Dennis Vandi

Gray - Deacon Dennis Vandi, 73, passed away on Thursday, January 9, 2020 at his son and daughter-in-law's home in Derry, New Hampshire. His loving family was by his side. Born in Beverly, Massachusetts on December 16, 1946, Dennis was the son of the late Mario and Rose (Deangeles) Vandi. He graduated from Beverly High School Class of 1964. Many students from Beverly High School in the mid-60's will remember Dennis playing the keyboard in a Rock n' Roll band named "The Warlocks". He honorably served his country in the United States Navy during the Vietnam Conflict aboard the USS Constition and Ranger. Upon returning home, Dennis recognized the importance of higher education. Dennis attained his Bachelors Degree from UMASS Lowell and his Masters Degree from Lesley University. Roughly around this same time period, he met Mary Young through work. When they initially met, Dennis was Mary's boss. Little did either of them know, they would soon be married and Mary would become his boss. Dennis and Mary were married on October 26, 1974 and raised their son in Tyngsborough, Massachusetts on the foundations of love, faith, and family. Throughout his working life, Dennis built his career in electrical manufacturing. Due to his diagnosis, Dennis retired in 2018 from his position as Director of Operations for Saunders Electronics. However, it was outside of work where he truly enjoyed all the blessings life has to offer. Dennis became an ordained Deacon in 2000, serving first at St. Mary's Parish in Chelmsford, Massachusetts. In 2007, Dennis and Mary moved to Maine and he continued to serve as a Deacon through the parishes of St. John/Holy Cross, St. Maximilian Kolbe, and St. Bartholomew Church. Dennis forged some wonderful relationships through the Catholic Community of Cluster 22. In addition to serving in his parish, Dennis found enjoyment in traveling with his wife, sailing, skiing, hiking, boating, snowmobiling and spending time on Little Sebago. Simply put, Dennis enjoyed life. However, the greatest joy in his life was being known as Grampy to Ashton and Silas. Throughout his illness, his primary concern was for his family, especially his grandsons. Ashton and Silas were the apple of Dennis' eye. Dennis was a kind, generous and selfless individual. His love and concern for family and friends will forever be missed. He is survived by his wife, Mary Vandi of Gray; son, Dennis Vandi and wife Colleen of Derry, NH; grandsons, Ashton and Silas; siblings, Carolyn Marletta and husband John of Manchester by the Sea, Marilyn Kuntupis and partner Mary Ann of Bradenton, FL, Gene Vandi and wife Tina of Clearwater, FL, and Sharon Medico and husband Roger of Windham, NH. He is also survived by his close friends, Andy and Margaret Acampora, and several nieces and nephews. Visiting Hours celebrating Deacon Dennis' impactful life will be held on Thursday, January 16 from 4-7PM at the Conroy-Tully Walker South Portland Chapel, 1024 Broadway, South Portland. Prayers will be recited at the funeral home on Friday, January 17 at 9AM followed by a 10AM Mass of Christian Burial at St. Bartholomew Church, 8 Two Lights Road, Cape Elizabeth. Burial will take place in the spring at St. Hyacinth Cemetery, Westbrook. Those desiring may make memorial contributions to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, P.O. Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284-9168