Dennis P. Killay

ATHOL- Dennis P. Killay, 83, died Tuesday, March 15th, at Heywood Hospital in Gardner, Massachusetts.

Born on August 20, 1938 to Paul and Mayree (Turner) Killay, Dennis grew up on Silver Lake Street in Athol, and attended the towns public schools. He graduated from Athol High School in 1956.  

He served in the US Army from 1958-1961, during which time he traveled extensively throughout Europe. He married his high school sweetheart, Patricia Landry, on May 25, 1963. The two enjoyed 58 wonderful years of marriage.  

While working for New England Telephone company as a cable splicer, Dennis earned his Associate Degree from Mount Wachusett Community College and became a Communications Engineer.  

A lifelong Catholic, Dennis served on the Parish council of Our Lady Immaculate Church, and later for St. Peter’s Church in Petersham, Ma. He was a 4th Degree Knight with Council #1182 of the Knights of Columbus where he served twice as Grand Knight.  He also taught CCD classes for several years.  

He was a fan of New England Sports teams and of any activity in which a child, grandchild, or great grandchild participated.  

Dennis was also heavily involved in the community: coaching Little League in Athol, serving on the Athol Board of Public Works, and, for many years, on the Conservation Commission.  

In addition to his beloved wife Patricia, Dennis is survived by three children: Timothy and his partner Angela Lake of Athol, Daniel of Leominster, and Cristen of Lunenburg. He also leaves behind seven grandchildren and one great grand-daughter; two sisters, Margaret White and her husband Richard of Orange, and Mary Ellen Sisson and her husband Robert of Athol; along with many nieces, nephews and grand-nieces and grand-nephews.  He also leaves a large network of friends and relations from the area. He was pre-deceased by his parents and two brothers Michael and Patrick.  

The family asks that you kindly wear a mask to ensure everyone’s safety.  

Calling hours will be from 4:00pm to 6:00pm on Friday, March 25th at Witty’s Funeral Home in Orange.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, March 26th at 11:00am at St. Francis Church, 101 Main Street, Athol, followed by a reception in the downstairs hall at the church.   

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

Witty’s Funeral Home, 158 South Main Street, Orange, is assisting the family.

Guest book and directions online at WWW.WITTYFUNERALHOME.COM

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