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SPARTA - Dennis W. Mills, 57, of Sparta, beloved son, brother and loyal friend, died Sunday, Nov. 25, 2012. He was born Jan. 1, 1955, in Newton, to the late Audrey Mills and the late Francis (Barney) Mills. He was the owner of Mills Landscaping for much of his life.
He was a 1973 graduate of Sparta High School. He was an avid hunter and fisherman and also had a passion for wrestling, football and softball. He was the Sparta Elementary wrestling coach for many years and helped teach and mentor some of Sparta's finest wrestlers. He also was a collegiate wrestling standout and went on to compete in the U.S. Olympic trials. He played semi-pro football for the Boonton Bears. His softball teams were of championship caliber: The Mountain Men, Krogh's, Jimmy G's, and Twilight Glass all won championships and that included a state championship in modified fast pitch. He was a huge man, but had an even bigger heart. Dennis was very well known in his community but his legacy reached across the county from a network of friends, coaches and athletes whose lives he touched. Many of them would credit him for influencing their lives to achieve things they never thought possible. Dennis will be dearly missed and always be loved. He is survived by his two sisters, Diane and Susan; brother, Charles; and all of his nieces and nephews. Friends may call Friday, Nov. 30, from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m., at Goble Funeral Home. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 1, at the funeral home. In memory of Dennis and in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Sparta Fire Department.To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
I only recently learned of Dennis' passing. I knew him from kindergarten through HS. He was the best and will be sorely missed. R.I.P. Millsy.
Jack Mack - California
May 29, 2013
My wrestling coach for many years. He was such a great coach and like a father to all of us. Love you coach can't wait to see you when God calls me home.
Joseph Bucci
May 25, 2013
We have fond memories of Dennis and his family in the 60's. Our families were good friends. It was great to see him here in South Carolina with Audry. I am sorry for your loss and God Bless your family.
DARLENE GRENIER
March 30, 2013
I will miss Dennis dearly! We were both on the same shift at Newton Renal, and then our schedules changed and I no longer saw him. I'm so sad to hear of his passing! He was such a kind and gentle spirit, always joking with me, and teasing me like a big brother! Rip Dennis; in my book you were the tops!
Linda Eurich
January 23, 2013
Dennis and his physical presence will be dearly missed. But his eternal legacy will live on in the hearts of all that knew him. RIP Dennis
Gordon Morrison
December 23, 2012
Sorry to see that Dennis left us so soon...He was the Man!!! Sparta will never be the same without him, I was proud to have been a team mate with him, and to have known him since the "Helen Morgan Days" ....See ya Millsy
Bruce Morrison
December 21, 2012
I will never think of the world the same without you in it. I am glad that you can hunt and do the other things you like to do now my friend.
Bill MacCallum
December 3, 2012
Dennis,
So many fun times in the woods. You will be missed..............
Keith Beamer
December 3, 2012
So many great memories of deer hunting with Denny and of the times we would go to Len& Joes for pizza in Port Jervis with Tiny Acres. RIP my friend.
December 3, 2012
Dennis always had a kind word and put a smile on your face. Truly a good person. It saddens me to hear of his passing.
Mike Washuta
December 2, 2012
I first met Dennis when he became coach of our modified fast pitch softball team, Twilight Glass in 1990. His outward, physical appearance was intimidating at first, but I soon learned he was a very kind and gentle man on the inside.
Dennis was a man who was very passionate and knowledgeable about sports, but also extremely intellectual when it came to life.
I only truly knew Dennis for a small, 10 year window of time. He will however, leave a life long lasting impression on me.
May God bless you Dennis Mills, and peace be with you my friend.
Rick Crane
December 1, 2012
Rest in Peace Dennis.
Thank you for being an inspiration to our son Aaron when you were wrestling coach for the Sparta Middle School.
The town of Sparta has lost a real gentleman.
Robert and Ginger Zeoli
Weaverville, NC
Robert & Ginger Zeoli
December 1, 2012
Dear friend! You will be sorely missed! I enjoyed all the years in elementary wrestling together & all the lessons you taught our kids! I recall all the pool parties your Mountain Men had at our house after your games! Tom & I have such fond memories of you....Rest in Peace friend...you are on a wonderful journey now & forever! Molly & Tom VanKirk
December 1, 2012
Dennis, you were a wonderfully generous man with a heart of gold. You will be missed. Rick and Judy Zandarski and Family,
December 1, 2012
God rest your soul old friend and neighbor <3
Jeannie Rosenkrans
December 1, 2012
Wish I could hunt with you again. You will be missed big D.....
Kyle Allaire
November 30, 2012
Whoops...forgot to say who I am on my guest book post...
Leslie Beamer Allaire
November 30, 2012
Oh Denny you will be missed dearly! The memories of hunting together and all the times you spent with our family are fresh in my mind. Say hi to Chris from me and Kyle....must be a nice place up there. Peace/love, my friend!
November 30, 2012
Dennis
We had some awesome times together. From high school sports to summer softball. Even after leaving the area I often thought about some of our wild adventures. We will miss you.
John Buhlinger
November 30, 2012
RIP Dennis, I will miss you. We had some great times together wrestling, football, and softball that I would'nt trade for anything. God Bless
Tom VanKirkJr.
November 30, 2012
Millsy,
It was an honor to have known you and I'm saddened to have heard the news of your passing. Playing softball with you were some of the best times of my life. You were an asset to the community too. Rest in peace.
Tom Buhlinger
November 30, 2012
i am so sorry to hear this! Dennis was a wonderful man.
having know all of his family, my mom was related to his father.
leonard garris
November 30, 2012
Dennis left a legacy of laughter in so many of our lives. He was an indelible part of growing up in Sparta. He was a wonderful friend, a great coach, and the best hunting and fishing partner. "Never stop shooting until you can see the flames coming out the barrel!" He was a man of superlatives, a lovable rogue and raconteur. I very much hope my sons are fortunate enough to have a Millsy in their lives. My sincerest condolences to Diane, Susan, Chuck, and Dennis's nephews and nieces on your and our loss.
Bill Ehling
November 30, 2012
Thanks for the memories, Dennis. Always loved and forever missed....RIP My Friend
Marion Shnyder Doyle
November 30, 2012
Millsy was a great wrestling coach and an inspiration to us as young kids. He took wrestling seriously and so did we! Dennis was probably most responsible for the undefeated Sparta High Wrestling Team State Champs 1983. You always knew Millsy was in the gym from his rather loud and piercing yelps from the bench or stands.. a sound I will always remember.
Vinny Scola
November 30, 2012
Rest in Peace Dennis you were a great guy. One of the original Helen Morgan Crowd.
John Clark
November 29, 2012
Dennis was truely a gentle giant...he had a smile for everyone..... He will be greatly missed .... My heart goes out to his family.... God bless you Dennis .... It was my pleasure to know you
Nancy Carida
November 29, 2012
Rest in peace dear friend ... One of Sparta's icons is now gone
Joe Mongiovi
November 29, 2012
You will be Missed
The Mongiovi Family
Sarah Mongiovi
November 29, 2012
Uncle Dennis,
you will be greatly missed by everyone... you have been there for me and my family for so many years... we all love you...
Love,
The Mongiovi Family
Sarah Mongiovi
November 29, 2012
Millsy,
Your larger than life presence here will be missed, yet you will continue to be an inspiration to all of us that had the pleasure to have walked with you in life. You were the greatest at kickball and dodgeball at Helen Morgan School. Peace brother!
Dave Pasake
November 29, 2012
Millsy,
Even in Helen Morgan School, you were the BMOC. We all looked up to you. Your larger than life presence will be missed.
Dave Pasake
November 29, 2012
I am saddened by Dennis's passing. He was a good person & friend with a big heart.
I am proud to have been his wrestling teammate & friend from elementary school through high school.
Whenever a wrestling match came down to the last match and was placed on Dennis's shoulders, he always came up big. I will never forget his sophmore year wrestling against Pequannock and his dramatic 3-2 upset victory which won Sparta the match and the conference title.
God rest your soul Dennis you will be missed.
Frank Mull
November 29, 2012
Dennis was bigger than life to many. Growing up in the same neighborhood, playing sports with Dennis, you knew he was "Big". He had a big heart, performed many kind deeds, gave his time to others, and followed his passion in life. Our family has many fond memories of Dennis and he will be missed.
Kevin Gregory
November 29, 2012
Our deepest sympathy, may he be at peace. Lisa & Chris Hennighan and Rose and Richard Zandarski, Sr.
Lisa Hennighan
November 29, 2012
Millsy you were my coach, hunting buddy and friend. I can not tell you how much you ment to me growing up and how big an impact you had on me. Thank you for all you did for me and for so many others.
Michael Connors
November 29, 2012
Although it's been years since we last hunted together,I'LL ALWAWYS REMEMBER YOU AS A FUN GUY, ESPECIALLY THE WAY THE JOKES CAME OUT AND ESPECIALLY WHEN BARNEY WAS AROUND.
GEORGE KROBATSCH
November 29, 2012
Rest in Peace, Dennis. I will always remember the fun times in high school!
Patti Kullmann
November 29, 2012
Grew up with you from K thru 12 old friend.Can't count the times you made us laugh so hard we ended up crying!! God bless you Kahoona, we won't see your likes pass this way again.
anthony bradley
November 29, 2012
The person in Sparta that I've missed the most....rest in peace dear friend.
Shannon Claire Puglia
November 29, 2012
Dennis was a wonderful, kind and loving teddy bear. It was wonderful growing up with you from our kindergarten days, through high school and remaining Spartans for so many years. My deepest sympathies to your family. Rest in peace.
Linda Shumaker Parr
November 28, 2012
Dennis, We had so much fun and the memories that we all have will last forever. Going to a wrestling match, a football game or a softball game w/ you was always a blast. Where ever we went, you knew someone whether it was Yankee Stadium or some obscure town. We all loved you and always will. Thanks for everything!
Paul Shnyder
November 28, 2012
I have fond memories of Dennis, having grown up up the street from him. We were always playing softball in the church corner lot or hanging out in the neighborhood. After I moved my Mom still lived in the neighborhood and Dennis would always make sure her drive way was plowed and never charged her. It alway took a little burden off of me living a couple hours away and I always appreciated his kindness! But that was just the way Dennis was...He had a big heart! My sympathies and prayers go out to his family!
Bob Trimble
November 28, 2012
God bless you friend!
November 28, 2012
Rest in peace Dennis. My condolences to Susie, Diane, Chuck And Angela.
Donna Strohl
November 28, 2012
Uncle Dennis you have always been a great guy and knew how to make people laugh I'm sorry I couldn't be there for you like I wanted to I love you and will miss you sooooo much !!! Even my little guys that only remember your voice through the phone say that they love Uncle Dennis and that they loved you too !!! Please keep grandma and Barney straight up there till we meet again !!! I LOVE YOU BIG GUY !!! Love Buck !!!
Michael A. Singletary
November 28, 2012
So sorry to hear of your loss....
Nancy (Bergmann) Cooper
November 28, 2012
Millsy,
You will be greatly missed... You were a big inspiration and made a difference in so many peoples lives.
Thanks for all the tremendous memories.
I'll never forget "Green side up" landscaping and him calling me "Bill Todd Bill" :)
Bill Todd
November 28, 2012
It was a blessing to see Dennis at last year's SHS reunion, and a reminder that a good life is all about attitude - he was one of a kind, and had the best smile! My prayers are with you all.
Debbie (Jones) Kenyon
November 28, 2012
Oh Dennis. You will truly be missed. You had a winning personality and never a bad word towards anyone. All the memories you gave us will make us laugh, cry and some we try to forget. Diane and Susan may God give you the strength to get through this difficult time.
Donna Smith-Bratsis
November 28, 2012
Prayers to all family -so sorry for your loss..JoAnne Doremus and family
November 28, 2012
So sorry to hear of Dennis' passing, glad you posted a photo with his Obit. Will always remember his generosity in taking care of my Mom's winter snow plowing. Wasn't he a State Wrestling Champ? Archie & his buddy always tried to go out to watch Dennis wrestle. Also am remembering an incident with a bow & arrow & the Sparta Police in the Plaza? Also, remember that Dennis was Smokey the Bear in the Sparta Parades. He was a Love & will be deeply missed by all. Janis Rekun Kirk
November 28, 2012
With sympathy to his family. We'll remember his caring, strength, love and laughter. We'll miss him dearly, but Heaven's a bit more fun now, and may he rest in peace.
Linda Shnyder
November 28, 2012
So many years of wonderful memories. Rest in Peace, dear friend.
Kathy Foley
November 28, 2012
Dennis will always be with all of us in our hearts and memories. Condolences to his family in the time of their loss.
Pam Weekes-Thompson
November 28, 2012
The last time I saw Dennis, was at the reunion in July 2011… It was nice seeing his wonderful smile, and his resiliency in spite of his infirmities.
My heart and prayers go out to all of those who remember him fondly.
ginette Goodwin-GREENE
November 28, 2012
Dennis played a huge part in growing up Spartan. His community service and work with the youth in Sparta were a gift that will never be forgotten by those who knew him.
Martha Wilbert-Shoup
November 28, 2012
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