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The beloved actor from Chicago was also known as Dennis to some of his Chicago-Scottsdale friends.

 Beloved and accomplished actor Dennis Farina, 69, died today (Monday, July 22,2013)  in Scottsdale from a blood clot in his lung. He was very queitly and privately being treated for cancer and sadly, he had trouble breathing days prior to his death.  Dennis, who was an 18 year veteran of the Chicago Police Dept and moonlighted on stage at different Chicago theatres, was best known for his role as Joe Fontana on the TV series "Law and Order." He also starred in many films including Get Shorty, Saving Private Ryan and Midnight Run.)

I had the chance to first meet Dennis at a private fundraiser in Phoenix and would occasionally see him for the last several years at different get togethers in the Valley . He preferred to be low key and not take the center of attention away from other guests or his friends. A quality I admired in him. It always seemed as if I was stll visting with that former cop,  rather than a major movie and TV star. 

Dennis, the man well known for his family oriented lifestyle, is survived by his three sons, six grandchildren and the love of his life of 35 years, Marianne Cahill. 

Rest in peace Dennis.

Funeral services will most likely be in Chicago. 

 Kathy Shayna Shocket is a freelance Writer, Photographer and TV- Field Producer based in Phoenix, AZ. She's a former TV Reporter who's written for publications such as TIME Magazine, Money Magazine, PEOPLE Magazine,The Hollywood Reporter and The NEW YORK TIMES. You can reach her at   This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it