Dennis Michael Fought
OBITUARY
Dennis passed away unexpectedly at the age of 78 1/2 at home in San Jose, CA. Dennis was born in Santa Cruz to Elmer and Euna Fought. Dennis was proud to be a “Native Californian”. Dennis graduated from Buchser High School in Santa Clara and then went on to enlist in the Army at the age of 18. He served 2 of his 3 years as a Combat Engineer in Viet Nam. When he returned he served his last year as a Staff Sgt. Drill Instructor at Fort Huachuca, AZ.
Upon returning to California he attended West Valley College and began his lifelong career in the Telecommunications Industry. He began as a Pac Bell cable splicer and then went to Western Electric as a Spec Writer and Underground Engineer in Sunnyvale, CA. He found that his unique attention to detail was recognized by others and moved on to become an Engineering Manager at AT&T in San Ramon, CA. Dennis initiated Auto-Cad and lead the Big Foot project which preceded broadband in the 1990s.
One of Dennis’s most treasured roles was that of Grandpa. He was a fun and loving Grandpa who had 15 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren. He always looked forward to the next visit from a grandchild. Most of his adventures were family gatherings at Hat Creek where he taught his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren how to catch trout. He set roots and created traditions for years to come in Old Station, CA. Dennis also enjoyed vacationing in Kauai. The mountains, the beach, sunshine, and family were all he needed to be happy.
Dennis is survived by his wife of 56 1/2 years, Marianne (Gale), and his 5 children Dennis, Shaun, Michael, Jonathan, and Wendy (Celaya). Dennis will be greatly missed but his memories will continue to live on within us all.
Memorial Service will be held at the Santa Clara Mission Cemetery on Thursday, February 26th, 2026. Funeral services will start at 9:00 a.m. at St. Clare’s Chapel, followed by internment. A Celebration of Life will be held at China Stix in Santa Clara at 11:30 am.
