Dennis Bucceri

Dennis Januarius Bucceri passed away peacefully at his home in Alexandria, Virginia, on April 20, 2026, shortly after expressing his contentment and love to his two sons, Garret and Ryan; his daughters-in-law, Sue and Kelly; and his beloved grandchildren.

Dennis was born Oct. 19, 1942, in Passaic, New Jersey, to Anne Krayniak and Sam Bucceri. He grew up in Secaucus and Elmwood Park, New Jersey, with his beloved sister Linda Bucceri Danwalder. Dennis recently was predeceased by his beloved wife of 57 years, Suzanne.

Through hard work, deep care, compassion and quiet strength, Dennis built a foundation that continues to nurture and support generations of his family. His guidance and generosity carried his family through life’s joys and challenges, and he celebrated each achievement of those he loved as if it were his own.

Dennis and Suzanne raised two wonderful sons, Garret and Ryan, both of whom built meaningful, successful lives and families of their own. Along with their spouses, Sue and Kelly, they gave Dennis his greatest pride and joy: six grandchildren. He cherished the time he spent with each of them, teaching them about business, finances, the value of hard work and education, sports, history, politics and the natural world.

Through love, guidance and support, Dennis had a profound impact on the development of his grandchildren:

— Brendan, a graduate of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute with both a B.S. and M.S. in industrial engineering and quantitative analytics, who currently works in finance.

— Caitlin, who graduated at the top of her class in civil engineering from Bucknell University and currently works as a civil engineer.

— Kellyn, a licensed EMT and graduate of Purdue University with a degree in biomedical science.

— Meaghan, a junior at the University of Virginia.

— Gavin, a sophomore at Gill St. Bernard’s School in Peapack, New Jersey.

— Ryan Finn, a sophomore at Saint Stephen’s and St. Agnes School in Alexandria, Virginia.

Dennis graduated from Saint Peter’s Prep in Jersey City, New Jersey, and went on to earn a five-year degree in pharmacy from Fordham University in the Bronx, New York. He was a licensed pharmacist in both New York and New Jersey and began his career as a first lieutenant in the U.S. Public Health Service, stationed in Washington, D.C.

In 1967, Dennis married Suzanne Hoban, his high school sweetheart. After he left the U.S. Public Health Service, they settled in Ridgefield, Connecticut; Bridgewater, New Jersey; and later Hopkinton, where they raised their family.

Dennis was a gifted businessman and leader. He spent his career in the pharmaceutical and biotech industry, holding senior leadership roles focused on drug regulatory affairs. Through his work, Dennis helped secure FDA approval for many important medicines available today.

After retirement, Suzanne and Dennis relocated to Old Town Alexandria, Virginia, while continuing to return often to their cherished home on Long Beach Island, New Jersey. There, Dennis poured his energy into teaching his sons and grandchildren how to fish, canoe, sail, boat and appreciate nature. He also was an avid reader, a lifelong student of history and someone who enjoyed staying active and exercising.

Dennis was a truly exceptional man: a devoted husband, father, grandfather, businessman, teacher and friend. His warmth, wisdom, kindness and steady presence touched countless lives. While his family mourns his passing, they also celebrate the remarkable life he lived and the profound impact he made on those around him. He will be forever loved, forever missed, and forever remembered.

In lieu of flowers, Dennis asked that a donation to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society be considered in honor of his wife Suzanne. Donations can be made online at bloodcancerunited.org.

An open house will be held Sunday, May 17, and services and burial are scheduled for Monday, May 18, in Alexandria, Virginia. For details, visit the Everly-Wheatley Funeral Home website.

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