Dr. Dennis Pallan of Fernandina Beach, FL, passed away on July 28, 2022, peacefully in his home.

Born in 1946 in Pittsburgh, PA, he is the son of the late Bertha May. Also preceding him in death are his infant son, Mark Pallan; his sister, Patricia May; and his former wife, Ethel Pallan (mother of his children).

Dr. Pallan grew up in Pittsburgh, PA and graduated from Central Catholic High School. He then attended Duquesne University where he obtained a degree in Psychology and Pre-Med. Ever the adventurer, he traveled to Karnataka, India where he completed medical school at Kasturba Medical College. When he returned to the U.S, he moved to Flint Michigan, where he completed his residency at St. Joseph’s Hospital and served as the Chief Resident.

After his residency, he moved to Clinton, NC, where he practiced family medicine at Sampson County Memorial Hospital for 7 years. Following a move to Florida, Dr. Pallan wore many hats as he worked for the University of Florida as Medical Director, Assistant Professor of Medicine, and Chief Medical Advisor. He was a proud committee member of Correctional Care, Quality Assurance, and served on the Aids Task Force. He also held positions with the Florida Department of Corrections, among many other accomplishments. He even held the first key to Baptist Primary Care in Callahan, Florida where he provided family care services for over 20 years.

Whether referred to as Dr. Pallan, Dennis, or “Doc”, he never met a stranger. He enjoyed working on his classic Mustang, building model airplanes, and fishing with his friends. He loved his family, friends, and patients and was a dedicated husband and father. One of his favorite pastimes was watching football, especially when the Steelers were playing, and he loved to share his adventures from his time in India. Volunteering with the Jacksonville Sheriff Reserves and marine patrol gave him great joy. On the weekends he could often be found tinkering in the garage, and he adamantly believed in the existence of Big Foot. He was also a generous gift giver, and never failed to share a joke, a drink, or a laugh.

He is survived by his wife Janice Pallan; his children Christopher Pallan and Emily Smith, son-in-law Toby Smith; Stepchildren: Bryan, Scott, and Christopher Simpkins; and his grandchildren Peyton, Emma, and Kai.
A memorial service will be held at Oxley-Heard Funeral Home on Saturday, August 6th at 11:30.

The family will receive friends and family from 10:30 until the hour of service at Oxley-Heard Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers please make a donation in his memory to:
Cat Angels-
https://www.catsangels.com/
Cats Angels, Inc. SPCA
709 South 8th Street
Fernandina Beach, FL
904-321-2267
Or
Concerns of Police Survivors
https://www.concernsofpolicesurvivors.org/