Dennis Millard Kennedy Sr. –

Born in New Jersey to Colleen Ford and James Kennedy, Dennis was raised in Maine before later moving to Connecticut.

Dennis was truly a self-made man. In his late teens, he started as a hand trucker at a silversmith company, where he was exposed to a power plant. The power plant fascinated him so much that he began spending time there, getting to know the workers and learning everything he could about the industry. When a position as a night watchman became available, he eagerly accepted it—and that was the beginning of a remarkable 53-year career in the energy industry.

Dennis loved his work. He went on to become Chief Engineer at Pratt & Whitney before starting his own company, Regional Service, which he operated for eight years. Eventually, however, his passion for running power plants drew him back to the industry. He spent the next 20 years at Duke University, where he served as Director of Utilities until his retirement. But retirement never really suited Dennis. Missing the work he loved, he accepted a position as Utilities Plant Manager at Longwood University while also launching his own energy consulting company, ODE Services. Even after finally retiring for good, Dennis never stopped working with his hands. He loved fixing, creating, and—much to the amusement of family and friends—“Jerry-rigging” just about anything mechanical or electrical.

Dennis was known for his wonderful sense of humor and his collection of funny T-shirts. He never hesitated to help someone by fixing whatever was broken. At the same time, he earned the affectionate reputation of being the neighborhood “curmudgeon,” always pretending to be gruff while never quite succeeding in hiding his generous heart and gentle nature.

Dennis met the love of his life, Olesia, on a blind date arranged by a friend. Eight months later, they were married in 1979, blending their two families and raising Dennis Jr., Mark, and Nadia together.

Above all else, Dennis was a devoted family man and happiest at home. He was a wonderful father, a trusted mentor to his children, and someone they could always count on throughout his life. He was an extraordinary husband who loved Olesia more than life itself. He made her laugh every day—and, on occasion, cringe just as hard—often at the very same moment. He would do absolutely anything for her, though he equally enjoyed teasing and annoying her whenever he could, simply because it made him smile.

Dennis is survived by his beloved wife, Olesia; his son, Dennis Jr., and daughter-in-law, Jessica; his son, Mark, and soon-to-be daughter-in-law, Leigh Ann; and his daughter, Nadia. He also leaves behind his cherished grandchildren, Andrew, Brett, Cameron, Taylor, Ashley, and Hudson.

Dennis was also blessed with many dear friends, all of whom shared countless laughs because of his humor and unforgettable antics, including Pia and Mike, Shelley and Steven, Joy and Dan, Frank and Karen, Rusty, and Gus.

The world is a little quieter without Dennis—but somewhere, we’re certain he’s already figuring out how to jerry-rig whatever needs fixing.

A private memorial service will be held at the family home for close friends and family.