John Bowen Dennis

John Bowen Dennis
John Bowen Dennis, 90, of Enfield, CT, was called home to Heaven on Friday, January 23, 2026. John was born on August 28, 1935, the son of the late Charles Dennis and Kathleen Shea Dennis, and grew up in Norwich, CT. John attended the Norwich Free Academy before moving to Ontario, Canada, for high school at St. Michaels College School, and then attended the University of Toronto. He enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, where he served in Germany and concluded his service with an honorary discharge with a Good Conduct Medal. He graduated from the University of Hartford with a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering. It was in Hartford that he met the love of his life, Patricia Ann (Mansfield) Dennis. John worked at Pratt & Whitney Aircraft as a mechanical engineer for more than 30 years, where he worked on, among other things, designing thrust reverser bearings for aircraft engines, including the JT8D engine. John and Pat made their home in Enfield, CT, in 1965, where John resided for more than 60 years. They were founding members of Holy Family Parish, where John taught CCD for many years. Later, John enjoyed his retirement years traveling with Pat all over the US, Canada, Europe and the Caribbean. John was always up for a road trip, usually pushing the envelope of the posted speed limit, and loved a great meal, particularly if it was enjoyed with his family. He lived life fully and enthusiastically. John was a man of great faith, and attended daily Mass whenever his health allowed it, and sometimes even when it didn't.
John was predeceased by Pat in 2015, after caring for her lovingly and attentively during her illness. John leaves behind a daughter, Colleen (Dennis) Keating and son-in-law, Thomas A. Keating, of Canton, MA; a son, John Charles (Chuck) Dennis of Manchester, CT; beloved granddaughter, Valerie Lauren Keating of Atlanta, GA; treasured grandson, Tyler Duong Dennis of Ellington, CT; Tyler's mother, Thu Dennis of Ellington, CT. John was the youngest of four, was predeceased by his brother, Michael Dennis of Texas; and his sister, Maryanne (Dennis) Wolfe of Florida. He is survived by his beloved sister, Katherine (Dennis) Landry of South Carolina; and many loved nieces and nephews.
Friends may gather with his family on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, from 4:00 to 7:00 pm at Browne Memorial Chapels, Enfield. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, January 29, with the funeral procession forming at 9:00am from the funeral home to Holy Family Church, 23 Simon Rd., Enfield, for a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 10:00 am. Interment will follow with military honors in St. Patrick's King St. Cemetery, Enfield, where he will be laid to rest next to his beloved wife, Pat.
In lieu of flowers, family has suggested memorial donations be made to Friends of the Enfield Senior Center, 299 Elm Street, Enfield, CT 06082.