Dennis Eugene Vanill Sr.

Dennis Eugene Vanill Sr. of Bloomington Springs, Tenn. passed away on Thu., Nov. 18, 2021, following a brief illness.  Born in Medina, NY in 1947, Dennis was the son of the late Martin Vanill and Patricia (Marks) Vanill.

Dennis enlisted for four years and served honorably in the U.S. Navy from 1966 to 1968.  He was transferred to the Naval Reserve the last two years after signing up for two terms in Vietnam.  During his service, he earned commendations including the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal.

In his younger years, he was a ham radio enthusiast which carried over to his time in the military as a radioman.  Dennis was an avid motorcyclist and loved to ride with wife Sharon.  As a Vietnam Veteran, and member of the 18-7 Chapter of Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association, (Dennis “Vanilla Vet” Vanill) was an ardent supporter of his fellow veterans, often riding to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall in Washington, DC; as well as traveling to the Moving Wall.

Dennis is survived by his children: Dennis Vanill, Jr. and wife, Beth Anne, Andrea Vanill, and Cassandra Taylor; grandchildren: Daniel Vanill, Julia Vanill, David Vanill, Alicia and husband, Jason Hall, Bethany McAvoy, Joseph McAvoy, Jr., Kayleigh Taylor, and Ethan Taylor; great-grandchildren: Hunter Hall, Noah Hall, Lilyauna Hall, Bentley McAvoy, and Brayden McAvoy; sister, Deborah Bobby and brother-in-law, Tom Freeman.  Roxy and Ginger, his loyal four-legged girls, will also miss him dearly.

In addition to his parents, Dennis was predeceased by his loving wife of 53 years, Sharon, and his mother and father-in-law, Robert and Dorothy Kinne.

Please join us in celebrating his life on Sat., Dec. 18, 2021, from 2-4 p.m. at the Vet’s Club, 216 E. Center St., Medina, NY.