He also served as deputy majority leader of the Rhode Island House of Representatives.

Prior to being elected to District 71, Dennis served on the Portsmouth Town Council from 2004 to 2010.

Dennis currently resides in Portsmouth, Rhode Island with his wife, Amy and daughter, Olivia.

He graduated in the 1978 class of the St. Andrew's School in Barrington, Rhode Island.

Canario earned his associate degree in criminal justice from Roger Williams University.