Dennis Joseph McNichol, III

Dennis Joseph McNichol, III, age 78, died peacefully at his home on April 1, 2025 after a short battle with cancer. Born in Philadelphia in 1946 to Dennis J. “Buddy” McNichol, Jr. and Agnes Keefe McNichol, Dennis and his family moved to Springfield, PA in 1950.

He was an alumnus of St. Francis of Assisi School, Malvern Prep, St. Norbert College and St. Joseph’s University. 

In his professional life, Dennis served as Co-President of his multi-generation family businesses, Dennis Trucking and Johnsons Transfer. Starting work in his teenage years, he worked for decades side-by-side with his father Bud, sister Christine, and brother Joe leading the trucking companies. Never classically retired, Dennis became a well-known expert who worked closely with state police agencies across the United States and Canada focusing on large vehicle safety. He was passionate about improving transportation safety on highways and working in partnership with the state agencies 

Married in 1973 to Ann Rudolph McNichol, Dennis and Ann were each other’s partners in life and love for 52 strong years. Raising four children in Springfield, together they built a rock solid family rooted in faith, love, pride, trust, and laughter. Throughout his adult years, Dennis supported his kids and grandkids at their various sports and artistic interests- soccer, softball, swimming, hockey, track, baseball, basketball, art shows, music concerts, and theatrical performances. Never a loud man, his tall and reserved presence on the sidelines and in the theater empowered and assured his children and grandchildren. 

An avid athlete, Dennis was a life-long runner. His competitive nature and love of camaraderie was clearly evident on the pickleball court. Also known as DIII and Trip, he loved sailing, boating, water and snow skiing, and classic cars. Summering in Avalon, NJ and wintering in Naples, FL, Dennis loved a late afternoon beach or pool hang with his family and many friends. Craft beer and a good book always in hand. A lover of music throughout his life, he enjoyed live shows of various music styles with his wife and later his children. A quiet man who spoke deliberately, people took notice when he had a story or insight to share.

Dennis is survived by his wife of 52 years Ann, his children, Erin, Bridget, Megan and Adam, his daughter-in-law Michelle, his grandchildren Ella, Mac, Levi, Victoria, Sabrina, and Lochlan, and his English lab, Tillie. He is also survived by his sister Christine, brother Joe and his wife Kathy, brother-in-law Butch Rudolph and his wife Patty, sister-in-law Cheri McGovern, sister-in-law Suzanne Hill and her husband Tim, and numerous nephews, nieces, and dear friends. He is predeceased by his parents, Buddy and Agnes McNichol.

A celebration of Dennis will be held on Tuesday April 8, 2025 at St. Francis of Assisi Church in Springfield PA. Visitation will begin at 8:45 am followed by a memorial mass at 11:30am. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in honor of Dennis to the St. Francis of Assisi School Rebuilding Fund and Archmere Academy.