Dennis Bruce Zander

As long-time friends of Dennis and Candy Zander, we have started this GoFundMe on their behalf. Dennis and Candy attended South Point High School in Belmont NC. Dennis graduating in 1985 and Candy in 1987. They have been married since 1989, after growing up not only in the same neighborhood, but across the street from one another. She always refers to him as, “the boy I fell in love with from across the street”. Dennis has always had a reputation as being a loving husband and father, handyman extraordinaire, tireless employee and being admired by all. Dennis began his career with Fort Mill Ford determined to do more than change oil and complete brake jobs. He worked his way to Parts/Service Director. Thirteen-hour days, six days a week, with barely a week off in the summer. During this time, Dennis and Candy started their family. Candy worked part time jobs while raising four children: Daniel, Cassidy, Patrick, and Tabetha. In January 2023, after 32 years of service, Sonic Automotive let Dennis go. In the months thereafter, Dennis and Candy worked on their home of 26 years. There was so little time while Dennis was working. They replaced their flooring, fencing, built a beautiful deck, painted their home and updated the stairway.

In late October last year, Dennis began showing signs of Illness. It escalated and after an emergency visit, he went through testing. He was diagnosed with Stage IV rectal cancer with liver metastasis. Many prayers have been sent for this good man as he began his chemo treatments. Many families and friends have them constantly on their minds.

This past Saturday night, January 20th, he was weak, lethargic, and unable to stand. Candy rushed him to Levine’s cancer center. He had a severe infection which led to sepsis. Dennis is now in Hospice care.

Candy wants to share with you all that Dennis is surrounded by his family, as the doctors keep him comfortable as possible.

Dennis always took care of things for his wife and family. He never thought in a million years, that he wouldn’t enter back into the workforce and continue working until retirement. He and Candy had plans to cruise all the islands in the Caribbean one day.

Dennis has no life insurance. When he left his job, he left his insurance. We want to ask you to give what you can to support Candy with medical bills and the cost of arrangements that must be made in the coming days. We hope you will pray for his family as they navigate life without Dennis. Please pray for their broken hearts.

This morning at 3:30am, Dennis Bruce Zander passed away. There will be a memorial service held at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church 805 S. York Street Gastonia NC at 2pm on Sunday 01/28/2024.