My "brother". Grew up next door to him since I was 4. He taught me about "special" kids. His was an inspirational story. Born at 6 months of pregnancy he actually "died" several time. Weighing in at under 2 pounds he beat the odds of the time before CPR and critical care nurseries.
One time, when some kids were making fun of him, he yelled "I may be a retard but I'm not stupid". He was one of the reasons I went into Special Ed.
I too lived a few doors down from Dennis, from the time I was 3. He was a special person, in word and deed. He did not know what being mean was, and did not, as far as I can recall have a mean bone in his body. Janet is right...long before the medical advances of today, Dennis survived against all odds. His time was short, but his life had meaning. His parents were part of "the neighbors" and we grew up in each others houses, as was part of life in the 50s & 60s. My deepest sympathies to the McKennas, a family that truly beat all odds.
During my High School years I worked mostly weekends at Jolly Rogers flipping burgers or hot dogs along with many other students from surrounding rival High Schools.
Dennis worked there weekdays through a special ed program established by Nassau County job opportunities for special ed students. On occasion our paths crossed when asked to work weekdays during holiday's, school closings or the summer months. I recognized Dennis having seen him around in Plainedge HS. Knowing this I introduced myself to Dennis and let him know we were both from PHS. Actually there were a few of us from PHS working at JR's that also became friendly with Dennis. (Robert LoPresti), (Joe Gervasio) We were always very friendly to Dennis and made him feel like he was one of us, he had friends in us! He was a good kid, hard working and kind to all. I would always make it a point to sit and talk to Dennis during our breaks. In school, when passing by, I always said hello to him and added "see you at Jr's) When I was asked to add yet another name to our deceased classmates list, again, I was deeply saddened when it was Dennis that I had to add to the list.
Rest in peace my friend
