Joseph T. Dennison

Joseph T. Dennison, 66, of Carlisle, PA, passed away on February 10, 2025, at Brookdale Grandon Farm's Memory Care Facility in Mechanicsburg, PA. He was born February 14, 1958, in Austin, Texas, to the late Ret. Col. Richard Francis and Horacia Jewell (Temple) Dennison.

 Joseph was raised in a military family, with his father serving as a career Army officer. Throughout his father's service, Joseph lived with his mother, father, brother and grandmother, Clementine (Keeling) Temple, moving frequently as his father held several key assignments, including time spent in Germany during the early 1960s at Army Headquarters in Heidelberg and later with his father as the commander of an Army post in Crailsheim. After his father retired in 1970, Joseph's family settled in Carlisle on a small farm on Alexander Spring Road. Joseph was a 1976 graduate of Carlisle High School. 

 After high school Joseph continued his education at the University of Miami (Florida) earning a BA in studio guitar and a master’s degree in music composition from the University of Miami. He was also a graduate of Miami Dade Community College, obtaining an associate’s degree in computer technology. Joseph was a gifted and passionate guitarist and an excellent composer. During his time at university, he was a proud member of the renowned concert jazz band. Joseph was very active in the South Florida music scene during the late 1970s and mid-1980s. One of the highlights of his music career was his involvement in the major 1983-1984 tour with the legendary Jose Luis Rodriguez, also known as 'El Puma.' He shared this remarkable experience with his longtime friend and road roommate, Gavin Davies. In addition to music at U of M, Joseph enjoyed playing in a recreational softball league on the musician's softball team and never missed a game. 

 In 1987 Joseph went on to work for the US Naval Supply Depot in Mechanicsburg where he worked for over 30 years as an IT Project Manager, working on the Navy Supply Systems and the Navy ERP System. Joseph was a member of the First Presbyterian Church and served as the adult choir director for two years and also directed the children's choir for several years when his children were young. Joseph loved music and playing with Ken Jankura. Joseph enjoyed annual summer vacations in Ocean City, New Jersey, with his family. Joseph coached YMCA traveling soccer teams. If Joseph was not running in the YMCA 5K Turkey Trot, he played flag-football in the Turkey Bowl at the old Mooreland field on Thanksgiving Day mornings with a few of his former classmates from his old high school choir. During the COVID lockdown, he ran on the trails at Kings Gap with Millie, the family's loyal dog. He was always active and enjoyed hiking, playing soccer, and running, even completing the Marine Corps marathon.

 Surviving is his wife of 36 years, Sue Ellen (Line) Dennison of Carlisle; children, Thomas Dennison (Melissa Dang, fiancée) of Harrisburg, David Dennison (Misha) of Biglerville, James Dennison of Nashville, TN, and Michael Dennison of Jacksonville, FL. In addition to his parents, Joseph was preceded in death by his brother, Richard F Dennison, Jr.

 A Memorial Service will be held on April 5th at the First Presbyterian Church, 2A North Hanover St, Carlisle, PA 17013 with Rev. Anthony Lorenz officiating. A visitation will be held on April 5th at 10 AM, two hours prior to the service at 12 noon. A luncheon will immediately follow the service at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the First Presbyterian Church, Carlisle, PA. Arrangements are being handled by Hollinger Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc., Mt. Holly Springs. The flowers for the Memorial Service will be provided by Woodland Floral Design., Biglerville.