Arthur N. "Artie" Dennis Jr

Arthur N. "Artie" Dennis, Jr., 54, or Portsmouth, RI, died unexpectedly on Tuesday, July 9, 2013. He was the son of the late Sgt. Arthur N. Dennis, Sr., USA, Ret., and the late Eleanor G. (Winnett) Dennis of Newport, RI.Born in Germany on October 2, 1958, he is survived by three sisters, Sharon L. Reynolds and her husband Joseph, or Portsmouth, RI, Melinda S. Olson and her husband Rick, of Middletown, RI, and Kimberly A. Polley and her husband Mark, of Middletown, RI, and his brother Warren K. Dennis of Fall River, MA. He also leaves 6 nephews and 11 nieces, 3 great nephews and 6 great nieces, his Uncle Jesse Dennis, of Middletown, RI, numerous cousins and many friends. He is also survived by his former wife, Valerie Antel. Artie was also the brother of the late Karen L. (Dennis) Smith.Artie was previously employed by New Visions of Newport County, Waste Management, Inc. and most recently at Rusty's in Middletown.Artie was a talented drummer and musician. He played at various clubs and venues throughout New England including CBGB's in New York City, NY, behind some major acts. Being a drummer for more than 40 years he played in various bands that included, Big World, Press Release, The Hangers, Fine Line, The Menace Band, Bob Lawton's Boots, Scandia, Rockmore and the latest Black Cracker.Artie was a truly unique person with a kind and gentle soul who will be forever loved and missed by all of his family and friends. His dream was to be an accomplished drummer and he fulfilled that dream. Rock on Artie, rock on.In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Heart Association, 1 State Street, Suite 200, Providence, RI 02908, or to the James L. Maher Center, PO Box 4390, Middletown, RI 02842.Calling hours will be held on Monday, July 15, 2013, from 5:00-8:00p.m., in the Memorial Funeral Home, 375 Broadway, Newport, RI.His burial will be private. Visitation JUL 15. 05:00 PM - 08:00 PM Memorial Funeral Home 375 Broadway Newport, RI, US, 02840 info@memorialfuneralhome.com http://www.memorialfuneralhome.com