Obituary: Dennis James Duvall, 40, of Groton

Information via Thomas L. Neilan & Sons Funeral Homes

Dennis James Duvall, 40, of Groton passed away suddenly on Friday, March 17, 2017 at the Lawrence and Memorial Hospital in New London after being stricken ill at home.

Born on May 22, 1976 in Cape May, New Jersey, Dennis was the youngest child of James Francis Duvall and Dianne Jean (Adams) Duvall, both of whom have preceded him in death. While a student at Grasso Technical High School in Groton, Connecticut, Dennis developed a passion for working with his hands, mechanics, and engineering in their Manufacturing program.

Following his graduation in 1995, Dennis enlisted in the United States Army where he met his future wife, Marici Dennis, and continued to cultivate his technical skills by working on Blackhawk helicopters and other military vehicles. Following an honorable discharge from the military, Dennis worked for Dyn Corps as a UH60 Blackhawk Machinist was deployed to Kosovo, Romania, Afghanistan and Iraq in support of the Army in Europe Aviation mission.

Dennis and Marici were united in marriage on April 12, 2001 in Heidelberg, Germany. Their family was blessed with three children Victoria Mone Dennis, James Michael Duvall and Jasmine Alexus Duvall.

Dennis was also an avid outdoorsman and marksman who enjoyed exploring rugged terrain on foot or on his motorcycle, eating pizza, watching movies, playing video games with his children and following UCONN basketball. Dennis was a loving and dedicated husband, father, brother and uncle whose kindness, smiles, and laughter will be sorely missed.

Left to mourn his loss, celebrate his life and carry on his legacy are his wife, Marici (Dennis) Duvall, of Groton, CT; three children, Victoria, James, and Jasmine; a brother, Shawn (Bridgette) of Lisbon, CT; one grandmother, Virginia (Oviatt) Duvall of Groton, CT; father-in-law Michael (Laverne) Dennis of Brooklyn, NY; mother-in-law, Natalie Dennis, of Owings Mills, MD; brother-in-law, Michael (T'lia) Dennis, of Owings Mills, MD; one niece, Deja Dennis; three nephews, Joshua and Dillon Dennis, Christopher Duvall; dog, Buddy; and a host of uncles, aunts, cousins, and friends.

The funeral service will be held Saturday from 1-3pm at Thomas L. Neilan & Sons Funeral Home located at 12 Ocean Ave. New London, CT 06320.

Condolences may be left on his memorial page at www.neilanfuneralhome.com.