Dennis McCann

Dennis R. McCann

Red Hook - Dennis Ronald McCann, 73, of Red Hook, died Sunday.

Born to Thomas McCann and Elizabeth Kelly, of Limavady, Northern Ireland on October 10, 1940 in Glen Cove, NY, Dennis was the youngest of eleven children. Called 'Butch' by his siblings, much of his earlier life was devoted to playing baseball. He graduated from Roslyn High School in 1962.

Drafted into the Army in 1964, he met Gwendolyn while stationed overseas in Germany. They married in 1967. After finishing SUNY New Paltz and Saint Rose, he became a science teacher. He and Gwen were house parents for a group of boys at the Children's Home of Kingston before having six of their own children. They call him "Da". Later he taught at Holy Cross in Rhinecliff and the Red Hook Central Schools. Throughout his life Dennis displayed a keen sense to teach and to help those in need.

Dennis was a teacher by vocation, sophist by avocation, and wrestled with golf. A published author, he found much enjoyment in reading and writing. In addition to the natural sciences, he also taught basketball under the driveway hoop. Often, he argued with The O'Reilly Factor. Despite being his favored team, he resolutely considered the New York Giants to be 'the ongoing fall tragedy'. Although religion, sex, and politics are often frowned upon as topics of social discourse, Dennis often insisted we discuss nothing but. A resounding theme was the libidinous and pugnacious nature of the Celtic spirit and its threat to Western Civilization.

He leaves behind his wife of 46 years, Gwen, and six children: Colin McCann (Sayaka), of Poughkeepsie; Maureen and fiancé Greg Stewart, of Boston; Brendan (Yumi), of Cold Spring; Ryan McCann and partner Audrey, Terence (Amy) and Timothy (Tracy), of Red Hook. He is survived by 6 grandchildren Briana, Owen, Thomas, Nina. Nola and Irene. Also surviving are five siblings; Jack, Margaret, Terence, Derryl, and Laurel. Pre-deceased are Evalyn, Elizabeth, Kathleen, Thomas and Eileen.

Wake will be held at Burnett and White Funeral Home, Red Hook on Wednesday, December 18 from 2-4 and 6-8 pm.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Christopher's Church in Red Hook at 11:00am on Thursday December 19th.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Children's Home of Kingston, NY, 26 Grove Street, Kingston, New York 12401.

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Arrangements are under the direction of Burnett & White Funeral Homes, 7461 S. Broadway, Red Hook, NY 12571

For directions, or to sign the online guestbook, please visit www.Burnett-White.com