Dennis R. Ropars

Dennis R. Ropars Dennis R. Ropars, age 68, a resident of Naperville, IL, died Wednesday, December 16, 2009 after a fight with cancer that redefined the word courage. He was born August 11, 1941 in Philadelphia, PA. Loving husband of 40 years to Blanche M. (nee Howley) Ropars of Naperville, beloved father of Robert (Nikole Clay) of Oswego, IL, Sebastian J. of Naperville and Emily A. (Bryan Garcia) of Chicago, IL, adored grandfather of Elliot, devoted son of Rita M. of Hightstown, NJ and the late Dennis E., dear brother of Marita (Bill) Robb of Lincoln University, PA, fond uncle and beloved brother-in-law. Dennis grew up in Hightstown, NJ, was a 1959 graduate of Hightstown High School and attended Rider University and Rutgers University, both in New Jersey. He was employed for 33 years at Columbian Chemicals Co., working his way up from lab technician to salesman and ultimately to an executive level. He traveled extensively for this job before retiring in 1993. For the past 15 years, he sold real estate with his wife Blanche as an award-winning REALTOR® for Prudential Old English of Naperville. Dennis was a voracious reader who devoured books on history, in particular the Civil War and Native American culture. He was a great cook and relished his business trips to New Orleans for the spicy food. A lifelong outdoorsman, he enjoyed hunting, hiking, and golf. As an expert fisherman he traveled throughout the Great Lakes, Canada and along both coasts. He was always on the lookout for the perfect fishing spot that could be hiding his next trophy catch. Visitation: Sunday, December 20, 2:00 to 6:00 P.M. at Friedrich-Jones Funeral Home, 44 South Mill Street, Naperville. Mass of Christian Burial: Monday, December 21, starting at 11:00 A.M., at SS. Peter & Paul Church, 36 North Ellsworth Street, Naperville. Interment: PRIVATE. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to: St. Thomas Hospice, 8230 South Madison Street, Burr Ridge, IL 60563 OR St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Attn: Tribute Department, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-1942. For more information, please call 630-355-0213 or www.friedrichjones.com.