Dennis Michael Zavinski, 68, of Aurora, died Saturday, September 10, 2011.
He was born October 4, 1942 in Sewickley, Pennsylvania to Mike and Katherine (Kartychak) Zavinski. Dennis proudly served his country as an US Army officer in Germany and Vietnam. He was connected to the Military Intelligence Unit. He graduated from Kent State University with a degree in Mathematics and earned his law degree from the University of Akron. Since 1974, he has practiced law with Lou Bertrand in Ravenna. Dennis was a member of the board of directors for Community Legal Aid and Northeast Ohio Legal Services since 1995. He previously chaired both their Nominating and Personnel Committees. In addition to serving on their board of directors, Dennis was an active volunteer attorney with the Volunteer Legal Services Program since 1996 where he assisted clients with consumer and family law issues. He was a Past President of the Portage County Bar Association serving on various committees. He was also a member of the Cleveland Bar Association and Ohio State Bar Association. One of Dennis' passions was the Portage County Law Library, where he was appointed to the Board of Trustees right after graduating law school. He has served as Chairman of the board since 1984. Dennis also served on the State Law Library Committee.
Dennis is the Chairman of the Portage County Board of Elections. He is also a past treasurer of the Portage County Republican Party. He loved traveling, visiting every continent, including Antarctica. He was an avid tennis player; and had deep love of animals.
He is survived by his wife, Monique (Perisse); brother, Michael "Mickey" (Barbara) Zavinski of Lancaster, SC; sister, Karen Sue Zavinski of Barberton; and brother-in-law, Bernard Perisse of France.
Calling hours will be held 5-7 PM Monday, September 19th at Bissler & Sons Funeral Home in Kent. Graveside services and Military Honors will be held 2:30 PM Tuesday, September 20th at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery in Rittman. Memorial contributions may be made to Animal Protective League, 8122 Infirmary Road, Ravenna OH 44266.