Obituary of Dennis Wayne Wolford

On September 7, 2023, U.S. Air Force Captain (retired) Dennis Wayne Wolford, 76, of Satellite Beach, FL passed away peacefully in his sleep, surrounded by the love of his beloved wife Maria (Sanz Garcia) and family. Always an early-riser and a man of great faith, Dennis ascended to heaven before sunrise.

Dennis and Maria were married in 1969, having met in Madrid, Spain when Dennis was stationed at Torrejon Air Force Base. Over their 54 years of marriage, they lived in Europe where two of their daughters were born, Carmen (Natschke) and Annabel (Campainha), and in the United States, where their youngest daughter Sandra (Sanz Garcia) was born.

Always an inquisitive person with an unquenchable thirst for knowledge, Dennis was a lifelong learner who enjoyed studying history, religion, and the sciences. He taught himself how to program and build computers and had a deep interest in Game Theory and Artificial Intelligence. He pursued a master’s degree from Boston University in Computer Science and had a bachelor’s degree from Wayland Baptist College.

Enlisting in 1966 in his hometown of Dayton, OH, Dennis served with honor in the United States Air Force. He rose through the ranks and attended Officer Candidate School and retired as a Captain in 1990 after 24 years of service to our great nation. After retirement Dennis and his family moved from Madrid, Spain to Satellite Beach, FL. Over the following 33 years, Dennis walked each of his three beloved daughters down the aisle and welcomed four precious grandchildren, Vicente Tyler Pitt, Anna Victoria Campainha, Lex Gabriel Pitt, and Vanessa Marcelina Sanz Davis. His world revolved around his grandchildren who he loved more than words could ever express, and they loved him equally – “grandpa” was their hero, as he also was to his three daughters.

Dennis loved puns and passed that witty passion to his grandson Lex. His entrepreneurial spirit and business acumen lives large in his grandson Tyler and granddaughter Anna Victoria. His tenacity and quick wit are carried forth with his youngest granddaughter Vanessa.

Dennis is survived by his wife Maria, daughters Carmen, Annabel, and Sandra, grandchildren Tyler, Anna Victoria, Lex, and Vanessa, son-in-law Steven Natschke, sisters-in-law Rosi Sanz Garcia Clairac, Pili Sanz Garcia Murillo, Manoli Wolford and Tina Wolford, brother-in-law Carlos Clairac, and his siblings Barbara Wolford Hawk and Michael Wolford.

Dennis’ pets were dear to him, from birds to cats to dogs, the family home was always a place filled with rescue animals who found a happy forever home. Dennis’ dog Chente was very special to him and will now stay behind with Maria, but Cordie, Mickey, and Boo Boo the bird will fill his heavenly home with barks, meows, and chirps.

Dennis is predeceased by his parents Harley and Mary Wolford and his brothers Donald and Gerald Wolford.

Dennis was a radiant light of joy, kindness, and love, and he will be greatly missed by all those who had the good fortune of knowing him and loving him.

Dennis was a loving husband, father, and grandfather and he will live forever in our hearts and memories.

U.S. Air Force Captain (retired) Dennis Wayne Wolford will be laid to rest with military honors at Cape Canaveral National Cemetery in Mims, FL on Thursday 14 September 2023.

Flowers and plants are welcome, as are donations to the Parkinson’s Foundation* made in memory of Dennis Wolford. Please send flowers and plants to Beach Funeral Home at 1689 S Patrick Dr, Satellite Beach, FL 32937.

* To donate to the Parkinson’s Foundation in memory of Dennis Wolford:

1. Please visit the Parkinson’s Foundation (https://www.parkinson.org/ )
2. Select “Donate” then “Tribute Gift” and check the “My Gift is in Memory of Someone.”
3. Tribute First Name: Dennis
4. Tribute Last Name: Wolford
5. Then proceed with the donation process.