Dennis M. Velia

Dennis M. Velia, 59, passed away in his home on October 27, 2023. He is survived by Sandra Velia and his children Kathryn (Brian) Stalker, Brynne Velia, and Elise Velia. He is also survived by his stepmother Patricia Velia and siblings Mary (Jeff) Kuhn, Barbara Velia, Robert Velia, Pamela Leonard, and John (Yukino) Voutour, along with several nieces and nephews, and beloved friends and coworkers at McDonald's and Wegmans.
Dennis loved the arts, especially music and theatre. He loved the ladies of the 80s, including Whitney Houston, Patti LaBelle, Cher, Aretha Franklin, Stevie Nicks, and Pat Benatar. He was an actor, appearing as an extra in Season 5 Episode 2 of Sex and the City and the opening classroom scene of The Mirror Has Two Faces. He also acted in community theaters in New Jersey and New York and saw many shows on Broadway.
Dennis loved any occasion to dress up and would design his own costumes for Halloween, Ms. Gay Rochester, Fashion Week of Rochester, and Pride. He was a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community and attended Pride events in Rochester, New York City, and Atlanta. He could often be found at The Forum for Happy Hour on Sundays or laying on the lawn at The Memorial Art Gallery.
He lived by the mantra "Just Be" and enjoyed the daily pleasures of life, including singing karaoke, going on wine tours with his sister, Mary, and releasing new episodes of his Crafting with Joanie™ series on Instagram.
A celebration of life will occur at the Medina VFW at 216 East Center Street, Medina, NY 14103 on Saturday, November 4, 2023 from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM. Please join the family in celebrating Dennis' life.
Arrangements were entrusted to the Bogan & Tuttle Funeral Home, 226 Pearl St. Medina, NY 14103. Please light a candle or share a memory of Dennis at www.bogantuttlefunerals.com
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