Dennis V. Smith, age 60, a resident of West Chicago, died Tuesday, October 3, at Central DuPage Hospital in Winfield. He was born June 20, 1946 in Chicago.

Dennis raced Corvettes in the 1960's for Borg-Warner, and has been a car enthusiast his entire life. He had a passion for his car called "Grandpa's Toy", a 1969 Plymouth Roadrunner that he loved to race. He was a pilot for 15 years and a flight instructor. He loved to fly. He flew as a First Officer for Mississippi Valley Airlines, and as a Captain for Corporate Air Services in Waukegan. He was known as a fun-loving father and friend.

He is survived by his two children, Denise (James) Rodd of Des Plaines, and Michael (Monica) Smith of Round Lake; four grandchildren, Charlie, Mary, Joanna, and Eric; one great-grandchild on the way; and two "brothers", Skip (Pat) Field, and Lenny Dabek.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Christine; and his parents, Howard and Toni Smith.

A visitation will be held on Friday, October 6, from 10:30 A.M. until the time of a Mass at 11:30 A.M. at St. Isidore Catholic Church, 427 W. Army Trail Road (corner of Gary and Army Trail), in Bloomingdale. Interment will follow at Queen of Heaven Cemetery in Hillside. In keeping with Dennis' love of cars, muscle/classic cars are welcome.

In lieu of flowers memorial gifts may be directed to Lance Armstrong Foundation, National Mail Processing Center, P.O. Box 6003, Albert Lea, MN 56007-6603; or visit www.livestrong.org.