Obituary of Dennis T. Chance

Dennis T. Chance, 75 years, of Laurel Springs NJ, passed away suddenly on July 11, 2022. Son of the late Ronald J. and Elizabeth M. (née Beaston) Chance. Husband of Suzanne Chance (née Malcolm). Loving father of Kelly Fowler (David), Denise Gaskill (John), Kristen Komer, Matthew Chance (Maria), Daniel Komer (Laura), Megan Morgan (Zach) and Erin Chance (John). Dear brother of Bonnie Deery (Ted), Ronald Chance (Barbara), Gerald Chance, Patrick Chance (Kathy), Jack Chance (the late Marie), Mary-Esther Sherman (Chet), Diane Straub (Robert), Doris Chance and the late Theresa DiVivo (John) and Rosemary Casey. Cherished grandfather of Ryan Fowler, Cole Fowler, John David Gaskill, Brielle Chance, Collin Chance, Emerson Chance and Faye Morgan.

Dennis dedicated his life to his country, community, and most importantly his family. He was a proud US Navy veteran. He was stationed at the US Naval Station, Treasure Island, San Francisco, California; He served aboard the USS Oriskany as a Seaman-Fireman from 1965-1967 during the Vietnam War. He was honored with the National Defense Service Medal, Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon, Vietnam Service Medal and Vietnam Campaign Medal.

Upon returning from the service Dennis served as a Berlin Borough Firefighter as well as a Berlin Borough Police Officer starting in 1972. He retired as Police Chief 25 years later serving from 1986-1997. Some of the greatest accomplishments under his leadership were, doubling the amount of patrolman, the Camden County Police Academy high speed trainer, and he helped transition the department to a computer-based system. While serving as the Police Chief, he was elected as the President of the NJ Police Chiefs Association, as well as the President of the FOP Lodge 56. On May 3, 2012 Dennis was sworn in as a life time member of the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police.

 After his retirement, he started Chance Investigative Services.  Shortly after, he became a Health Inspector for Camden County. He then was elected as a Berlin Borough Councilman from 2010-2012. 

In his later years, Dennis had a passion for helping veterans. He worked with Singley, Gindele & Rinaldi Attorneys at Law as a Veteran Service Volunteer. He enjoyed this work immensely and it gave him a new passion for life. 

He loved his family, grandchildren, and many close friends. He loved to travel, was a history buff, loved trains, baseball, coins, and knew someone everywhere he went. He loved people and served them his entire life. He always found the best in humanity and was always a dreamer.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend his viewing on Monday evening July 18, 2022 from 5:00PM to 8:00PM and Tuesday morning from 9:30AM to 10:30AM at the COSTANTINO-PRIMO FUNERAL HOME, 231 W. WHITE HORSE PIKE, BERLIN NJ 08009. Funeral mass 11:00AM at St. Simon Stock Parish Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, 178 W. White Horse Pike, Berlin NJ 08009. Interment will take place privately. In lieu of flowers, contributions to either the Vietnam Veterans of America at 8719 Colesville Rd., Ste 100, Silver Springs MD 20910 or the FOP Lodge 56 at 235 Pine Ave., W. Berlin NJ 08091. To leave lasting condolences or photos, please use the links on this page.