Dennis William Hankey

SHEFFIELD — Dennis William Hankey, 70, of Sheffield  passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on the morning of Monday, Dec. 13, 2021.

Dennis was born Sept.13, 1951, to Evelyn Casivant and William Hankey in Great Barrington.

He is survived by his wife, Lyn Hankey, of 13 years. He is survived by his three daughters and their spouses, Kelly and Greg Kilmer, Jo-Anne and Lanny Broderick and Niccole and Bill Ciaccio; his grandchildren, Spencer and Mariah Broderick, and Linus Ciaccio; his brother, Marvin Casivant and wife, Olympia; his sister, Eileen Kellogg; his stepson and his spouse, Toby Zucco and Tasha Duryea; and his stepgranddaughter, Taylor Zucco.  Dennis is also survived by the mother of his children, Sandy Turner.

Dennis was predeceased by his mother, Evelyn Casivant; his father, William Hankey; his stepfather, Marvin Casivant; and his sister, Susan Knuffke.

Dennis graduated from Mount Everett Regional High School in 1969 and went straight to work at Mead Paper in Lee, Mass., the day he turned 18. He started out entry level on the ground floor and worked his way to the top.   When he retired in 2004, he was the manager of the South Lee Mill. During his time at Mead Paper he traveled frequently, making lasting relationships with co-workers in Tokyo, Germany, and especially London, where he spent a year helping another paper mill get running. He was admired and respected by those who worked for him and by those he worked for.

Dennis belonged to Kiwanis of Sheffield and enjoyed his friends there while helping the community.  Many a good nights spent at The Bridge Restaurant.

Dennis was an avid golfer for years, playing rounds at both Egremont and Canaan Country Clubs.  He became quite the gardener after retirement and grew both flowers and vegetables and enjoyed watching his massive magnolia tree out front. He was a talented self-taught woodworker and made many pieces for himself and family. Dennis loved the casinos. Even when sick and needed treatment in Boston, he would make a detour and try his luck. He loved the Dallas Cowboys and the New York Yankees. He enjoyed watching his bird feeder, especially the hummingbirds. He patrolled the menacing wildlife of squirrels, deer, bear, foxes, in his yard and would post his findings but we know he got a kick out of them.

His family would like to give a special thank-you to Mass Eye & Ear in Boston, Hillcrest Campus of Berkshire Medical, HospiceCare in the Berkshires, SVNA Home Assistance, and Southern Berkshire Ambulance Squad.

Per Dennis’s wishes, there will be no services. He always had to get the last word.