denny about the Military, politics, you name it. Afterwards, Dad would say to me “ That Denny is a winner” as he would go on about what Denny had to say about different subjects. Sweet Denny was also very patient with my many questions when showing us around the museums. He & Eva were so eager to make you feel special, & we left DC feeling like we were given the VIP treatment. U will be missed Denny, but somehow I think my Dad is occupying a lot of your time as you wait for us. Love, Debbie Gallagher