Dennis J. Crofoot, Sr.

Dennis John Crofoot, 76, of Boonville, passed away December 24th, at Wynn hospital, after a long illness, with his Wife and Sons by his side. 

Dennis was born in Boonville, the son of John and Jean Gleasman Crofoot. When he was 6 years old, they moved to the Gleasman Family farm in Highmarket, due to his Mother’s illness. She passed away December 28, 1954.

Dennis attended Constableville School until high school when they merged into South Lewis Central School. He graduated in the class of 1966. He then was briefly employed by Ed Ford farm machinery on West Road until his employment began with Ethan Allen, Inc. in Boonville. He was employed with Ethan Allen until it’s closure in 2004. He served in several positions during his 38-year career from loading boxcars and trucks, Rub room supervisor, Finishing Supervisor to Plant Superintendent. He retired from Collins Aerospace, Rome, NY in 2017.

On June 19, 1971 he married the love of his life, Deborah Thayer. This marriage lasted for over 53 years. In 1973, they moved to the Constableville area and he joined the Constableville Volunteer Fire Co. He greatly enjoyed his time with the company and took several fire training classes before they became mandatory. Wanting to become more involved in the department, he became a certified EMT. He was elected fire chief in 1986 and held that position through 1987. He was highly instrumental in the company’s ability to fulfill the need for a new firehouse and community room.

 Dennis coached the C’ville Little League during the years his three sons played. In 1983, he coached the team to the North Central Little League Championship. In 2013 & 2014, his son Dennis coached his son’s team to the same championship. Then in 2024, Grandson Dan Ernst coached his son’s team to the North Central Championship. Dennis was so proud!

Dennis was an avid bowler both in Constableville and Boonville. He was highly competitive, as anyone who bowled with or against him can attest. He bowled his first 300 game in the 1998-1999 season and again in the 2006-2007 season. In the 1996-1997 season, he was awarded a certificate from the American Bowling Congress for the League High Average of 209. He was a member of the 700 Club and most years carried a 200+ average. He sadly had to give up bowling in 2021, due to open heart surgery.

Dennis loved to hunt and greatly enjoyed going to hunting camp, in Highmarket, with his friends. He loved camping and his favorite place was Cole’s Creek on the St. Lawrence. This past year he and Debbie camped at Cedar Creek Campgrounds. They made new friends and looked forward to next year.

Dennis is survived by his loving wife and caregiver, Debbie and his three sons who he was so, so proud of, David and Shannon (Myers), Dan and Kari (Dellerba) and Dennis and Dawn (Rava). His grandchildren, Katelynne and Jake Crawford, Daniel and Danah Ernst, Shelby and Jake Maxwell, Abbie Crofoot and Justin Zeigler, Drianna Crofoot, Derek and Ciara Crofoot, Drew Crofoot and Liz Western and eight great grandchildren. Siblings, Rosemary (Gerald) Crouse, Nancy Crofoot-Williams, Steve and Andrea Crofoot, Doug and Dawn Crofoot and John Crofoot. He is also survived by many sisters and brothers-in-law, cousins, nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents and great granddaughter, Evana Ruth Ernst.

Dennis was a devout Catholic and communicant of St. Joseph’s church. He was heartbroken when he could no longer physically attend mass. Even at his weakest point, he would try to pray along with whoever was praying beside him.

His Funeral will begin with a prayer on Saturday, January 4, 2025, at 10:00 A.M. at Trainor Funeral Home, Inc. 143 Schuyler St. Boonville, and at 11:00 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church of Christ Our Hope, Charles St., Boonville where Rev. Matthew Rawson, pastor, will celebrate a Mass of Christian Burial. Burial will be in St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Constableville, in the spring. Calling hours will be Friday, January 3, 2025, from 3-7 pm, at Trainor Funeral Home, Inc. 143 Schuyler St. Boonville. 

Memorial contributions can be made to Christ Our Hope, 108 Charles St., Boonville, NY 13309 or to the Boonville Fire Company Ambulance Fund, PO Box 164, Boonville, NY 13309.