It is with great sadness that I write about the passing of Dennis Sanfelipo.
He affected so many people’s lives, mine included.
I meet him in 2004 when Berry Wardlaw and I flew out to California for the Love Ride and to meet with Charlie Brechtel.
Berry and I did an interview with Charlie about himself, his music, band and other things he wanted to do in the future. Some of the others taking part in that were Dennis, Kim Peterson, Bobby Reynoso, Wild Bill, Sam Burch and Beeb.
Charlie and Dennis were friends through the music business and over the years they had become closer.
We stayed at one of Dennis’ houses on a lake and then at a different one where he had the third Dodge Viper ever built.
I later learned he was a big blues fan and had a music production company and recording studio in Sunnyvale, California named Mother Lode Productions. Some of his friends were Deacon Jones, Gregg Allman, Lydia Pense, Lester Chambers and many others. Dennis grew up in Sunnyvale and attended high school there.
He also had a 280-acre, Damn Ranch in Angels Camp CA. It burned down some years ago. Dennis continued to live in Calaveras County CA for the rest of his life.
It is reported that he owned over 100 properties in Calaveras County
Dennis had won the California Lottery on March 7, 1992 for $32 Million. The story that goes with this is that Dennis was a huge fan of the numbers 7 and 11 and he bought the ticket in Milpitas CA at a 7-11. It was one of 11 quick pick tickets bought at exactly 11 PM. At the time it was the largest lottery prize ever won in CA.
Shortly after Dennis won the lottery his very good friend Johnny Lee Hooker honored him with the nickname Mr. Lucky.
At the time he was living in Murphys California where he was running a roofing company left to him when his father had died.
He immediately started doing wonderful things for the community, like helping the hungry and homeless.
Dennis was a hard worker before and even after he won the lottery. He was a builder and spent a lot of time working on his properties that were mostly rentals.
He like to travel and Belize was a favorite and after a time he bought an island there. He also liked Mark Twain and knew a lot about the Mexican desperado outlaw, Joaquin Murrieta, and his history in Calaveras County around the mid 1800’s
Dennis was the only child of an American Italian father and American Spanish (Spain) mother. He has three sons Josh, Dennis and Albert.
Celebration Of Life For Dennis Sanfilippo
Saturday December 17TH 2-6PM
Old Corner Saloon
574 Main St. Copperopolis CA 95228
A lot happened after that meeting in 2004. Charlie continued to make music any place he could. The biker world would get to know him. Dennis always there to help.
So many stories, but to many write here. More as time goes on.
Then there were two movies made with Bikers and Musicians.
Hopefully you will take the time to view them.
Rebel On The Highway – https://www.amazon.com/gp/video/detail/amzn1.dv.gti.46b76936-b193-08bb-4d45-0b57c38ec649?autoplay=0&ref_=atv_cf_strg_wb
Rough Boys
https://roughboysthemovie.live/?fbclid=IwAR2l-_fQZqyFSU-WK01bVWT0HZDjOb-DsC4MxixPClPFMAhsyf1pJ09JJSI
Some Comments
Another big loss this week. Honestly, it’s just too much to write about, to share, at the moment. Another time perhaps. Gone are Sam, Bobby, Mickey, Deacon, Guitar Shorty, Goodtime Charlie and now Dennis Sanfilippo. I can think of no others that brought more diverse people together, from all over the world, than the dynamic duo of Charlie and Dennis. Charlie had the outlandish ideas and Dennis had the money to get things done. They were the best of friends and the perfect symbiotic relationship. I once called them the Heckle and Jeckle of “hell yeah”. It still rings true today. Since 2004, I have had more experiences with these two. These experiences were mostly afforded to us by the unselfishness and giving nature of Dennis. There isn’t enough ink is this old computer to even write about it all. I’ll put pen-to-paper one day. Not today, though. Thank you for all you did for us Dennis. I’m so glad that I told you this many times. I’ll just share of few pictures with y’all at this time. May Godspeed, Dennis Sanfilippo. Much Love my Brother. In the words of our late Brother, Sam Burch, “Until such Time.”
I’m heartbroken to hear about Dennis also known ?as Mr.lucky. I have so many great memories with him and Charlie. I think of the stuff that happened along the way and make me laugh and smile. I got to see and meet a lot of amazing people and places. Thanks for the great adventures. RIP Dennis
I can’t keep up, anymore. People I love are leaving this earth faster than I can process the grief. Yesterday’s heart-wrenching memorial for Shifty was appropriately shrouded in a soft misting of rain, then last night the heavens opened
up as an ode to the loss of another precious soul. Godspeed, dear Dennis. You were a brightly shining star during your time here on earth, now we’ll keep an eye on the night skies to see you there among your brethern.
There’s a moment in life where u look back and just really take a look at how u got to this point in life. My family will forever be greatful for what Dennis Sanfilippo did for us. Not alot of people know what he did for us and it really doesnt matter if you do. What matters is he gave my family a chance and we took it by the horns and ran. My kids had an opportunity they would have never had if he had not cared, We all had the opportunity. I watched him do this for many people he just cared all he wanted was for u to be successful and was always proud of our accomplishments. This is another tough hit for us and will take awhile to heal but we will all miss you greatly and will forever be appreciative of the kindness you showed us. RIP my friend
Rest In Peace My Friend. You And Charlie Are Teamed Up Again In Heaven Doing Good Things And Making Music.
