Charles “Bernie” Dennison Jr., 47, was welcomed into his eternal home Tuesday, February 18, 2025. Bernie spent his final hours snuggled up with his loved ones. Staying true to his nature, he chose to give his family strength, support, laughter, and unconditional love, which provided him comfort. He did it his way.

On July 5, 2008, Bernie married his soul mate, Karensa “Kari” Salazar. Bernie’s family was his greatest accomplishment and together with their five children, they created a beautiful life and a safe haven. Their love radiated, shining brightly for all to see and inspired those around them.

The devastation of Bernie’s passing is surpassed only by the immense love he freely shared with so many. Bernie remains our eternal source of strength.

Bernie’s legacy lives on through his wife, Kari, and children Kennedy, Charlie, Katie, Curren and Kylie; his mother and father Teri and Bernie Dennison; his brother, Patrick Dennison; his brother and sister-in-law, Michael and Kristen Dennison; his mother-in-law and father-in-law, Skye and Chuck Anderson; his sister-in-law and brother-in-law Misty and Mike Crockett, together with their children, Kingston and Audrey; his Aunt and Uncle Lisa and Bill Hersey; his Aunt/Godmother Mary Teti and his Aunt Shirley Williford. 

Born on August 21, 1977 in Silver Spring MD, Bernie radiated strength, independence, and joy. As the oldest of three boys, he had the innate ability to lead with this whole heart and create a sense of calm. Bernie was the kind of person others strive to be—genuine, sincere, loving, and humble. He was the first to stand up for the underdog, offErving unwavering support to those who couldn’t yet stand on their own. He prioritized family above all and was an exceptional role model, mentor, athlete, and outdoor adventurer. He was always at the top of the call list for helping with heavy lifting or reaching something on the top shelf, and he was always happy to oblige.

As often comes with the territory of being tall and athletic, Bernie started playing basketball when he was seven. He was a natural and played throughout his school years, as well as numerous leagues and youth programs. Bernie was a beast on the court and achieved his 1000 point milestone in high school. As a young man with so much talent and drive, he coached multiple programs and refereed for HYBA. He helped shape children into impactful community members and his genuine care to help them succeed left a lasting mark on their hearts, starting his legacy of mentorship.

Bernie attended his namesake, Dennison College, for a stint before settling on Salisbury University to earn his Bachelor's Degree in Economics. While playing basketball, he upheld the highest academic standards, graduating Summa Cum Laude. On September 11, 2001, Bernie was called to dedicate his life to serving and protecting his country and its freedoms. He went to the Navy recruiter and expressed his desire to serve. When asked what he wanted to do, he mentioned that after seeing Top Gun, being a pilot seemed cool, though he doubted he could. The recruiter replied,“Why not? Take this test,” and that moment marked the start of his 20-year Naval aviation career.

After graduating Officer Candidate School at the top of his class, he went onto flight school to fly the mighty P-3 and P-8 globally. Despite numerous prestigious awards and accolades, the highlight of his career was mentoring and building lasting relationships with his Navy cadre. Bernie is remembered by his fellow military members for his strength, determination, humility, and selfless acts of service. Bernie's career culminated and came full circle when he was honored to be the Commanding Officer, or “Skipper”, of VT-10 in the cradle of naval aviation, Pensacola, FL. Bernie retired as a Commander and transitioned to his post retirement professional home flying for UPS in 2021.

Bernie’s desire was to forego formal memorial services. Instead, his celebration of life will be held forever in our hearts and actions.

In lieu of flowers, Bernie would want to give back to cancer research. Specifically to his rare form of lung cancer with RET fusion in young people. These charities hold a special place in our hearts for research, support and finding a cure. Please donate if you feel driven to contribute. More importantly, honor Bernie by living your life a little more like his. Hold your friends and family close, tell them you love them often, talk to strangers with intent and care. Be your own biggest fan by belly laughing to your silly dad jokes and others will join. Stay strong and positive, no matter what the challenge or insurmountable odds. Remember that each and every day, you have the ability to make a difference. Bernie left this quote on his last days: “This is the beginning of a new day. God has given me this day to use as I will. I can waste it – or use it for good, but what I do today is important, because I am exchanging a day of my life for it! When tomorrow comes, this day will be gone forever, leaving in its place something that I have traded for it. I want it to be gain, and not loss; good, and not evil; success, and not failure; in order that I shall not regret the price I have paid for it.”-Dr. Heartsill Wilson, 1954

CHARITIES:

The Happy Lungs Project - "To save the lives of current RET-positive lung cancer patients by advancing research and treatment options." Fund critical RET lung cancer research, connect patients to experts & resources, educate & empower patients in care, clinical trials & registries that lead to faster progress. I am thrilled to tell you that I have been able to secure a 100% match for all dollars donated in honor of Bernie up to $25,000. https://happylungsproject.org/donate/

*Donate - Young Lung Cancer Initiative- We strive to positively impact the lives of young adults, diagnosed with lung cancer through community, providing education about the latest treatments, clinical trials and research, highlighting their stories and assisting with their needs in the here and now. We believe this is through visibility, empowerment, and hope. https://ylci.org/donate/

*Lungevity- Lungevity seeks to make an immediate impact on quality of life and survivorship for everyone touched by any all forms of lung cancer while promoting health equity by addressing disparities throughout the care continuum.

https://www.lungevity.org/?fo…

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