Dennis G. Tobash, 67, was born Sept. 27, 1956, with the gift of gab.

This seemingly simple act of personal connection was what defined him and, with it, came his strong work ethic.

Both of these proved the value he placed on his relationships with people.

He died Jan. 6, 2024, in Temple University Hospital, Philadelphia, while actively waiting on the lung transplant list for almost two years.

He resided in Orefield, with his wife of 40 years, Lisa A. (Heffron).

Extremely active in his early to mid life, he was a source of guidance and inspiration to a countless number of students.

They trained in his two martial arts dojos, and the Martial Arts for the Handicapable Organization, of which he was vice president and chief instructor.

As a sensei of 46 years, he inspired the lives of students to achieve their full potential, and in the process created a large extended family.

He also loved skiing, ice hockey, horse back and motorcycle riding.

He acquired his single engine plane pilot’s license, was a Boy Scout leader for his sons and, with his wife, raised and trained 16 puppies for the Seeing Eye Guide Dog Foundation.

Most recently, he was a field agent for the Knights of Columbus for 14 years. He was a people person. His handshake and gift of conversation was a window into his character that few forgot.

Before that, he was employed in marketing at UGI Corporation for 23 years.

He was a member of St. Joseph the Worker Roman Catholic Church and a Fourth Degree member of the Knights of Columbus, Council 10921.

He was born with a rare genetic disease called Alpha-1, which affected his lungs.

He embodied a true warrior’s spirit with his will to live and had an admirable grace while facing the health challenges in his later life.

He was never one to complain, always one to joke, and was resilient through it all.

In addition to his loving wife, he is survived by sons Dennis T. Tobash and his wife, Kristen, and granddaughters, Addison and Olivia of Walnutport, Jeffrey N. Tobash of Orefield; brothers Peter P. Tobash III and his wife, Karen, and Curtis Tobash and his wife, Janine, all of Schuylkill Haven.

He was predeceased by his son, Marc H. Tobash.

Expressions of sympathy may be recorded at heintzelmancares.com.

In his remembrance, the family would like everyone to consider being an organ and blood donor.

Arrangements were made by Heintzelman Funeral Home Inc., Schnecksville.