“Little GTO you're really lookin' fine…” The Beach Boys said it all.

That was Dennis Galanis you remember circling the Hot Shoppes in the yellow GTO—or maybe it was a 57 Chevy—arm out the window, wearing his madras watchband, listening to Martha and the Vandellas.  If you wanted to zoom over the Chesapeake Bay Bridge on the way to Ocean City, or see James Brown at the Howard Theater and stay late for the second show, or find a place to go after prom, he was your go-to guy; his house was open and Motown was playing, not Folk.  Dennis was one of a kind! A player, for sure; up for any good time. A man to celebrate and to be celebrated! How about zooming on the road from Ocean City to Rehoboth in a yellow convertible Vette? Boy, that was fast!  

But if you think Dennis was all flash, you would be mistaken.  If Dennis knew anything, it was how to be the most excellent, steadfast, and noble friend, no questions asked; and the most loyal, reliable and attentive boyfriend, do not doubt. He could handle any situation with humor and grace: just ask for help. He loved people and would gladly chat up even your parents with a warmth that opened many doors.  Even in the years after high school, he was like the best brother you never had, and he would call you up from time to time, just to chat—because he cared.  Those were the qualities that endeared Dennis to all who called him their dear friend.

Dennis came to BCC from Bullis Prep in his junior year, but he already had many friends from his years at Somerset Elementary and Leland Jr. High, so he joined in life at BCC with delight.  After graduation Dennis joined the Marines and trained at Parris Island. He became a highly regarded real estate professional in D.C, known nationwide as one of the best deal-makers and negotiators for over 50 years.

In 1977, he married Cindy Brown, who had moved from Southern California to DC in 1974, where she met Dennis at Shannon and Luchs. They married in 1977, with BCC alums, John Bambacus and Paul Shriver, in the wedding party.  Cindy and Dennis and their daughter, Ashleigh, created a heart-filled and valued life in Fairfax VA. In 1993, they moved to Unionville, CT.   Dennis settled down and loved to go deer and duck hunting with his yellow lab retrievers, Magnum and Storm, in the snowy northern woods, forgetting all about that yellow Vette. Wonderful parent and proud citizen that he was, he became a great soccer coach for Ashleigh’s teams--and the adult women’s teams too. He sponsored Ashleigh’s high school baseball and basketball teams and helped raise funds for the lights. After a 5 year period in Bradenton FL, Cindy and Dennis moved to Chester, Maryland in 2007, where Dennis worked in Annapolis as a vice president for Petrie Richardson, a real estate development company. He relished spending his extra time boating, fishing and crabbing on the Chesapeake Bay.  In January 2022, Cindy and Dennis moved back to Connecticut to be closer to their daughter and grandchildren, and spend what was to become precious last months with his special friends and family.

Demosthenes Dennis James Galanis passed away in March, 2022, in Unionville Connecticut.  He is survived by his wife, Cindy Brown Galanis, daughter Ashleigh, son-in-law Tim O’Connor, and two grandchildren, Lilly and James. 

Rest in peace, Dennis, and know that your friendship was treasured all these years.

With love from Sarah (Sally) Starr and Julie Bland Blankinship, Janet Dew Prieger, Dale Drennen Walter, Tracy Foreman Munter, Linda Fuchs Phillips, Suzy Sarbacher Pence, Susan C. Smith, Marley Tait Joyce.