Dennis J. Garrity

Dennis J. Garrity, 81, of Chaplin, loving husband of 51 years to Joan (Parizo) Garrity, peacefully entered into eternal life on Saturday, August 8, 2026, at Davis Place in Danielson after a long illness.

Dennis was born in Hartford on May 21, 1945, the son of the late George and Blanche (Laroche) Garrity. He spent 55 years in East Hartford before living in Ellington for 15 years and, most recently, Chaplin for the past 10 years. He graduated from East Hartford High School with the Class of 1963 and proudly served in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam era.

Dennis dedicated more than 28 years to the Town of East Hartford Fire Department, first as a firefighter and later as a paramedic, before retiring in 1996. He was a member of the first firefighter-paramedic class in the State of Connecticut, making him one of the earliest paramedics to serve both the Town of East Hartford and the state.

Outside of his career, Dennis enjoyed staying active and being involved in his community. He was a longtime member of American Legion Post #19 in Willimantic and an avid motorcyclist who enjoyed riding with the Red Knights and the American Legion Riders. When his children were young, he coached Little League baseball and youth softball in East Hartford.

Dennis also loved downhill and water skiing and volunteered with ski patrol at Powder Ridge Mountain and Mount Southington. He especially enjoyed traveling with his wife, Joan, and their trips to the casinos.

In addition to his beloved wife, Joan, Dennis is survived by his son, David Garrity of East Hartford; his daughter, Diana Frink and her husband, Seth, of Scotland; his twin granddaughters, Sadie and Sierra Frink of Scotland; his brothers-in-law, James “Jim” Futtner of East Hartford and John “Jack” Parizo and his wife, Maryann, of Pompano Beach, Florida; as well as several nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends. In addition to his parents, Dennis was predeceased by his only sister, Joan Futtner of East Hartford.

Dennis’ family will receive relatives and friends on Thursday, August 13, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the D’Esopo East Hartford Memorial Chapel, 30 Carter Street, East Hartford, to celebrate his life. Burial will be held privately at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Dennis’ memory may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. For online expressions of sympathy to the family, please visit www.desopoeh.com.