Mr. Jessie "Roof Doctor" Dennis, Sr.

UTICA – Mr. Jessie “Roof Doctor” Dennis, Sr., age 71, went home to be with the Lord unexpectedly on Tuesday, April 29, 2025 with his loving family by his side. Born in Newark, NJ, on August 7, 1953, Jessie was the son of the late Frankie Mae Davis. He was also blessed to be nurtured and raised by his grandmother, the late Charity B. Dennis. He was raised and educated in Pineview, GA and was a graduate of Excelsior High School in Rochelle, GA/Class of 1972. In 1975 he relocated to the Utica area where he has since resided. On April 8, 1978, Jessie married the former Lueberta Cubbage with whom he shared 47 years in a loving and devoted union. At one time, Jessie held a position with Abelove’s Linen Supply Co. He later ventured into roofing and contracting, working with various local companies, including Greg Young Roofing. He eventually became a member of the Roofers Local #195 and was a member of Pulver Roofing Co., from which he retired. Jessie’s life revolved around his family, who were the center of his world. He took his role as patriarch seriously, considering it his highest responsibility. Big-hearted, with a great sense of humor and a keen judge of character, he did whatever he could to help others. He was always there for you and made you believe anything could be accomplished. An avid outdoorsman, affectionately known as the “Crappie Master,” he loved to hunt and fish and was a proud member of the Cornhill Fish and Game Club. He relished family gatherings and parties and was quite the cook, especially his chitlins and greens, and fried fish, rabbit, and venison. As Jessie would say, “I don’t have a long conversation for you,” he loved his God and would always say, “God has been good to Ol Jessie.” Jessie is survived by his beloved wife, Lueberta; daughters and son-in-law, Cynthia Dennis and Mark who Jessie loved as a son, and Cherishe and Eugene Henderson; son, Jessie Dennis, Jr. and Melanie Bonomo; grandchildren, Eugene, Gi’Zon; Ayiana, Jesse III, Justine, and Phaedra; sisters and brother-in-law, Jowan Dennis, Gloria Jean & W.C. Mitchell, and the late Mary Joyce Dennis; and brothers, Willie George Dennis, Stephen Warren, Jimmy Lee Haynes, the late Vernon Dennis, the late Bobby Dennis, brothers. He also leaves to cherish his memory many nieces and nephews, especially his niece, Nathlyn Smith-Savage, and nephew, Tara K. Dennis; great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins; mother-in-law, Roberta McRae; in-laws, Diane and Raymond Jackson, William Cubbage, Valerie Cubbage, Timothy Cubbage, Laverne and Thomas Hendericks, and Ineka Cubbage; and many friends, including Shawn Haggans, Allan Tarbox, Ron Humphrey, Tom Tarbox, Gwen Walton, Lori Workman, Juanita Hooks, Arthur McAdoo, Leo C. Jackson, Bernice Ross, and Andrew Lee Whipper. Jessie was additionally predeceased by his special niece, Nicole Dennis; and uncle, Nate Smith, with whom he shared a special bond and admiration. Jessie’s family wishes to extend their sincerest gratitude to Dr. Samuel Gooldy for his care and professionalism. Visitation will be held on Saturday, May 10, 2025 from 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. at Peter Spencer UAME Church, 841 Bleecker Street. Jessie's Home Going Service and Celebration of Life will commence at 1:00 p.m. at the church. Those unable to attend may be present virtually at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87612963875. Interment will take place in Forest Hill Cemetery at the convenience of the family. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave.

Mr. Jessie "Roof Doctor" Dennis, Sr.

August 7, 1953 - April 29, 2025