Dennis R. DePaul

South Woodstock, VT – Dennis R. DePaul, a cherished neighbor and friend, passed away on Saturday, May 23, 2026, at the age of 76.

Born on May 6, 1950, in Newark, New Jersey, Dennis lived a life defined by independent thought and deep conviction. A private man by nature, he was nonetheless a thoughtful and engaging presence to those who had the privilege of knowing him.

He was a voracious reader with a lifelong passion for learning. He attended West Caldwell High School and later pursued additional studies at Castleton University. He relished long (even heated) conversations over dinner, especially those that explored philosophy and world events. He often quoted Ralph Waldo Emerson: “a foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds,” a line that captured his commitment to researching original sources and to intellectual honesty.

Over the years, Dennis pursued many kinds of work across Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, New Hampshire and Vermont, including carpentry, shipbuilding and teaching, applying both skill and care to everything he did. His proudest role was serving as an EMT at GMHA in South Woodstock, where he offered aid, compassion, and steady reassurance to people in their most vulnerable moments.

Dennis was also a fierce advocate for the environment. He immersed himself in regulation and policy, serving on zoning boards and working diligently to protect natural spaces in Connecticut and Vermont from overdevelopment. His persistence and attention to detail made a lasting impact, even if he preferred to retreat out of the spotlight.

He was predeceased by his father Ralph DePaul, his mother Elizabeth (Collins) Depaul, and brother Vincent DePaul and leaves no surviving relatives. He will be deeply missed by friends, neighbors, and all who valued his insight, integrity, humor and unwavering pursuit of truth.

Arrangements are in the care of Knight Funeral Home, White River Junction, VT. Friends are invited to share memories in an online guestbook at www.knightfuneralhomes.com.