Dennis Newell

Dennis Warren Newell, 79, passed away on February 14 in El Dorado Hills, California.

Born on July 26, 1946, in Palo Alto, California, Dennis was the son of Anne M. Newell and Warren Newell. He graduated from Cubberley High School in 1964 and attended Sierra College in Roseville, where he studied in the Forestry Ranger program. He later worked as a firefighter for the California Division of Forestry, a role that taught him immeasurable skills.

Dennis seemed to live more lives than most people have the opportunity to experience — each marked by courage, resilience, and a willingness to try something new. Over the years, he worked as a farmer, forest ranger, firefighter, firearms safety instructor, truck driver, warehouseman, engineer, and project manager to name a few. After a work accident forced him to leave truck driving and warehouse work, he returned to school in the 1980s to study electronics, earning his college degree later in life and building a successful second career as an engineer and project manager with Varian Medical Systems.

He carried a farmer’s mentality throughout his life — practical, steady, and self-reliant. He valued independent thinking and trusted his own judgment.

Dennis was devoted to his wife, Diane, the love of his life. Together they raised two daughters, Denise and Sarah. In later years, he greatly enjoyed being a grandfather to his five grandchildren and spending time with his family. He often said that family was the most important thing in life.

He loved hunting, archery, and camping in the Sierra Nevadas. In retirement, he returned to rural living, where he enjoyed quiet mornings, caring for his animals, and time with family.
Throughout his five-year battle with End Stage Renal Disease, Dennis rarely complained; instead, he faced each day with his characteristic positive outlook, strong will to live, and deep gratitude.

On Valentine’s Day, after eleven years apart, he reunited with Diane.

Dennis is survived by his daughters, Denise Burke and Sarah Gordon; his son-in-law, Brian; his five grandchildren, Sean, Sophia, Nicholas, Kayla, and Zander; his cousin, Larry Zichowic, with whom he shared a lifelong bond; and his devoted dog, Allie.

A Funeral Mass will be held on March 6 at 11:30 a.m. at Holy Trinity Church, 3111 Tierra de Dios Drive, El Dorado Hills, CA 95672. A reception will follow. All are welcome.