Dennis Francis Kalnas

Dennis Francis Kalnas, 82, passed away on June 5th, 2023 at Flagler Hospital in St. Augustine, FL. Born and raised in Phillipsburg, New Jersey, Dennis was the kind of man who was skilled with his hands, and truly let this ability shine through in his career. Having Graduated from St. Phillip & St. James Catholic School, Dennis did a tour in the army directly after High school. There, he focused his discipline even further, and served his nation faithfully in the Vietnam Era. Upon an honorable discharge from the army, Dennis went to Ingersoll Rand, where he developed his skills as a pump manufacturer, and pattern maker. He was not just the man who could install these devices and get them to work properly, but to be the mind behind their very design and schematic creation takes a mind unlike any other. Despite his skill in this field, his true passion ended up being carpentry. From a love of crown molding, and high-lacquered woods, to an intricate eye for detail, Dennis served expertly as a Carpenter and Millwright until he retired in 1992. His passions were not just of the woodworking variety, but he was a man's man, just as comfortable with an awl in his hand as well as a rifle. An avid hunter, fisher, and general outdoorsman, Dennis' travels saw him in many places across this great nation. Leaving his hometown, he set for Pennsylvania, where he stayed for a stint, before taking root in snowy Montana for a number of years. Here, Dennis was able to use his creativity and craftsmanship not only to enjoy the outdoors,but make a neighbors life easier. Said neighbor, having suffered a double leg amputation was unable to venture out in the Montana winter. So Dennis, being the benevolent and creative soul he was, retrofit the man's truck with a winter survival kit, allowing him to venture through the snow, and even have emergency supplies available in case the worst were to occur. Setting their sights on warmer weather in his retirement, Dennis and his wife Mary Jane Kalnas of 57 years, moved to St. Augustine Florida in 2011. Over the course of his life, Dennis Francis Kalnas was truly a storied soul; He spent time as an Auctioneer, and as a real estate agent, exploring as many different walks of life that would catch his eye and keep his interest. For such a truly magnanimous man, he will sorely be missed. Preceded in death by parents, Francis Kalnas and Helen (Stoppy) Kalnas. Dennis is survived by his wife, Mary Jane Kalnas; his sons, Dennis and Seth Kalnas, and daughter, Heather Altieri; his grandchildren, Kevin Dennis Kalnas, Nina Marie Altieri, and Raquel Heather Altieri, his sister, Marita LaValva, and his nieces and nephews: Jeremy, Justin and Maradill LaValva. Friends and family will be received at St John's Family Funeral Home, in St. Augustine, FL on Monday June 12th, at 10am. A funeral service will be held at 11am on Monday, June 12, 2023 at St Johns Family Funeral Home. Burial will follow at San Lorenzo Cemetery in St. Augustine, FL. St. Johns Family Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Dennis Francis Kalnas

December 10, 1940 - June 5, 2023