Honoring the Life and Legacy of Dennis Gossard, Beloved Coach and Mentor of Pasadena City College
With heartfelt sadness, we announce the passing of Dennis Gossard, a revered figure in collegiate athletics and a cherished member of the Pasadena City College community. Dennis passed away peacefully on June 9, 2025, at the age of 78, leaving behind a rich legacy of leadership, mentorship, and unwavering dedication to student-athletes over the span of a remarkable career.
Dennis Gossard will forever be remembered as a Hall of Fame football coach whose influence extended far beyond the sidelines. His name became synonymous with the Pasadena City College Lancers, a program he faithfully served and shaped for 32 transformative years. Under his guidance, generations of players not only sharpened their skills on the field but also developed discipline, character, and purpose off of it.
Through wins and losses, Dennis remained a pillar of integrity and passion. He believed that football was more than just a game—it was a vehicle for building young men into leaders, scholars, and citizens. He was known for his motivational leadership, firm yet fair coaching style, and his deep care for the holistic development of each student-athlete who passed through his program.
A devoted husband to his beloved wife Jeri, and a proud father to Hudson and Jessica, Dennis’s life was centered around love, family, and faith. To his family, he was a provider and a rock—steadfast in his values and generous with his heart. To his players and colleagues, he was a coach, a mentor, and a lifelong friend whose words of encouragement continued long after the final whistle blew.
Throughout his career, Dennis garnered numerous accolades and honors, yet he remained humble—more focused on the growth of his team than his own recognition. His contributions to athletics were recognized not only at PCC but across California and beyond, cementing his place in the annals of community college sports history.
Beyond the gridiron, Dennis was actively involved in community outreach and youth development, often using his platform to champion education, sportsmanship, and service. His legacy is etched into the lives of thousands whose paths he shaped and hearts he touched.
To honor Dennis’s life and legacy, a memorial and celebration of life service will be announced by the family. Full details and tributes can be found at: https://perryfuneralhome.net/news/dennis-gossard/
As we say goodbye to a coaching legend, mentor, and beloved family man, we carry forward the values he lived by—commitment, courage, humility, and hope. Though he may no longer be with us in person, Dennis Gossard’s spirit will forever echo in the halls of Pasadena City College, in the hearts of his family, and in the legacy of every player who took the field under his watchful eye.
Rest in peace, Coach Gossard. Your legacy lives on.