Dennis Michael Gerlach passed away peacefully at home on April 2, 2026, held in loving care by his wife, Margie, and his three children. He was 76 years old. In his final days, Denny was surrounded by family and loved ones, in a compassionate atmosphere filled with love, laughter, music, and tenderness.

Born in Baltimore in 1949 and raised in Dundalk, Maryland, Denny met his high school sweetheart and future bride, Margie. Together, they built a beautiful life centered on faith, family, and music, raising three children and later welcoming a beloved grandson. In recent years, Denny was an active member of High Tide Church in Dagsboro, where he served as a deacon, worship team member, and dedicated volunteer- specifically focused on the systems operations of the church building.

A graduate of Dundalk High School, class of 1967, Denny began his career as a welding apprentice at Bethlehem Steel's shipyard in Sparrows Point, working alongside his father, Adam, an experience that remained a lifelong source of pride. Through tireless determination, self-education, and hands-on experience, he built a 47-year career in power plant operations, including his time at BGE's Brandon Shores Generating Station during a period of major infrastructure expansion. He later served as a Power Plant Engineer at Sun Products in Baltimore, retiring in 2014. Throughout his career, Denny worked tirelessly—including shift work and long hours—to provide for his family and build a secure future for himself and Margie.

Denny's passions were many. He was a long-distance runner who completed numerous marathons and qualified for the Boston Marathon in 1980. He had a lifelong love of motorcycles, especially Harleys, and enjoyed riding well into retirement. Fascinated by steam locomotives, he had a deep understanding of their mechanics and intricacies. He also nurtured a childhood love of model trains, creating a permanent train garden in his home that he proudly shared with his grandson, Ethan. An avid and curious reader, Denny had a particular interest in American history and World War II and was largely self-taught across many subjects.

Music and singing were among Denny's greatest joys. A naturally gifted and self-trained vocalist, he devoted this talent to his faith, worshiping Jesus by participating in church music ministries throughout his adult life. While he had numerous experiences as a soloist, he found his greatest fulfillment in singing as part of a choir or ensemble, lifting his voice in blended harmony with others in shared faith and purpose.

Above all, Denny was a devoted family man. Being a strong provider for his family was a driving motivator throughout his life. He was a dedicated son to his parents and in-laws, generously giving his time and skills to care for them. Known for his ability to fix almost anything, he often showed up—sometimes straight from a night shift—to help solve whatever problem needed attention. He and Margie modeled a life of commitment and family devotion that leaves a lasting legacy. Becoming a grandfather in 2008 was one of Denny's greatest joys; in his eyes, the sun truly rose and set on his grandson.

Denny is survived by his beloved wife of 56 years, Margie Gerlach (née Pinder); his son, Nathanael Gerlach, and his fiancée, Nicole Pickett; his daughter, Sarah Singleton (née Gerlach), and her husband, Mark Singleton; his daughter, Deb Gerlach, and her fiancée, Daniel Choynowski; and his cherished grandson, Ethan Singleton.

The Gerlach Family will be receiving family and friends at a Celebration of Life Service which will be held on Saturday May 9th, 2026 a visitation will take place 11am-12pm and service at 12pm at High Tide Church located at 28000 Nine Foot Road, Dagsboro DE 19939.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made in Denny's honor to Tunnels to Towers Foundation: https://t2t.org/

Or, to High Tide Church for the completion of new children's classrooms among other expansion
plans - More 2.0 Giving Campaign: https://app.clovergive.com/App/Giving/highpo233