Dennis William Chezick (85), a devoted family man and pillar of his community, passed away peacefully on August 16, 2026, at his home in Arroyo Grande, California, after a long-term illness. Born on October 6, 1940, Dennis lived a life defined by service, integrity, and an unwavering love for the people around him. In his final moments, he was surrounded by his family, his beloved wife of nearly 65 years, Andrea Mary Chezick, whose partnership was the heart of his world, and his beloved dog, Elliot.
Dennis is survived by his four daughters - Tamara, Stacie, Erin, and Shannon (David Valdivia)- who were the pride of his life. His legacy lives on through his nine grandchildren, thirteen great-grandchildren, and four nieces, each carrying forward his warmth, humor, and deep sense of family. To Dennis, family was his greatest accomplishment, and he cherished every gathering, celebration, and moment spent together.
A man of many passions, Dennis loved golf, deep-sea fishing, Bass Lake, and any occasion that brought loved ones together. He had a well-known sweet tooth and never passed up a good dessert shared among friends.
Dennis attended St. Frances High School and later Cal Poly State University, building the foundation for a remarkable career rooted in leadership and community involvement. For fifty years, he served the Central Valley as the Owner and Broker of Chezick Realty (1963-2013), earning respect for his professionalism and genuine care for the people he served.
His dedication to community was unmatched. In 2005, Dennis received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Madera Chamber of Commerce, recognizing decades of service. He served as:
● Chair of the Board of Directors for the Madera Chamber of Commerce
● Member of the Madera Elk’s Lodge
● Board member for Madera Mosquito Abatement
● Board member of the Madera Economic Development Commission
● Lifetime member of the Madera County Fair Board
● Board member for the Central California Women’s Facility, Chowchilla
● Board member of the Bass Lake Homeowners Association
● Volunteer with the Bass Lake Volunteer Fire Department
Dennis also proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy, aboard the USS Leonard F. Mason, carrying with him the discipline, camaraderie, and patriotism that shaped his life.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to his caregivers, Robert and Naomi, for their compassion, dedication, and friendship over the past few years.
In honor of Dennis’s lifelong love for agriculture programs and his commitment to helping others, the family requests that remembrances be made to Ruby’s Purpose Animal Rescue and Sanctuary (Equine Rescue) at rubyspurpose.com/donate, or to the American Cancer Society.
Dennis's life was one of generosity, devotion, and quiet strength. His impact on his family, his community, and everyone fortunate enough to know him will endure for generations.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Lillian Chezick; his in-laws, Richard and Grace Ochs; his sisters, Jermaine Lundgren and Jacqueline Voorhees, and her husband, Robert Voorhees; his son-in-law, Michael Hill; and his nephews, Gunnar and Sean Voorhees.
Services:
Funeral Service ~ 1:00 P.M. Monday, August 31, 2026, at Jay Chapel in Madera, California.
Private Interment ~ Arbor Vitae Cemetery, Madera, California.
PS. I Love You! Andrea