Dennis D. Koren, 74, passed suddenly at his home in north Zephyrhills, Saturday, February 8, 2025. Born November 26,1950, in Orlando, to parents Edward F. and Frances Boyd Koren, he is survived by his wife of a total of 17 years, Carol Lynne; his brother and his wife, Edward F. and Louise Koren; step-son, Torrey and wife Macaela Garcia and numerous nieces and nephews.
During the 1970's, Dennis criss-crossed the United States and parts of Mexico and Canada as a sound engineer for the popular touring soul/jazz band, Time Machine, which on at least one occasion opened for legendary band, Tower of Power. At this time in his journey he was able to scale many peaks in the Rockies, the Sierras, and Glacier National Park, at times challenging his body to severe below-zero temperatures and altitude sickness. The band's closing gig was a working, eight week, all expenses paid vacation in Hawaii, where he enjoyed snorkeling and taking photos with a rental waterproof camera, in the wildlife-rich temperate waters.
For a short time after the band broke up, he tried selling life insurance in the Seattle area. But one of his prospective clients instead sold him on the best Life insurance possible: Jesus Christ! Soon after, he met a man who broke every rule in the book, who took him inside the highly secure Super Walmart sized floor of the entire Pacific Northwest Bell mainframe computer warehouse. There, Dennis knew his life-long mission was calling him.
Enrolling in Washington State University's nationally recognized Computer Science Program in 1980, he soon met the love of his life, Carol Mahlberg, who was pursuing her own Bachelor's degree in Business Administration. In 1982 Dennis finished his BA in CompSci, was hired by IBM, and married Carol. Together they moved to New Paltz, New York, to be near his work in Poughkeepsie, and so Carol could complete her degree in Business, which she did. Dennis worked for IBM for 24 years, celebrating his career with recognition as a provider of vital research contributions to a US Patent, and named therein, now owned as intellectual property by IBM. Dennis never "blew his own horn" about this remarkable achievement - he was always a modest man.
While still at IBM, he earned his Master's degree in Computer Science at Syracuse University. During this time, his wife of 7.5 years left to explore in her own journey- but the parting was so amicable that they shared the same lawyer, and each professed to a possible reconciliation. However, Carol soon became involved in another relationship, married, and gave birth to a son.
Even after IBM and the breakup of his marriage, Dennis craved to add a new passage to his life, and returned to school at State University of New York's flagship campus at Albany, New York. There he had near perfect marks and excelled at leading group projects, even among much younger, internationally diverse students- these were the world's cream of the crop. However, the spectre of age-discrimination foiled his plans, even after completing his second Master's Degree, this in Accounting with near perfect marks.
Unable to find work, he decided to return to his roots, and moved back to Florida. There, he bought a home. It was about this time that he learned that his all-time love, Carol, had ended the marriage with the other individual. Cautiously, but overjoyed, they came together again! Carol followed Dennis to Florida, where they re-married in March of 2015.
For eight years Dennis worked for Hillsborough County Schools as a school bus driver, where he was revered and respected for his wisdom and firm compassion, by administrators and students, alike.
He went on to re-tool his employment bag once again, this last time with highly regarded Jackson Hewitt, working as a tax preparer, where he was also loved and revered, until the time of his passing.
Services celebrating his life will be held at Fellowship Baptist Church, 13515 N. USS HWY 301, Thonotosassa, FL 33592 Thursday, February 13th, 2025. Viewing will begin at 9:30, followed by traditional service at 10:30. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Fellowship Baptist Church.
Previous Events
Visitation
13
Feb
13515 North US Highway 301
Thonotosassa, FL 33592
Celebration of Life Service
13
Feb
13515 North US Highway 301
Thonotosassa, FL 33592
Fellowship Baptist Church
Thonotosassa, FL 33592
