Dennis E. Ahern passed away peacefully on March 21, 2025, at the age of 78. He was the beloved husband of Pauline (Moniz) for 52 years. He is also survived by his three children and their families: Sara Ahern and her husband Jay Bell and their children Sydney and Sarah; David Ahern and his children Katie, Jack, and Emma; Peter Ahern and his wife Celeste and their children Lofton and Declan.

Dennis was the eldest of five children and he and his siblings adored each other: Karen (Ahern) Driscoll and her husband John, Maureen (Ahern) Christianson and her husband Joseph, Sheila (Ahern) Craffey and her husband Michael and John D. Ahern III and his wife Joanne. He was a devoted brother-in-law and uncle in the Moniz family: Suzanne and Bruce Bassett. “Uncle D” loved his multitude of nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews and cousins from the Ahern and Johnson families as well as his niece and nephew from Pauline’s family.

Dennis is predeceased by his parents John D. Ahern Jr. and Claire T. Ahern whom he missed every day. He now joins them in eternal rest in heaven.

Dennis grew up in the Boston suburbs moving frequently in the post-World War II era, eventually settling in Salem. He graduated from Bishop Fenwick High School in 1964 as part of the second graduating class and he was the first in a long line of Ahern family members to graduate from Fenwick. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree in biology from Merrimack College, North Andover, MA, in 1968 and his Masters Degree in aquatic microbiology from Clark University, Worcester, MA, in 1972, where he met Pauline. He served his country in the U.S. Army Reserves from 1968-1974.

A devoted family man, Dennis and Pauline raised three children with the values of hard work, integrity, generosity of spirit and education. Dennis wished to be remembered for his work with the Mount Laurel, New Jersey youth sports organization, Greentree Recreation, a twelve-year commitment where he served as soccer coach, Director of Registration, and Vice President of all teams.

Professionally, Dennis was an environmental scientist for numerous engineering companies in the coal, natural gas and nuclear-powered utility industries. A life-threatening health scare and autoimmune disease diagnosis in 1994 led Dennis to commit to exercise specifically running. For decades Dennis ran regularly and entered dozens of road races, from 5 Ks to marathons, often enjoying completing these events with friends and family members even traveling to Bermuda for its International Race Weekend.

In retirement, Dennis continued to learn, picking up the guitar and taking continuing education courses. He and Pauline cruised to exciting destinations, ultimately relocating to Cape Cod where they were married and vacationed with her family when raising their young children.

Ever the scientist, Dennis gave his final gift to the world by donating his brain for Lewy Body Dementia research to the Harvard Brain Tissue Resource Center. The family wishes to thank the Arborview Memory Care Unit of RegalCare at Harwich for the outstanding and loving care they provided during this past year.

Visiting hours will be held at the Hallett Funeral Home, 273 Station Ave, South Yarmouth, MA, on Thursday, May 15 from 6-8 pm. A graveside service for Dennis will be held on Friday, May 16 at the Woodside Cemetery at 11 am, Yarmouth Port, MA.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made in his name to the Lewy Body Dementia Association, Inc. https://www.lbda.org/ 912 Killian Hill Road S.W. Lilburn, GA 30047

My deepest condolences to Pauline and Dennis's extended family. What lovely sentiments about a very loved man. Rest in peace, Dennis.

Pauline and family, Sincere love to you during this time of grief.Dennis was a well loved by all of you and friends of the family. May you all continue your care for each other with so much love.

Our family joins in mourning Dennis’s passing. We knew him through his reflection in his wife, Pauline, and indirectly through their three children. We hold him as an example of what a good man is, does, and gives us through his efforts and achievements.

Rest in Great Peace, my good Friend. You are already missed! In your memory I just poured a small glass of that wonderful, Smoky Scotch that you so enjoyed years ago!

Dennis was a dear friend. His humor, generosity and kindness will be missed. We were very fortunate to have him in our life. Our thoughts and prayers are with Pauline and the family. Rest in Peace Dennis!