Denis J. Kennelty

After a brief and unexpected illness Denis J. Kennelty of Ocala passed away peacefully on November 15th with his family by his side.

Denis served in the Admissions Office at Mohawk Valley Community College in Utica, NY for 37-years. He began his career at the college in the fall of 1973, serving in a variety of roles within admissions and enrollment management. He spent the last 15 years of his career as Director of Admissions. Denis also served on the State University of New York College Admissions Professionals (SUNYCAP) Executive Committee as a community college representative for several years and was elected President of the organization in 1992.

More recently, in 2022, he was honored by being inducted into the SUNY Plattsburgh Sports Hall of Fame for his excellence in Cardinal baseball history with a .379 career batting average over 4 seasons. As a freshman catcher, he was the first Plattsburg player to be selected as a first team member of the SUNY (State of NY) All Conference. Then in his final season of playing college ball, he had a Slugging Percentage of .686 and led the team in Hits, Runs, RBIs, Total Bases, Doubles, Home Runs and Batting Average. He loved his baseball!

Denis retired from MVCC in 2010, after which he and his wife, Christine, moved to Ocala. In addition to his wife, he is survived by two sons, Sean (and daughter-in-law Dena) and Eric, all of whom live in the Utica, NY area.

Anyone who met Denis knew he was the epitome of a gentle giant, someone who cared deeply about his friends and family. While here in Ocala, Denis enjoyed golfing with his Stone Creek buddies, photographing nature, and playing and training with the family Goldendoodle, Kasey. He will be sorely missed by all who had the privilege to know him.

In accordance with Denis' wishes, no calling hours or memorial services will be held. At the family's request, those wishing to honor Denis may consider a gift to Cate's House, Hospice of Ocala (or a hospice of your choice), or to a favorite charity.