Dennis Charles Kitchen

Dennis C. Kitchen of Edinboro passed away on March 10, 2026. He was the son of the late Charles and Grace Kitchen of Pittsburgh, and later, Erie.

Dennis graduated from McDowell High School in 1965 and attended Morehead State University. He went on to receive his Masters Degree in Music from Edinboro University.

Dennis spent his first year of teaching in Kentucky. At Grant County, Kentucky, his bands won awards at the State Fair Competition. After returning to Erie County in 1972, he taught in the General McLane School District for 38 years. He enjoyed starting interested music lovers on their first instruments. He started stage bands in all of the schools where he taught. Although he could play many instruments, his personal choice was the trombone. He especially enjoyed playing in Charles Ventrello's group, “Sack of Bones”. He was a member of JazzErie and a friend of Bill W's for many years.

He enjoyed birding and was a member of the Presque Isle Audubon Society. He was a wonderful cook and gardener, and a lifelong cat lover and owner.

Dennis is survived by his wife, Kathy, whom he married over 57 years ago; his sons, Michael of Erie, and Christopher of New Mexico; siblings, Charlene (Ron) Oswald of Cochranton, Barbara Dietz of Saegertown, and John (Mary) Kitchen of Pittsburgh.

The family wishes to thank the staffs of Interim Hospice and St. Mary's Asbury Ridge for their support and care.

A celebration of Dennis's life will be held Sunday, April 12, 2026 at 3 p.m. at Edinboro United Methodist Church, 113 High St., Edinboro, PA. The Glunt Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., Edinboro is entrusted with arrangements.

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