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- Dennis C. Shira, age 68, of Youngstown, NY, passed away suddenly on Wednesday, January 29, 2020 at home. Born on June 5, 1951 in Niagara Falls, NY, he was the son of the late Charles and Eloise (Mascott) Shira.
Denny attended local schools and graduated from Trott Vocational High School. On August 5, 1989, he married the love of his life, Mary (Gabrielli) Shira. He worked in public service beginning in the early 1960’s and was very involved with EMS throughout his life. He began his career by working for Niagara Ambulance and was a proud member of the first graduating EMT Class, #799, as well as one of the first graduating groups of Paramedics in Western NY. He later started his own company, Professional and Emergency Ambulance in which he co-owned and operated for over 18 years. After selling the Ambulance Company, Dennis worked for Anchor Motor, Leaseway and Cassens, retiring in 2013.
Denny continued to work in the public sector where he was very active with the Youngstown Volunteer Fire Company and served as 1st Lieutenant of the Fire Police. Dennis also helped with the Boy Scouts Camp over the years. His passion was restoring old ambulances. In addition to the fire hall, Dennis was an active member of the Professional Car Society. Denny was also the Medical Supervisor for the Buffalo-Niagara Martial Arts Championship at Niagara University for over 30 years.
Denny was a real people person, always willing to help others and share his wisdom. He always had a great story to share. Dennis was eternally dedicated to the servitude of others, and his final gift was the gift of “self” through the ConnectLife Organization as a donor. He was a kind, just and loving friend and patriarch that will be truly missed by all, including his four-legged loves, Sandy-Dog and Shadow-Kitty.
In addition to his beloved wife of 30 years, Dennis is survived by his children, Janelle (Kevin) Voelker, Michael (Amanda) Smith and Kyle-Lynn (Ryan) Ross; 11 grandchildren, Kayleigh, Clayton, Dylan, Connor, Brandon, Julie, Darrin, Andrew, Arabella Michael III and Ryleigh; his sister, Linda (late James) Malinowski and many nieces, nephews and dear friends. He was the brother-in-law of Chuck (Kathy) Gabrielli, Mike (Jeff Seelig) Gabrielli, Rick Gabrielli, and Rob (Linn) Gabrielli. He was predeceased a brother, Jack (late Patricia) Shira.
Visitation will begin on Monday from 2 – 7 PM and Tuesday from 2 – 5 PM at M.J. COLUCCI & SON NIAGARA FUNERAL CHAPEL, 2730 MILITARY RD, NIAGARA FALLS, NY 14304 where prayers will begin Wednesday morning, February 5th at 10:00 a.m. followed by Dennis’s Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 AM in St. Bernard Church, 218 Hinman St. Youngstown, NY 14074. If desired, memorial offerings in Dennis’ honor can be made to the Youngstown Volunteer Fire Company, American Heart Society, The Diabetes Foundation, or ConnectLife of Western NY. Please visit mjcoluccifuneralchapel.com for online condolences.
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1951 - 2020 (68 years)