All of us are gifted by God also.  Because God allowed our paths to cross with Fr. Dennis, He enriched our lives in the Holy Spirit and brought us closer to Him.

I would like to share a personal moment I had with Fr. Dennis at St. Theresa’s Parish in Blackstone, Ma.  “I went to see Father Dennis at the rectory one day to discuss a church matter with him.  It was a warm summer day and he noticed a tattoo I have on my right forearm in memory of the fallen firefighters of 9/11. (I am a retired career fire fighter/EMT).  He so gently grabbed my right arm with his left hand and made the sign of the cross in blessing and immediately his eyes filled up with tears and he was almost unable to speak.  He was so emotionally touched by the picture. “(I have attached a picture of the tattoo.)

I love what you are doing for Fr. Dennis and other servicemen who are suffering.  I can fully understand. My dad was a WWII POW captured in the Battle of the Bulge.  He was mistreated and transferred to six different German work camps before he escaped. He had lost a tremendous amount of weight and was weak.  It took him 50 years before he would talk about it to anyone. The scars and pain he keeps in to this day can’t be imagined.

Thank You,

Richard D. Marcoux

Bellingham, Ma.  

I was lucky to have Fr.Dennis as my priest at St.Theresa’s church for 6 short years. If it would be proper to say we all adored him, I would. Although I know we can only adore GOD. We treasured our beautiful priest. He would make us laugh and cry. We were all family with him. He had the best homilies. He would talk about his family , Marines and all he was in contact with. He was soooo interesting, we could listen to him all day. My husband, Bob, was five months younger to the date of Father Dennis’s birthday. Both served in Vietnam. When my husband died of agent orange from serving in Vietnam, Fr Dennis gave him the most beautiful funeral of all. He sang at the foot of Bob’s coffin. His voice was like the voice of an angel. When Father Dennis left for Iraq, about six weeks later, my brother died. Upon receiving the news, he and the Marines said a Mass for my brother Ed. Father loved pizza, eating out with all his parishioners. He would say he wanted everyone present and if you can’t afford the cost – come see me privately and I’ll pay for it. He was a GREAT priest, person and friend. I wish that a movie would be made about him. He brought sooo many people to God. We will never find another priest like him. Fr. Dennis – I love you and miss you a lot. I’ll see you in heaven. R.I.P. my friend. 

Jeannine Chevrette

Woonsocket, RI

Father Dennis baptized our Godson at Saint Theresa's Church. My husband and I were not parishioners so the experience was a new one for us. It is a rare occasion to connect with a priest and feel his concern. It has happened three times in my lifetime, Father Dennis being the third. I think of Father Dennis often, more now because I regret not spending more time with him. As I grow I want to be more like him, I miss him deeply and I will love him always.

Margaret Calouro

Harrisville, RI

We knew Father Dennis from Saint Theresa's.  He meant everything to us and the whole parish.  When ever you needed him he was there. The last three years of my father’s life, he was not able to go to church.  Father Dennis would go to see him once a week and spend one hour talking with him. When he was called back to active duty the last time, my dad told him that he would wait for him to come back. Within eight weeks of his return, my father passed away.  The last week he was at the hospital every day and had us call him at night. His funeral was beautiful, with honors. My father was a World War II vet. Father Dennis and my dad were very close.   

Two weeks after he was on medical leave.  We kept in touch the last year and half.  We would see him when we were able.  Father had a big heart. If you were in pain you could see he was in pain also.  You could see the love of Christ in his eyes.  

Before mass every week he would come out and talk to every one by name. The children would run to him, calling Father Dennis and hug him. I'm sixty one years old and never saw this happen. Every one loved him.  And he did in return. The church and this country lost a great person. There will never be anyone like him. Rest in peace, Father Dennis. You have no more pain.  We will always love you and pray for you. We will take care of each other for you.                   

Linda and Bob Whitley

Father Dennis inspired many lives at St. Theresa's Parish in Blackstone, MA. For me personally, he was a hero. His sermons were unbelievable and really made me think about life and what it has to offer. We all loved him dearly. I was one of the few lucky confirmation candidates that was graced with his presence as a priest during that time. I don't think anyone can forget his Christmas sermon about how certain gifts are related to life. Our parish and my life have been better because Father Dennis J. Rocheford was in it. I looked forward to church every Sunday when he was there. He was such a gentle, compassionate, and of course, good looking man that will never be forgotten.