Dennis Shanchuk, 79, of Sandy Hook passed away quickly and peacefully on Friday, November 5, 2021.

Dennis was born and raised in Brooklyn, N.Y. He attended City University of New York at night for many years. He became an accountant and worked as a CFO for a few companies. He retired in 2011.

One of Dennis’s passions was music. He was also a professional musician for almost 50 years. He was so accomplished that he backed up Astrid Gilberto in New York. Though he was an excellent jazz drummer, his true love was his polka band. He played all over the tri-state area. Dennis was an excellent dancer and polka-danced in the Harvest Moon Ball in New York.

Dennis’s spirituality and faith brought him to serve on the building committee for Christ the Savior Orthodox Church in Southbury, which he attended regularly until he became ill. He was active in the Federation of Russian Orthodox Clubs and served at one time as their Governor.

Dennis loved children and would always talk with them and would give them a coin or $2 dollar bill for their piggy banks. The last time he was at church children ran up to say hello and hug him. He actually became known as the “two-dollar man.”

Dennis was predeceased by his father, Victor Sr., mother Olga, sister Daria and good, good friend and brother-in-law John Krawchuk.

He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Christine; his daughter, Martine; and brother Victor Jr. (Deborah). He had four nieces: Daria Lipowski (Ted), Tava Shiley (Kevin), Melania King (Seamus) and Veronica John (Michael); and five grandnieces and grandnephews.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Christ the Savior Orthodox Church, Southbury, Conn.

Services are planned at Christ the Savior Orthodox Church, 1070 Roxbury Road (Route 67) in Southbury, on Tuesday, November 9, from 4-7 pm. A funeral will also be at the church on Wednesday, November 10, at 10:30 am. Burial will follow immediately at St John’s Cemetery, Monroe.

To leave an online condolence please visit munsonloveterefuneralhome.com.