LATHAM – Dennis D. Tanczos, 59, died Thursday, June 28, 2012 in Latham, NY. Mr. Tanczos was born in Northampton, PA. He resided in Danielsville, PA and Cobleskill, NY while growing up. Dennis started his college career at Stony Brook University, studying oceanography. Realizing quickly that this was not his calling, he dropped out of college, wanting instead to learn all there was to know about the building trades, being a carpenter. He learned from the ground up, working for various builders, and eventually designed and built his own home in Colorado. After working several years as a foreman for a firm in Boulder, CO, Dennis returned to the Albany area and graduated in the top of his class from RPI, with a degree in Architecture. He was employed as an adjunct professor of Architecture at RPI for several years.
Mr. Tanczos was the beloved father of Gregory Tanczos of Albany, NY. Dennis was predeceased by his parents, Robert and Anna Tanczos. In addition to his son, Mr. Tanczos is survived by two brothers, Robert (Carol) of Statesville, NC and Jeffrey (Jolene Cerullo) of Mt. Wolf, PA; two sisters, Annette (Richard) Kacerik of Hellertown, PA and Dianne (William) Condon of Springfield, PA; and nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles.
The years spent in Colorado, at times working at Rocky Mountain National Park and hiking its peaks, were the best and happiest years of his life. Please consider a contribution to RMNP or any other place that brings you peace and joy in memory of Dennis.
Funeral services will be held privately at the convenience of the family. There will be no calling hours. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Hans Funeral Home, Albany. To leave a message of condolence for the family or send a sympathy card, please visit www.HansFuneralHome.com.
Calvin Rugg
Dennis was a great teacher when I had him for Structures class at RPI in the late 1990’s. Being an Architect takes balance of many things and he strived to remind his students about craft as most of us were concerned about design (both are required for a good design). He also introduced us to some great hands on experiences such as glue laminated structures by visting a production facility in Unadilla NY which I remember to this day.
David Ralich
My sincerest condolences to Dennis’ Family. Dennis was one of my professors while I was at RPI between 1992-1995. I enjoyed his classes and his presence in studio. he will be greatly missed.
-Dave Ralich
RPI Class of ’95
Daniel Jaconetti
To Dennis’ family, I am very sorry for your loss. Dennis was a great professor especially for the first year students, he really made structures understandable. Outside of the 3 invaluable courses he taught me, I also had the fortune of being his teaching assistant for 5 semesters. And when thesis time came, Dennis agreed to be one of my advising professors. It is sad that he has moved on from this earth, but his time here was a blessing to all those who got to learn from him.
Dan Jaconetti, RPI Class of 2001.
Joan and Dennis Fox
Our thoughts are with all of you. Always find comfort in the many
happy memories you share.
With sincere and heartfelt sympathy,
Cousin,
Joan and Dennis
Jonathan Merin
I am very saddened to hear this news today. Dennis was my professor for three semesters and I had the fortune of being his teaching assistant as well. Dennis did not fit the mold of typical Architecture School faculty in the 90’s, but in retrospect, his influence on me was definitely part of the foundation of my architecture education. I will never forget that certain buildings ‘exude concreteness’. I sincerely hope that he’s in a better place and that his family and loved ones can find peace in these challenging times.
Jonathan Merin, RPI Class of 2000
Emily Grandstaff-Rice
This news brings me so many emotions–graditude, compassion, sadness, appreciation, and sympathy for Dennis’s beloved son and family. Dennis was many things, but you never saw him light up more than when he was talking about Greg or teaching. He was a quiet adventurer, and I am a better architect because of him.
Dianne Tanczos Condon
Thank you to our cousin Joan and all the students who sent condolences. It means a lot to us that you remember our brother so fondly. Dennis was passionate about architecture and teaching. His time with all of you was one of joy for him. We’re so grateful that he hasn’t been forgotten.
With deep appreciation, The Tanczos Family
Stephanie Jandrositz Tinker
The news of Dennis’ passing brings great sadness but also a flood of memories. My family and I have many wonderful memories of picnics and visits at the Tanczos home. We all were the imports to Cobleskill as the Penn Dixie families moved to NYS. Dennis and I also share memories from school as we were members of the Cobleskill Class of 1970 . Those high school classmates and I always have spoken highly of Dennis. As I read the comments from former college students , it pleases me that Dennis found a true calling, I remember his construction days and am certain that daily working life skills were part of his college classroom lessons. Time passes and may all of you reflect and remember fondly of the happy times and memorable times.
Stephanie Jandrositz Tinker
Bob, Jeff ,Annette and Dianne and families, Please accept sincere condolences from me and the rest of my family. We all have fond memories of Dennis and all the Tanczos family, There were many happy gatherings on Lincoln Avenue. Treasure the memories.
Carol Anderson
It is with profound sadness that I learned about the passing of Dennis. We were classmates in Cobleskill HS. Dennis was very bright & interesting, but more importantly, I remember how kind he was. This was an exceptional quality. What a great loss. May his soul be at peace.
My heartfelt sympathy to his family. Peace and comfort to all who mourn and miss Dennis.
beth ruland
I’ll always remember the twinkle in Dennis’ eyes when we were in high school together. I’m so sorry to hear this very sad news. my thoughts are with his family and friends. wishing you peace….
Beckie Guernsey Lacroix
It is with great sadness that I am writing this, Dennis and I went to school together in Cobleskill. I hope the family finds peace in remembering all the great times that I am sure you had.
Steve Eppelheimer
Dennis and I shared some great adventures while he lived in Colorado. We were on the same trail crew in RMNP. We did our first big hike together up Long’s Peak, by full moonlight. We also backpacked in Mt. Zirkel and Flat Top Wilderness areas, and hiked and snowshoed in Indian Peaks Wilderness. Dennis was talented in many ways, and was my inspiration to build my own house after he had built his in Jamestown, Colorado. So sorry to hear of his passing.
Steve Eppelheimer
Black Hawk, Colorado