On Sept. 6, 2017, heaven gained another angel. Dennis Anthony Carolin died after a two-and-a-half-year battle with ALS.

Dennis was the son of Lt. Col. John and Hildegarde (Claire) Carolin. He was born at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas on March 13, 1962 and lived most of his life in Shavano Park, Texas. He was known as the “Golden Child” in his family and was dotted on by his four loving older sisters, Elizabeth, Catherine, Patricia and Joanie. Dennis was a part of the first graduating class of Clark High School in 1980. During college, he worked at Colonial Frost bank where he met the love of his life, Tracie Young, in 1981. Dennis later went on to get his CPA license while still attending UTSA, where he graduated magna cum laude in 1984. Dennis started his professional career at Price Waterhouse right out of college.

On June 1, 1985, Dennis and Tracie married in Augusta, Maine, where they would later live for 17 years. On Oct. 19, 1990, their daughter Austyn Lorena was born and two years later on Nov. 3 their son, Colby James Barth, was born. Dennis loved them all dearly and was the anchor and protector for his wife and kids. Dennis always put his family first. He was an amazing father, husband and friend.

Dennis always wanted his house to be the gathering spot for Austyn and Colby, all their friends and all family events. In 2003 Dennis and Tracie bought a home in Boothbay Harbor, Maine which became their “Happy Place.” Dennis loved being in Boothbay Harbor because there were always family and friends visiting and he could do the gardening that he loved to do. You could find Dennis and Tracie at the Southport beach every sunny day, right up till the summer before Dennis passed. Dennis and Tracie renewed their wedding vows last summer in Boothbay at Our Lady Queen of Peace Church. Dennis always said he was born in Texas, but his heart belonged in Maine.

In 2013, Dennis took a job with SWBC, and he and Tracie relocated back to Shavano Park. Dennis was diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease) in April 2015 and only given six months to a year to live. Dennis, who was always a fighter, fought his fight for two and a half years all the way to the end with bravery, grace, dignity and his famous infectious smile and humor. Dennis’ last wish was to be the number 1 fundraiser for the ALS Walk on Oct. 21,2017. His passion was to bring awareness to this horrific disease in hopes that a cure will be found not only for him, but for future of ALS patients.

The family is requesting that in lieu of flowers or cards that all donations be made to Team “Dennis STRONG” at the link below to make Dennis’ last wish come true.

Dennis was predeceased by both of his parents.

He survived by his wife Tracie and their children, Austyn and Colby; his four sisters and their spouses, Elizabeth and James Hanink, Catherine Haydn and James McFeeters, Patricia and Porter Ryan, Joanie and Billie Jack Eaton; his mother-in-law Carol Glockler and Phil Perkins; father-in-law, James Young; brother and sister-in-law, Douglas and Lynn Young; and several beloved nieces and nephews.

There will be a service Monday, Oct. 9 at 11 a.m. at Our Lady Queen of Peace Church, 82 Atlantic Ave., in Boothbay Harbor.

Link for ALS Donations: http://webtxportal.alsa.org/goto/DennisStrong or please donate to Team “Dennis STRONG” on the ALS website.