Dennis "DJ" Hart, 74 of Millbrook, passed away on July 11, 2021 at Vassar Brothers Medical Center. Born in Poughkeepsie, NY on November 4, 1946, he was the son of the late James and Mary Vitek Hart.
Dennis was a Deputy Sheriff with the Dutchess County Sheriff's Department for 33 years and was known for being a tough cop but fair and compassionate. Dennis has been a fixture in the Millbrook Community for his entire life and was a true local. He grew up in Millbrook and was an avid hunter and trap shooter. These all enlarged and enriched his network of friends. The out- pouring upon the news of his passing came from a multitude of communities and friends all siloed in the groups forementioned.

Dennis was first and foremost a dog lover. His living labs Muggs II, and Goose hunted all fall and winter with him retrieving ducks on the pond and geese or crow in the fields, and they will continue to hunt with their new owners that are most definitely "Dennis approved".  His past pups who he joined in heaven include, Muggs the first, Churchill, and Poacher.

He loved Trap shooting, and his spring and summer schedule was always full of competition dates. He was the VP of the NYSATA Eastern Zone and his latest milestone of breaking 500,000 registered targets was something he was so proud of.  Near and dear to his heart was the fund-raising shoot he sponsored for the Ronald McDonald House. He worked tirelessly on raising funds and donations for this cause.  He would be so very happy to know that they have now named the shoot in his honor: the Ronald McDonald, Dennis J Hart Memorial Shoot. Finally, he will be most fondly remembered as the always present fixture as a dog handler at all of the Orvis Sandanona Duck and Pheasant shoots. "Commander Gander", his hunting truck & wagon, and his labs will forever be woven into the fabric of Orvis Sandanona.
Dennis will be missed by so many.
He is survived by his niece Kelly Jensen and grandniece Sheri Moran. He was predeceased by his brother James Hart III.
Memorial donations may be made to Syracuse NY Ronald McDonald House or NYS Amateur Trapshooting Association (ATA). A memorial service will be held on October 2 from 5-7 pm at Orvis Sandanona, 3047 Sharon Tpke., Millbrook. Interment will be at the convenience of the family in St. Joseph's Cemetery, Millbrook.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Allen Funeral Home, Millbrook.