Dennis J Anderson Sr.

Dennis J. “Papa” Anderson, 89 passed away peacefully Tuesday morning April 29th 2025. 

Born in Boston on March 2 1936 as the youngest of 8 children, Dennis developed a deep love and loyalty to his family. He spoke adoringly of his mother Edith and cherished the life long relationships he built with his siblings.

At a young age he started working full time to contribute to the family and on the way back to his home in Allston, he would often look over the fence fascinated by the big train engines moving cars in the railyard. He loved machines and understanding how they worked. He later joined the Airforce as a jet mechanic and was deployed to North Africa. He proudly moved up the ranks after delivering planes with the lowest average downtimes in class.    

After an honorable discharge from the Airforce he returned to Boston and married his beloved wife Cathy, whom he and his friends often called “the most beautiful woman in Allston.”  He also embarked on a long career in the railroad, working on the very same trains he so often admired as a child. Dennis worked hard and often long hours in his job but he also worked hard on his own time too. Despite not having formal training, Dennis built many homes in his life outside working hours. He went down to the library and took out books on framing, plumbing and any other skill he wanted to learn. In his home life, he loved spending time with his extended family and friends. He was an expert story teller and had a quick witted sense of humor that endeared him to the many people who came to know and love him.       

Dennis is survived by his daughter Ann Marie Doherty and husband John, his son Dennis Anderson and wife Gayle. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Bridget Doherty,  Peter Doherty and wife Jessica, Thomas Doherty and wife Caitlin. He is also survived by his great-grandchildren Quinn and Liam, his long time companion Virginia Vita and her daughters Katelyn and Kimberly, along with many nieces and nephews whom he loved tremendously. He is preceded by his wife Catherine.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 AM on Friday May 9th, 2025 at St. Timothy’s  Church, 650 Nichols St, Norwood MA 02062. Relatives and friends are kindly invited. Burial will follow in St. Francis Cemetery, Walpole. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the charity of your choice.