Dennis Ori retires after 34 years as route driver with Zengeler Cleaners
Dennis Ori, a longtime route driver for Zengeler Cleaners, retired at the end of 2021, after nearly 35 years serving the dry cleaner and its customers.
His career began in March 1987, and included the opportunity to see the company grow and expand into seven communities while adding multiple delivery routes. His retirement marks the end of a distinguished career for one of the Midwest's oldest and largest dry cleaners.
"Dennis Ori was an important part of the Zengeler Cleaners family, and for many of our customers, he was thought of as an important part of their families as well," said Tom Zengeler, president of Zengeler Cleaners.
"Dennis thoroughly enjoyed helping customers, always expressing that working with and for his route customers was his favorite part of the job. Without a doubt, Dennis will be missed by the company and his route customers."
Among Dennis' fondest memories during his lengthy career was working with multiple generations of the same family.
According to Dennis, "My career has given me the opportunity to watch my customers and their families grow. I've seen their children become adults and, in turn, also become our customers. These folks have been like family to me and, in many ways, they've made me feel like part of their families, too. Working with them will be among the things I miss the most as I move into retirement!"
Dennis' career was marked by his dependability as well as longevity. In fact, he called out sick just one time during his 34 years.
"The only time I called out sick was way back in 1992, after contracting chickenpox from my young daughter," Dennis said. "My daughter only had a couple of spots from the pox, but I was covered all over. Lucky for me, I recovered quickly and was back in just a week."
While Dennis is retiring from Zengeler Cleaners, he has plans to stay busy. A music enthusiast, he plays in a blues band in Chicago and looks forward to the opportunity to spend more time with the band.
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