NORTHUMBERLAND — Michael T. Dennis, 68, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, Dec. 2, after a long and valiant battle with Alzheimer’s disease.
Born on Sept.22, 1946 in Menands, Mike was the son of two parents who also battled Alzheimer’s, the late George and Catherine Dennis.
He graduated from Shaker High School in 1965 and went on to graduate in 1969 from the University of South Carolina with a degree in Business Economics. Mike served in the U.S. Army from 1969-70 and then for the 247 Medical Company New York State Air National Guard from 1970-75. He considered his service a privilege.
Mike began his career in business in 1971 as owner and President of Dennis Land Development Co., Inc., McGregor Links Country Club and Wilton Water Supply Company. It was in this capacity that Mike applied his passion and vision for building neighborhoods and strengthening the community of Wilton. Ten subdivisions, nearly 2,000 residences, a 60-acre medical and professional office park, and a public water supply system resulted from his labors of love. He remained involved with the Wilton Historical Preservation Commission for over 25 years.
Passionate about cultivating community and enterprise, he spent his time and energy in pursuit of those ideals. Mike’s volunteerism in the 1970s was marked by community planning efforts on the Wilton Planning and Zoning Boards as well as with the Saratoga County Sewer District. In the 1980s and early 1990s, Mike worked to support responsible economic development through his leadership with the Saratoga Springs Chamber of Commerce, the Saratoga Builders Association, the Center for Economic Growth and Saratoga Economic Development Corporation.
Mike’s commitment to bring jobs and commerce to Saratoga County was realized through collaborative efforts with local business leaders on numerous occasions, most notably in bringing GlobalFoundries to the Capital District. In the 1990s and through the 2000s, Mike enjoyed applying his business experiences to support programs, businesses and initiatives he found valuable. He served on the Adirondack Community College Foundation Board of Directors and took great enjoyment from his role on the Board of the Adirondack Trust Company. Governor George Pataki appointed him Commissioner to New York State Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation as well as to the Empire State College Council.
Mike also supported Saratoga Center for the Family and the Alzheimer’s Association of Northeastern New York in recent years, a cause for which he raised nearly one million dollars. An extremely proud Irish-American, Mike was a true Friendly Son of St. Patrick. He served as Past President of the Society, a longtime speaker’s committee co-chairman and was currently a member of their Board of Governors.
His enthusiasm for the 17th of March was matched only by his wife, JeanAnn, and her patience. Mike loved golf, Ireland, reading, industriousness, the Takundewide community on Lake George, and hard work and play, but his truest love was his family.
Survivors include his wife of 43 years, JeanAnn Parish Dennis; two children, Ryan Michael Dennis (Mandy) of Moreau and Erinn Catherine Kolligian (Dean) of Wilton; six grandchildren, Cole Christopher Dennis and Brady Michael Dennis, both of Moreau and Madyson Lindy Kolligian, Payton Lynn Kolligian, Cathryn Jean Kolligian and Karsen Michael Paul Kolligian, all of Wilton; three siblings, Cathy Marino of Charleston, South Carolina, Diane Fallon of Irvine, California and John Dennis of Menands.
He is predeceased by his parents and one brother, George Dennis, also a victim of Alzheimer’s.
He leaves behind many laughs, enduring memories, “Mike-isms,” loved ones and close friendships. The family would like to thank Ahmad, Bernard and Christina from Home Helpers and Tammy, Karen and Mary from Community Hospice for their exceptional professionalism, support and care.
Relatives and friends may call from 3-7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5 at the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing and Cunniff Funeral Homes. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 6 in St. Clement’s Roman Catholic Church, followed by military honors. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Goldberg Alzheimer’s Resource Center, New Scotland Ave., MC 65, Albany, NY 12208 or Community Hospice of Saratoga, 179 Lawrence St., Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.
