Dennis John Mancuso

Dennis John Mancuso, 83 years old, of Littleton, Colorado passed away peacefully on February 24, 2024.

Dennis was born on June 18, 1940, to Marion Hilda Di Palermo and John Baptiste Mancuso in Rochester, NY. After Dennis graduated high school from St. Andrew’s Seminary in 1958, he went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy and Foreign Languages from St. Bernard’s College in Rochester, NY in 1962.

Dennis was a seeker of knowledge and delighted in exploring the human condition by earning numerous advanced degrees including a Master of Divinity in Theology from St. Bernard’s Seminary in Rochester, NY in 1966; a Master of Arts in College Student Personnel Services and Sociology from University of Colorado, Denver, CO in 1971; a Master of Arts in Religion in Pastoral Counseling and Education from Iliff School of Theology, Denver, CO in 1977; and a Doctorate in Education in Counseling Psychology and Career Development from University of Northern Colorado, Greeley, CO in 1973.

To Dennis, helping others was a calling. He aided countless individuals by supporting them through life’s challenges and encouraged them to reach their fullest potential professionally and personally. Dennis worked as a Counselor and Vocational Guidance Specialist at Arapahoe Community College (ACC) from 1968 to 2002. In recognition of his outstanding contributions to his profession, Dennis was awarded the Colorado School Counselor Association Post-Secondary School Counselor of the Year in 2002. While he retired from ACC that year, he continued to assist others through his private practice as a Counselor/Psychotherapist for 38 years.

At a retreat for new faculty of ACC, Dennis met Patricia Shriver in 1969. They were married on August 21, 1970 and enjoyed 53 years of marriage. They have two children, Mary Patricia Shriver Mancuso and Louis Shriver Mancuso. 

Dennis enjoyed traveling with family, particularly to Florida, Las Vegas to see relatives, and Europe on several occasions. He relished reading history, philosophy, and theology; attending symphonies and operas; frequenting art and history museums; and appreciating good food at local restaurants. He was known to scour the newspaper looking for the latest Denver Art Museum exhibition, Colorado Symphony concert, or Denver’s top rated pizza restaurant. 

Dennis was a deeply beloved and devoted brother, husband, father, grandfather, uncle, cousin, and friend. His life was a reflection of how important relationships with family, friends, and his community were to him as shown through his conversations, care, and outreach.

Dennis was predeceased by his mother, Marion Hilda Di Palermo Mancuso, and father, John Baptiste Mancuso. Dennis is survived by his brothers Gerald John Mancuso (Beverly) and John Russell Mancuso, wife Patricia Shriver Mancuso, daughter Mary Patricia Shriver Mancuso (Danielle), son Louis Shriver Mancuso (Caroline), granddaughter Marin Kathryn Mancuso, and grandson McQuaid Daniel Mancuso.

A Vigil Service with Rosary and remembrances will be held at Drinkwine Family Mortuary, 999 W. Littleton Blvd., Littleton, CO 80120 on April 17, 2024, from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm. A Funeral Mass will be held at Saint Frances Cabrini Catholic Church, 6673 W. Chatfield Ave., Littleton, CO 80128 on April 18, 2024, at 10:30 am.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made to the Arapahoe Community College Dr. Dennis J. Mancuso Fund to support a scholarship in his name next academic year and continue Dennis’ legacy of helping others. Please use this link: http://weblink.donorperfect.com/dennisjmancuso 

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