ENFIELD – Dennis J. Thresher, Sr., 90, entered into eternal rest on Saturday, January 9, 2021 in Holyoke Medical Center after a courageous battle since the tragedy at the Holyoke Soldiers Home. Born in Suffield, son of the late Clifton and Anna (Kraiza) Thresher, he was a 1948 graduate of Suffield High School and moved to Enfield in 1952. He joined the Air Force in 1947 and went overseas in 1951 and served as Communications Director in Japan and Korea during the Korean War. He was aboard the B24 and B26 Bombers, braved enemy combat fire, dropping supplies to the troops earning him a peace medal. Later a graduate of the University of Hartford, Dennis worked as an engineer for thirty-five years for United Technology and was also was the owner of the Dairy Queen in Enfield. He taught carpentry in the 1960’s at the Thompsonville and Hazardville Youth Centers, was the former manager of the Little League, a member of the Kawanas, the National Rifle Association, American Association of Retired Persons, and Century Fitness in East Longmeadow, MA. He was a hearing impaired disabled Air Force veteran of the Korean Conflict, a member of the AmVets in Washington, DC, and the American Legion Post 80 and a communicant of St. Adalbert Church. Upon retirement, Dennis enjoyed his winters in Florida and summers with his daughter in Narragansett, Rhode Island. Dennis was a strong, yet gentle presence at the Holyoke Soldiers Home for four years. His charismatic nature and quick, sharp wit were unmatched by most and appreciated by all. Prepandemic, he enjoyed his time socializing in the canteen and playing BINGO and cards with his comrades, many of whom perished in the Covid pandemic at the Home. He also enjoyed recreational spaghetti suppers, VFW pavilion picnics and a good piece of chocolate. He loved reading the morning newspaper at the nurse’s station with his favorite nurses, Kim, Cheryl, Amanda and Sam. He faithfully followed the UCONN Women’s basketball team and the Red Sox. He was predeceased by his loving wife of forty-five years, Jean (Fields) Thresher in 1997, a sister, Judith Ann Thresher and a brother Kyle Thresher. He leaves two sons, Dennis J. Thresher, Jr. of Pompano Beach, FL, Gary R. Thresher and his companion, Tracy Garrity of Enfield, a daughter, Cheryl T. Turgeon of East Longmeadow, four grandchildren, Kaylene and Karly Turgeon, Ashley McCormick, Katherine Orefice, two great-greatgrandchildren, Roman Schizzle, Liam Cannon, a brother, Marvin Thresher and many nieces and nephews. The family wishes to thank all those who attended the military honor service at the Holyoke Soldiers Home, including the dedicated HSH staff, family friends, members of HolyokeSoldiersHomeCoaliation.Org, Steven Ferrari (TAPS), colleagues of Asnuntuck Community College, Hampden County Sheriff’s Department, VFW of Ludlow, and the Patriot Riders of Massachusetts. Relatives and friends are invited to a Funeral Mass on Wednesday, January 13, 2021 at 10am at St. Adalbert’s Church, 90 Alden Avenue followed by burial with full military honors in St. Adalbert Cemetery. The advocacy for veterans will live on through Dennis’ spirit, grit and fortitude. Memorial contributions may be made in support of the Holyoke Soldiers’ Home Coalition, in memory of Dennis Thresher. Checks may be made out to Ludlow VFW Post 3236, 488 Chaplin Street, Ludlow, MA 01056. Please make a notation on the memo line of Holyoke Soldiers Home Coalition, or to the Veterans Dragon Boat USA, c/o Holyoke Rows, 25 Jones Ferry Road, Holyoke MA 01040. For online condolences, please visit www.brownefuneralchapel.com