Dennis James Zawalich

Dennis (Denny) James Zawalich, age 82, of Troy, OH, passed away on September 17, 2025. Born in Rahway, NJ, and raised in Cranford, NJ, Dennis married his high school sweetheart Diane Zawalich, and together they raised three children—Dawn Zawalich (Liloia), Donna Zawalich (McCaughan), and David Zawalich—while creating a home filled with love and laughter in a closely-knit Cranford neighborhood.

A dedicated entrepreneur, Dennis (“Mr. Z”) owned and managed car dealerships in both North and South Jersey, where he built a reputation for integrity and hard work. After selling his first car in 1967 he made an on-the-spot decision to strive to become an auto dealer and worked his way through the industry, holding different sales & management positions until he realized his dream, eventually becoming the long-time owner of Burlington Lincoln Mercury in Burlington City, NJ. For many years he took tremendous pride in his employees, service to the community, and all of his loyal customers, many of whom he knew personally and would visit with him at the dealership to share a story or a laugh. His long career in the automotive industry included some hard years, but overall was marked by success, treasured & meaningful relationships and a genuine love for the work.

He enjoyed seasons of vacations & pontoon-boating on both Lake Wallenpaupack in Pennsylvania and Barnegat Bay out of Loveladies, NJ, always with a fishing pole and an ice-filled cooler of beverages nearby. A lifelong sports fan, he switched allegiances from New York teams to all Philadelphia teams after relocating to South Jersey in the 1990’s - a move that caused spirited debate with certain family members – and loved to watch “his local teams” the Eagles, Phillies, Sixers and Flyers’ games. A few of his favorite activities were to play golf or go fishing with his son David, where much of the afore-mentioned debate would occur.

After retiring in 2021, Dennis and his partner, Coli Cortez, moved to Troy, OH, to be closer to his son and his son’s family, and he enjoyed living in the Midwest.

Dennis was predeceased by his oldest daughter, Dawn Zawalich Liloia (Michael). He is survived by his two children, Donna Thompson McCaughan (Jack) and David Zawalich (Jessica), and his beloved grandchildren: Michelle Hodgins (James), Madison Liloia, Nicholas Liloia, Eric Thompson, Joseph Thompson, Jack Thompson, Charles Zawalich, and Emily Zawalich.

He is also survived by his sister Barbara Lauchlan (Ernest) and niece, Deborah Lore (Sean).

He will be dearly missed by his partner, Coli Cortez, who was a constant source of happiness during their years together.

Known for his warmth, generosity, and kindness, Dennis was a man who made everyone feel welcome. He was a born conversationalist who never met a stranger. Whether through his constant smile, a word of encouragement, or his infectious laughter, he touched countless lives. Denny was also a fighter. He battled through polio as a child – including a 1 year hospital stay - and multiple other health and mobility struggles throughout his life. Yet he refused to complain, instead, he set a wonderful example as he used his challenges as motivation to reach for and attain his goals.

He was a lover of life and a family man through and through—his children, grandchildren, and the memories created along the way sustained him.

A celebration of his full and abundant life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers or donations, the family asks to post a favorite memory of Denny on the message board.

Dennis’s legacy of love, positivity, and devotion to his family will forever be remembered by all who knew him.