Dennis Julianna Sr.

Dennis is best described as a “Man’s Man”. He was strong and tough. He served twenty-two years as a soldier in the United States Army. While Dennis was in the Army, he fought in the Vietnam War. On his first tour of duty, he served with the 199th Light Infantry, Red Catchers, when he was wounded in battle and saved by his hero, 1st Sgt. Jim Diamond. They have remained close friends all these years.

Dennis’ second tour of Vietnam was with the 2nd Battalion, 8th Infantry, 4th Division where he served with the Scouts. It was 50 years after the time of war these young soldiers reunited and have remained in close contact since then. Every Tuesday, Dennis looked forward to gathering with a group of men who served in Vietnam. While gathering Dennis was able to write his own song, A Place Called Vietnam through Operation Song. It must be said that Dennis Julianna loved the United States of America.

Dennis enjoyed traveling and made it a point to be present for every Army banquet and reunion he was able to attend. He was able to reach his goal of traveling to Europe and was present for the 75th Anniversary of D-Day. But some of his favorite trips were to visit his grandchildren in California, Florida, and here in Tennessee. He was passionate about his family and loved spending time with his children and grandchildren.

Dennis enjoyed football and was a big fan of the Tennessee Titans. Being Italian, Dennis loved to cook and eat. Meals were events. He was also a big music fan and loved the “oldies”, particularly the music of Elvis Presley and other music from the fifties and sixties. He could often identify a song from just one or two notes. With that gift, he was able to win many music contests which yielded prizes of records and concert tickets for his family.

Dennis is preceded in death by his father, Anthony Julianna; his mother, Helen Rita (Tartaglia) Julianna; brothers Anthony Julianna and Ronnie Julianna; sisters Linda Julianna and Phyllis Julianna; mother-in-law, Lorene Beaver; and father-in-law, Elo Beaver.

Dennis is survived by his wife, Debra Julianna (together for forty-two years); daughter Denise Gaspari (John); son Dennis Julianna, Jr. (Amie); daughter Maria Julianna-Toy (William); grandchildren Nicholas Gaspari, Emma Gaspari, Ariana Julianna-Stewart, Anthony Julianna, Delaney Julianna, Preslee Stewart; and sister, Patty Guimmond.

There will be a graveside service with full military honors on Thursday, February 24, 2022 at 2 pm at the Middle Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery, 7931 McCrory Lane, Nashville, TN. 37221

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or Hope for the Warriors.

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