Reverend James J. Dennis

The Rev James J. Dennis, “the Priest’s Priest” who served as pastor of four churches in Fairfield County during his 60-plus years as a Roman Catholic priest, died at the age of 86 at Pope John Paul II Extended Care Facility on June 7, following a long illness.

Ordained at St Joseph’s Cathedral in Hartford on May 14, 1942, Father Dennis served as pastor of St Edward the Confessor Church in New Fairfield, St Peter in Danbury, St Joseph’s in Brookfield, and Sacred Heart in Georgetown. He also served at St Rose of Lima in Newtown, Holy Rosary in Bridgeport, St Francis in New Haven, and St Clement’s in Stamford.

Father Dennis served as chairman of the Priest’s Council and was on the personnel board of the Diocese of Bridgeport, was a Territorial Vicar, and was chairman of the personnel board of the National Federation of Priests Council. He was chaplain of the Knights of Columbus.

A deeply spiritual man, Father Dennis was widely respected for his integrity and intellect, as well as for his understanding and compassion for those in need. He was a noted homilist and family counselor. Following the Vietnam War, he provided resettlement and educational assistance to Vietnamese refugees.

Born in Norwich to the late James and Mary Dennis, Father Dennis graduated from Norwich Free Academy, St Thomas Seminary in Hartford, and St Mary Seminary in Baltimore, Md.

Father Dennis’s mother was from the small village of Goleen in the southernmost part of Ireland, and it was here that Father Dennis spent many summers and assisted in the local church.

After retiring in 1991, Father Dennis lived in New Fairfield and continued to assist at St Edward the Confessor Church until he moved to the diocesan retirement home, The Catherine Dennis Keefe, Queen of Clergy home, in Stamford. He had also spent many winters on the West Coast of Florida, savoring the sea and sunsets.

Father Dennis is survived by his sister, Catherine (Mrs James) Ryan of Boca Raton, Fla., and by six nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by three brothers, John Dennis, Tom Dennis, and Joe Dennis.

On June 10, a parish Mass was celebrated by Msgr Martin P. Ryan, who was also the homilist, and the eulogy was given by Father Dennis’s dear friend, George Keane.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on June 4 at St Edward the Confessor by Bishop William Lori and the homilist was Father Frank McGrath. Interment will be in St Joseph’s Cemetery, Norwich, with the Rev James F. Kinnane officiating.

Contributions may be made to one of Father Dennis’s favorite charities, the Hanahoe Memorial Children’s Clinic, 205 Main Street, Danbury, CT 06810.

Green Funeral Home, 57 Main Street, Danbury, was in charge of arrangements.

The Newtown Bee        June 13, 2003