Dennis M. Saars, 71, of Hamden passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 23, 2018 at Yale-New Haven Hospital. He was the beloved husband of Linda Maio Saars. Born in New Haven on January 7, 1947, he was the son of the late Walter and Margaret McGowan Saars. Dennis was a graduate of Quinnipiac College and joined the New Haven Fire Department shortly after graduating. He went on to spend 30 years with the NHFD, retiring as Lieutenant. Dennis thoroughly enjoyed being a firefighter and was proud to serve his community. Some of his hobbies included playing music, especially the guitar, photography, and hiking. Along with his wife Linda, Dennis is survived by his daughter Laura Calamo and her husband Shane, and son Adam Saars; sisters Colleen O'Daly and Elizabeth Moore; seven grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his sister Ann Chiarella. Dennis's family would especially like to thank his team of caregivers and physicians from Kindred Care for their generosity. Relatives and friends are invited to Dennis' funeral service on Wednesday, May 30, 2018 at 6:00PM at Beecher & Bennett Funeral Home, 2300 Whitney Ave., Hamden. Visitation with his family will take place from 4:00PM until the time of the service. Burial will be private. Memorial donations in Dennis' name may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8517.