Information and photo via Brockett Funeral Home
Avery “Chief Eagle Eye” Dennis Sr., of the Shinnecock Indian Nation in Southampton, died Saturday, Sept. 5, at Stony Brook University Medical Center with his family by his side. It was 86.
Dennis was born on April 4, 1929 to parents William Penn and Pauline Dennis.
He grew up on the Shinnecock Indian Reservation and attended the Shinnecock One Room School House.
Later, while in his 50s, he completed high school, earned his diploma and continued his studies and pursued a career as a Substance Abuse Counselor.
He introduced a sobriety rehabilitation program to the Shinnecock Nation more than 60 years ago that is still thriving today.
Dennis' love of airplanes led him to enlist and honorably serve his country in the United States Air Force during World War II where he earned the rank of Sergeant.
After being honorably discharged, he returned home to the Shinnecock Nation and worked for the US Postal Service for 20 years until his retirement.
In 1949 he married Dorothy Smith and together they had 8 children.
For 19 years, Dennis served as a Shinnecock Tribal Trustee and will be remembered as an outstanding tribal leader.
During his tenure he advocated for land rights, federal recognition and the protection of the Nation's sovereignty.
Dennis was also an Elder of the Shinnecock Presbyterian Church and an active member of the Shinnecock Community.
He enjoyed attending and participating in civic, Native American events and powwows.
He spent his time boating or working on his boat 'Chief Eagle Eye', fishing, swimming and traveling the states with his wife.
To his close friends he was also known as “Hammer!” and could be described as a strict but good-hearted man.
Dennis is predeceased by his parents, sister Yvonne Penn Farmer, daughter Darlene Dennis and twins.
He is survived by his wife, sister-in-law Gloria Smith, daughters Diane Smith and Doreen Dennis-Pepe, sons Avery Dennis Jr., Andre Dennis, Alton Dennis and Danny Collins Sr., daughters-in-law Denise Silva-Dennis and Saundra Dennis, his son Frank Pepe, godson Lyle Smith, 17 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren.
The family received friends Monday afternoon at the Brockett Funeral Home in Southampton.
Viewing continued Tuesday at Shinnecock Presbyterian Church, where the funeral was held, with the Rev. Michael Smith officiating.
Interment with military honors followed at Shinnecock Cemetery.
