Mr. Dennais S. Avila, of Taunton, died Thursday, October 11 at his residence following a lengthy illness. He was the beloved husband of the late Audrey (Powell) Avila. He was born 63 years ago in Taunton, the son of the late Thomas and Victoria (Zylinski) Avila. He was educated in Taunton and received his Associate’s Degree in Fire Science from Massasoit Community College in Brockton. Dennais was a lifelong city resident. Prior to his retirement, he had been employed as a firefighter for the City of Taunton, beginning his career at the Fire Department in 1974. During that time, he worked as a hoseman out of Central Station for a number of years before becoming the Ladder 2 driver, Taunton's 100 foot aerial truck. Ladder 2 was stationed at the Bay Street Station. He finished his career at the SAFE Officer. SAFE is an acronym for Student Awareness of Fire Education. In this position, Dennais taught fire safety to Taunton's school children in grades K through 4. Dennais enjoyed interacting with the children and visiting area schools. He retired from the Fire Department as the SAFE Officer in 2004. He was a U.S. Air Force veteran, serving during the Vietnam Era, and attained the rank of Staff Sergeant. He was a member of the Air Force Club, the Taunton Fish and Game Association, and served on the Board of Directors of Taunton Federal Credit Union. He enjoyed playing golf, participating in numerous golf tournaments representing the Credit Union, camping and hunting.
He leaves: 2 stepsons: Dale Hebert and his wife, Ivette of Taunton, and Glen Hebert of Taunton; 1 stepdaughter: Robbin Leary and her husband, Brian of Sandwich; 2 brothers: Richard Avila and his wife, Janis of Taunton, and Tom Avila and his wife, Jean of Onset; 2 sisters: Diane McGrath and her late husband, Neil McGrath of Taunton, and Connie Pistolese of Taunton, and several nieces and nephews.
A Visitation will be held at The Riendeau-Mulvey Funeral Home, 467 Bay Street, on Monday, October 29 from 4:00 to 8:00 P.M. Relatives and friends are invited to attend. Interment will be private.