Dennis John Paparella

BOZRAH – Dennis John Paparella, passed away unexpectedly at home from natural causes on Tuesday (Aug. 1, 2017) at the age of 51.  Born Dec. 28, 1965 in West Islip, NY, he was the son of the late Pasquale and Lynn (Brennan) Paparella.  Before retiring in 2016 at the rank of Staff Sergeant, Dennis served our country proudly as a dedicated soldier with the U.S. Army during Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom.  He was a true Patriot and his love for his fellow man came only 2nd to his devotion to his family, whom he leaves behind.  Dennis did however have a “girlfriend” on the side… his 2016 Dodge Challenger.  In his passing, he leaves his beloved wife and best friend, Wendy Sue (Gural) Paparella; six children, Branden and Christopher Paparella, both of Groton; Michael Paparella and Jessica Martin of Gales Ferry; Nicholas Aldrich of Mystic; Michael Aldrich of No. Stonington and Rachael Aldrich of Groton; a daughter-in-law, Lexy Monroe of Groton; four grandchildren, Liam, Damien, Rosalee and Elijah; four siblings, Lara Bowmaster (and her husband, Douglas), Veronica Bartoloc (and her husband, Richard), Camille Hamilton and Joseph Kwaak; and numerous extended family members, brothers and sisters in-arms from the Army and a host of friends.  Graveside Services with military honors will be observed 11 AM Monday (Aug. 7th) directly at the State Veterans Cemetery, 319 Bow Lane, Middletown.  There are no calling hours.  The family expressly requests that those who wish to offer an expression of sympathy omit floral tributes and rather consider a donation in his memory to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, KS 66675-8516 (www.woundedwarriorproject.org/donate).