Vincent T. “Billy” Dennis, 84, Mayor of Swoyersville, entered into eternal life, surrounded by his loving family, on Thursday evening, April 23, 2015, at the Wilkes-Barre General Hospital, following a brief illness.His beloved wife was the late Helen T. (Hudanick) Dennis, who passed away on November 07, 2001. Together, Vince and Helen shared 49 wonderful years of marriage. Surely Helen was there to greet Vince in heaven, and she danced him through the pearly gates to a Polka.Born on February 03, 1931, in Swoyersville, Vincent was the son of the late Theodore and Helen P. (Wyckoskas) Dennis.Vincent honorably served his country as a Corporal in the U.S. Army National Guard, and was assigned to Battery A, 1st Battalion, of the 109th Field Artillery. He was involved in the horrific train accident of 1950 that claimed the lives of many of his fellow comrades from the 109th Field Artillery.In 1950, Vincent was called to active duty with the United States Army during the Korean War, serving for nearly two years as a paratrooper in Germany. Upon his honorable discharge on July 16, 1952, Vincent had attained the rank of Private 1st Class.Prior to his retirement, Vincent was employed for 35 years as a lineman for Sordoni Construction, and later for Asplundh. In his earlier years, he was employed by the former Leonard’s Dairy, Swoyersville.In 1986, Vincent was elected to serve as the Mayor of the Borough of Swoyersville, loyally serving consecutive terms for the past 29 years.Vince was a faithful Catholic and longtime member of the former Holy Trinity Roman Catholic Church, Swoyersville. Following the consolidation of his church, he became a member of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, Swoyersville. Vince always looked forward to his parish’s annual bazaar, where he would volunteer his time helping set up the lighting, making pirohy, and working the potato pancake stand, where he was a staple every year.A proud veteran, Vince was a life member of the American Legion, Andrew Lawrence, Post 644, Swoyersville, where he served as Past Commander. Besides serving as its Past Commander, Vince was best known for assisting with cooking meals for various functions at the Legion over the years.Vince was also a life member of the Catholic War Veterans, Memorial Post 1601, Swoyersville, where he served as Past Commander. Additionally, he was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post 283, Kingston.Vince was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Assumpta Council 3987, Luzerne, and was a 4th Degree Member of the Our Lady of Czestochowa, Assembly 1928, Luzerne. He also held membership with the Swoyersville Kiwanis Club, and the Paradise Social Club, Swoyersville.Always mindful of his community, Vince was actively involved with the Swoyersville Little League for many years, and served for some time as a both a coach and manager. During his years as Mayor, he always looked forward to throwing the opening day pitch.A talented handyman, Vince worked part-time with many contractors over the years. He was able to build or fix just about anything, and would never hesitate to lend a helping hand to anyone in need.Vince was an avid fisherman and hunter, and he enjoyed going with his friends on their annual fishing trip to Black Lake, New York. He also enjoyed golf outings with his friends from the Swoyersville American Legion.An avid sports fan, Vince’s favorite teams were the Atlanta Braves, the Baltimore Orioles, and the Philadelphia Eagles. In his earlier years, he was active member of the former Coral Lounge, Swoyersville, where he was a member of its dart league, bowling league, and pitch league.Vince was a kind, gentle man who had a heart of gold. The love he had for his family was unconditional, and he made the most of every moment he had with his loved ones. Although his presence will be deeply missed, he leaves behind a legacy that will live on in the hearts of many for generations to come.In addition to his parents, Theodore and Helen Dennis; and his wife, Helen, Vincent was preceded in death by his step-brother, Leonard Dennis.Vincent is survived by his loving children, Donna Dennis Rigle, West Pittston; Vincent T. Dennis Jr. and his wife, Marion, Swoyersville; Lisa Dennis Lylo, Pittston; and Cynthia Dennis Pugh, Forty Fort; his eight grandchildren, Vincent, Daniel, Mark, Ryan, Rebecca, Kelsey, Courtney, and Alexis; his sisters, Eleanor Cheskiewicz, Swoyersville; and Dolores Fetchko, Ashley; his brother-in-law, Bernard Hudanick, Swoyersville; his sisters-in-law, Marion Savakinas, Luzerne; Dolores Bubblo, West Wyoming; and Barbara Drobnicki, Warrington; his many cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.Relatives and Friends are respectfully invited to attend the funeral which will be conducted on Tuesday, April 28, 2015, at 9:15 AM from the Wroblewski Funeral Home, Inc., 1442 Wyoming Avenue, Forty Fort, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 10:00 AM in Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, 116 Hughes Street, Swoyersville, with the Reverend Joseph J. Pisaneschi, his Pastor, officiating.Interment with the Rite of Committal will follow in Holy Trinity Roman Catholic Cemetery, Swoyersville, where Military Honors will be accorded by the United States Army.Family and Friends are invited to call on Monday, April 27, 2015, from 4:00 to 8:00 PM, at the funeral home. The Knights of Columbus, Assumpta Council 3987, will recite the Rosary on Monday evening at 7:30 PM.For additional information or to send the Dennis Family an online message of condolence, you may visit the funeral home web-site www.wroblewskifuneralhome.com.In Lieu of Flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Vincent’s memory to the Swoyersville American Legion, Andrew Lawrence Post 644, 259 Shoemaker Street, Swoyersville, Pennsylvania 18704.