Dennis J. Magoto

MAGOTO, Dennis J., age 57, of Waynesville, passed away Wednesday, July 27, 2022. Dennis earned an Associate’s Degree from ITT Technical Institute, specializing in HVAC. He worked in the heating and air business since the age of 17 and had recently started his own business, Magoto Mechanical Consulting. Quite the jokester, Dennis was always having a good time and razzing his family and friends. He was easygoing, happy, outgoing, giving, humble, and loved life with zeal. He had tremendous pride and admiration for the parents who raised him and for how he was raised, the man he became as a result of having supportive parents, and his own success in life when he became an adult. Dennis was an avid fisherman. From the early age of three, his dad introduced him to fishing and it became a lifelong passion. He was an active member of multiple fishing organizations and participated in tournaments on a regular basis. He was a regular participant in Bass Masters and FLW Outdoors and was a two time Salmonoid champion. Sponsored by Ranger Boats, he was on their pro staff and supported their line of bass boats doing what he loved. His favorite locales to fish included Lake Okeechobee in Florida, Eufaula Lake in Alabama, and Kentucky Lake. He fished with anyone willing to tag along, including his wife, extended family, friends, and especially his grandson, Joseph. He also had an appreciation for classic cars. At the age of 15, he purchased a ’69 Chevelle with the aid of a paper route job, which always gave him tremendous pride. It became a tradition for Dennis and his wife to travel to Ocean Isle in North Carolina each year, 20 years in all. They stumbled upon the location after a fishing tournament one year, fell in love with the beach and the seafood restaurants, and ultimately got married there. They loved it so much that they encouraged their son and daughter-in-law to get married there. In addition, they spent 14 seasons at White Oak Campground and Marina, camping on the banks of the Ohio River, which became their go-to place to spend time with the grandchildren. He is survived by his wife of 19 years, Patti; his son, Brannon (Chelsey) Templin; three grandchildren, Emily, Joseph, and James; his parents, Norman and Patricia Magoto; and his sister, Theresa (Tabitha) Baer. A memorial mass will be held 11 AM Thursday, August 4 at St. Augustine Catholic Church in Waynesville, followed immediately by a luncheon downstairs. Father Bernie Weldishofer will be officiating. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Heart Association. Stubbs-Conner Funeral Home in Waynesville is serving the family. Condolences at www.stubbsconner.com.

Dennis J. Magoto

July 6, 1965 - July 27, 2022