Obituary of Dennis K Rezabek

Dennis K. Rezabek, known to so many friends and family as simply “Bunzie”, passed away on December 30, 2020 from COVID-19 related complications. He was born in Melrose Park, Illinois on November 11, 1934 to Frederick Rezabek and Mary Vernita Casey Rezabek. He attended Garfield Grade School and Proviso East High School. He graduated with a degree in electrical engineering from the University of Illinois and received his MBA from the University of South Florida. His first job was with GTE Lenkurt in California. That was where he met and married the love of his life, Ann Barzee. He worked for various GTE subsidiary companies throughout his career, moving to Temple Terrace, Florida in 1973. There he worked for GTE Data Services which morphed into Verizon. Dennis got the most satisfaction though, not from his career, but from his volunteer work. He volunteered for many years with the Special Olympics, serving as the Hillsborough County Director. He also volunteered at the LaVoy Exceptional Center, serving on their SAC board for several years. He had a special place in his heart for people with disabilities. In addition, he worked as a volunteer for the Tampa Bay Children’s Chorus, even going to Europe to watch them perform. Dennis was extremely active in St. Catherine’s Episcopal Church in Temple Terrace, FL. He served on the Vestry on numerous occasions, including serving as both the Senior and Junior Warden, and served as a regular Lay Reader and Lay Eucharist Minister for Sunday morning services. And those that would drive down 62nd Street or Druid Hills would often see him up to his elbows in mud as he worked diligently on the church sprinkler system — his labor of love. His two real passions at St. Catherine’s though were the church pipe organ and the Garden of St. Francis, where he will Rest In Peace. This was a man of many passions! Among them were golf, travel, classical music, and art in all forms. He had a thirst for knowledge that was amazing! He would say though that his greatest legacy is his family! He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Ann, two children, Lynne (Michael) and Douglas (Christy), and five grandchildren, Lindsay, Daniel, Rachel, Remington and Lakelee. Bunzie was a very special person who faithfully served both God and man. Bunzie you are loved and will be missed!! There will be a memorial service at St. Catherine’s Episcopal Church at a later date when hopefully COVID is under control and friends and family can gather freely to honor his memory. Donations can be made in Dennis’ name to Hillsborough County Special Olympics https:www.specialolympicsflorida.org/our-programs/health-fitnessprograms or the Tampa Bay Children’s Chorus http://www.luminayouthchoirs.com/donate Click on “donate” and go to Founders Scholarship to assist singers in financial need.