Dennis Lee McVicker
Dennis Lee McVicker, 76, of Goochland, Virginia, passed away peacefully at home with his children and wife by his side, on May 11, 2026, after a courageous 2½-year battle with esophageal cancer.
He was born June 1, 1949 in Montgomery, Alabama, and lived in various parts of the US due to his father’s military service. His favorite stories were from when he lived in Lewistown, PA and Hampton, VA, and of course, his time as a student at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, VA. He graduated with his bachelor’s degree in Math and Computer Science in 1974.
Dennis found joy in the things he loved most: the outdoors, woodworking, gardening, fishing, feeding the wildlife in his yard, cheering on the Virginia Tech Hokies, listening to the Beatles and above all, spending time with his family. He was a steady, caring presence who showed his love through quiet support, humor, and simply being there for the people closest to him.
He is survived by his loving wife, Bernadette Madonna; his children, Heather McCormick (Mike), Sean McVicker (Gabby), and Erin McVicker; former wife and his children’s mother, Leslie Sawyer; beloved grandchildren, Ryan McCormick (Sofia), Molly McCormick Bresnahan (Andrea), Christopher D’Adamo, Lucy McCormick, Carson D’Adamo, Graham McVicker, Calla McVicker, and Casey McVicker, who brought him endless pride and happiness. He is also survived by his siblings Robert McVicker, Patrick McVicker and Sharon Brown, along with dozens of nieces and nephews.
Dennis will be remembered for many reasons: his strength, resilience, dry humor and the comfort he brought to those around him. He will also be remembered for not being able to sit still EVER. Once he retired from corporate life, he was constantly “doing chores”: planting veggies in his garden and propagating various plantings to replant elsewhere or to hand off to his kids with the precise words, “Try not to kill this one.” He knew which birds were living in his yard – and in his kids’ yards – and would be able to decipher the chirps and warbles easily. His children were always calling him to find out how to figure out something related to the house, work issues or yard maintenance. For a quiet guy, he gave advice freely. He developed quite a sweet tooth towards the end of his life, asking for ice cream, donuts, cookies and chocolate cake. His absence will be felt by all who knew and loved him.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Relda Mae Stouffer and Herbert James McVicker Sr., his siblings Herbert McVicker, Mike McVicker, Jerry McVicker, Joe McVicker and Ronda St. John.
In accordance with his wishes, no formal service or burial will be held.
He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered always.
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Uncle Denny,
You left us far too soon, but the love and laughter you gave us will echo through our lives forever. In a world that often moves too fast, your home on Neff Drive in Hampton was a sanctuary—a place where time slowed down and family meant everything.
I can still see it so clearly: the whole family piling into the car, my Dad (your brother) and my Mom smiling as we pulled up, and us kids bursting through the door with all our energy.
The cousins would scatter through the house and yard in wild games of hide and seek, our laughter filling every corner. While the adults gathered around the poker table, trading stories and friendly jabs, we’d take turns calling the radio station, requesting songs and feeling so grown-up when they played them.
The pizza that was ordered and the Hardee’s biscuits early in the morning bought by the biggest winner of poker that night. And there was always Rod Stewart playing in the background—his voice weaving through the rooms like a warm soundtrack to our childhood.
To this day, when I hear those familiar notes, I’m transported right back. I even bought the Rod Stewart Collection so I could close my eyes and sit with those memories whenever I need them.
Later came the beautiful house on the hill in Williamsburg. Memorial Day weekends, Fourth of Julys, and birthday celebrations brought us all together again. We played every game imaginable—softball in the yard, fierce matches of tennis, clanging horseshoes, and badminton rallies that often ended in playful arguments and unstoppable giggles.
Then came the cookouts, the smell of charcoal and good food drifting through the air as we sat for hours, talking, teasing, and simply being family. Again, the cousins would play hide and seek in a pitch black upstairs with so many new places to hide and a lot more jump scares when found and tagged. Those golden days on the hill weren’t just gatherings; they were the purest kind of joy.
You were the heart of those moments, Uncle. Your steady presence, your quiet way of making everyone feel welcome, and your love for bringing the family together created a legacy far greater than any material thing. You taught us what matters most: connection, laughter, and showing up for one another.
Though we miss you deeply, we carry you with us—in every Rod Stewart song, every backyard game, every family story retold around the table. Your spirit lives on in all of us, especially when we gather and feel that same warmth you always provided.
Thank you for the memories, for the love, and for being such a wonderful uncle. We’ll hold you in our hearts until we meet again.
With eternal love and gratitude,
Your niece,
Tracie McVicker