Denis “Ollie” Dutil, 69, of Bristol, passed away on Tuesday, February 23, 2021, at home surrounded by his family. He was born on May 17, 1951 in St. Johnsbury, VT, son of the late Jules and Elizabeth (Stevens) Dutil. He was the loving husband of the late Tammy (Rediker) Dutil.
The oldest of four children, Denis and his family moved to Bristol when he was a child. He was a member of Bristol Eastern’s Class of 1970 and served in the Connecticut National Guard for 10 years. Employed by Pratt & Whitney for over 35 years, Denis was the most dependable of people and had an unmatched work ethic. You could always count on Denis to help you with a project around your house. He would most likely have a box of donuts in hand when he arrived.
Denis was a loving and devoted father to his children, spending many years as a Boy Scout Leader in Troop 425 here in Bristol, coaching the St. Paul Rifle Team and sitting (sometimes sleeping) through countless dance competitions up and down the East Coast. He was happiest when he was with family and friends. Thursday night dinner with his sisters, Rum and Coke Friday, Saturday morning breakfast or a Sunday adventure. Nothing made Denis happier than when he answered the phone and it was someone asking him if he wanted to take a ride.
Denis is survived by his cherished sisters; Lynda (Ronald) Burns of Bristol and Nicole (Richard) Bugryn of Avon and his friend and brother in law, Hilton Shields of Bristol. He was predeceased by his sister, Paula Shields. Denis also leaves behind many nieces and his feline companions of 20+ years, Fat Cat and Little Kitty.
He will be terribly missed by his children; Alicia (fiancé Brett) Dutil of Bristol and Andrew (Ausra) Dutil of West Palm Beach, Fl. His loss will be most profoundly felt, though, by his beloved granddaughter, Cameron Dutil. His partner in crime since the early days of her life, Grampe was a constant presence. Picking her up from school, Saturday morning trips to Home Depot with a stop at the Whole Donut on the way home, there was always an adventure to be had with the two of them. Without Grampe, Cami may have never learned all the words to “Sharp Dressed Man”, how to use a leaf-blower or to appreciate an old fashioned cruller, the plainest of all donuts.
His family would like to thank the homecare staff of HHC for their love and support, his dedicated caregiver Ewa, and Bob Labriola and Tony Pires for the many years of friendship they shared with Denis. He was blessed to have so many people who cared about him.
Calling hours will be held on Friday, March 19, 2021 at O’Brien Funeral Home from 5PM until 7PM. Burial will be held on Saturday, March 20, 2021 at 11AM directly at St. Joseph Cemetery, Bristol.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Vincent DePaul Mission of Bristol.
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