Obituary of Dennis John Belair

Dennis John Belair was born on April 13, 1948 in Toledo. Ohio. He was one of ten children born to the union of Henry Belair and Dorothy (Reed) Belair.  Dennis graduated from Summerfield High School in Petersburg, Michigan, with the class of 1966. As a youngster he was a talented musician playing his accordion at various talent shows.

Dennis worked as a machinist for Dundee Castings.  His career spanned more than twenty-nine years for Dundee Castings before his retirement in 2014.

Dennis loved to collect vintage coins and sell antiques. He had a keen eye, often visiting garage sales in search of treasure that he could eventually resell at his own booths located at different shops throughout the Toledo area. Dennis also enjoyed walleye and perch fishing on Lake Erie and went deer hunting in Mio, Michigan, for many years.  His favorite pastime of all, however was playing cards, especially Texas Hold’em. Dennis displayed much talent as a card player, winning a local poker tournament and had been invited to compete in the World Series of Poker in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Dennis John Belair, age 75 of Toledo, Ohio passed away unexpectedly at his home on Wednesday; May 24, 2023. His passing was preceded by his parents: Henry and Dorothy Belair and a brother: Steve Belair.

To cherish his memory Dennis leaves two daughters: Denise (Rich) Hornbeck of Belpre, Ohio and Denean (Ron) Shaffer of Beverly, Ohio; two sons: Eddie Vega of Toledo, Ohio and Michael Belair of Lambertville, Michigan; three sisters: Renee Schweirtzer, Sue (Jerry Whitaker) Belair and Lori (Pete) Heider; five brothers: Bob (Darlene) Belair, Roger Belair, John Belair, Lynn (Patty) Belair and Rick Belair; seven grandchildren: Joey Ippolito, Zachary and Raquel Vega, Hayley and Kara Shaffer, and Ava and Quinn Belair; two great grandchildren: Kayleigh Ippolito and Carter Vega.

Friends may gather on Tuesday; May 30, 2023, from 1:00pm until 6:00pm at Merkle Funeral Service, Erie; 9156 Summit Street, Erie, Michigan 48133 (734) 317-7199. A Celebration of His Life will be held at 6:00pm also at Merkle’s with Deacon Ken Trabbic of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Erie, Michigan, officiating.  Cremation has taken place through the on-site crematory, Covenant Cremation of Erie, Michigan.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested in Dennis’s memory to his son Michael Belair. Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort or share a photo by visiting www.merklefs.com.