Dennis George Kiley

98 years old, passed away peacefully in the care of Henry Ford Allegiance Hospice Home in Jackson on March 29, 2023. He was born to Emmett and Anna (Stang) Kiley on September 10, 1924 in Bay City, MI.

Dennis was preceded in death by his wife Mabel (Hayworth) and his daughter and son-in-law Sharon and Dave Gauntlett. He was also preceded by his four younger siblings, sisters Mary Ellen Gregory (Harold) and Anne Cahill (Bill), and brothers Frank (Rosella) and Mike (Phyllis) Kiley.

Dennis is survived by his daughter Denise (Robert) Sprague of Ypsilanti, son Dennis J. Kiley of Jackson, and grandchildren Amy Sprague of Ypsilanti, James Gauntlett (Jennifer) of Pinckney, and Andrea Sprague of Ypsilanti, and great-granddaughter Briar Gauntlett.

Dennis grew up in Standish, Michigan where he played basketball, football, baseball, and tennis. Dennis got his Bachelor's Degree from Michigan State Normal College, now Eastern Michigan University, and received his Masters Degree from the University of Michigan.

Dennis was a Staff Sergeant in the United States Army during WWII and was stationed in the Philippines.

Dennis was a strong advocate of the Jackson Public School System, working for 37 years teaching American government and coaching tennis, basketball, and football, as well as serving as an Athletic Director at both Jackson and Parkside High Schools. He was very active in the Michigan Interscholastic Athletic Administration Association (MIAAA), holding many positions and awards throughout his career.

Dennis also served as a color commentator for Michigan State Football in the 1960's on Jackson Radio WIBM, was a member of the Michigan Sport Sages, and was a member of St. Mary's Star of the Sea Catholic Church for 72 years where he was also an usher.

Dennis retired in 1987 and continued to stay active in the MIAAA, did guardianship reviews for the court, delivered Meals On Wheels, walked daily, and played tennis and golf. He and his wife Mabel also enjoyed spending their winters on Fort Myers Beach, Florida.

According to his wishes, cremation has taken place. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, April 11, 2023 at 10:00 AM at St. Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Church with Father Timothy MacDonald officiating. A private inurnment will be held at St. John Catholic Cemetery.

The family will receive friends at the Desnoyer Funeral Home on Monday, April 10, from 2:00 to 8:00 PM with a Rosary Service at 7:30 PM.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Dennis's memory may be made to Henry Ford Allegiance Hospice Home, 2150 Kingsbrooke Drive, Jackson, MI 49202.