Dennis Joseph Kiely

For Dennis, it was always about living the dash—the years between birth and death that mattered most. He wanted to ensure those years were meaningful, both to himself and to his loving family.

Dennis grew up in Philadelphia and attended Catholic grade schools through Cardinal Dougherty High School, which set the foundation for the years that followed. He was an Army veteran, having served in France and Vietnam, a period of his life he spoke of with great pride for his service to his country.

Before his military service, he started at an early age in the food service industry, a career he returned to after his time in the Army, spanning 29 years. As an executive in the industry, he met many people, but everything changed the day he met the love of his life, Jane. They were happily married for 41 years and had one son, Daniel, who predeceased Dennis.

Dennis and Jane made their home in Hilton Head in February 1995. An avid stock trader, he made many smart investments. In 2005, Dennis came out of retirement and purchased The Ice Cream Cone and Coligny Deli & Grill. He quickly became known around town as “The Ice Cream Man.” He loved that business and cherished working alongside his son, as well as the local teenagers and staff. Every day, he worked with his son, building a life he loved. He considered all of the young employees “his kids.” Selling the business in 2013 was a difficult decision, but he needed to focus on his health. Even in retirement, he lived life to the fullest with a structured routine—enjoying daily lunches with his SERG family, evenings with his happy hour friends, dinners with Jane, and of course, Mass every Saturday evening.

Dennis loved to travel to far-off places like Thailand, Vietnam, the islands, and most of Europe revisiting cherished memories. However, his and Jane’s favorite destination was Costa Rica. Every year, for the past 14 Februaries, they traveled south to this special place—even in the years when his beloved Eagles played in the Super Bowl.

A captain of his boat, Instant Cure, Dennis loved the open water, always with Jane as his crew. Those who knew him best knew he was always ready to give advice—whether you wanted it or not. Loyal to those he loved and generous to young, hardworking people, he was well known and well loved.

Dennis lived a full life, making sure his dash mattered—and that he mattered.

Jane and his friends will celebrate his life on Saturday, February 8th from 5-8pm at The Boathouse Pavilion. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Monday, February 10th at 10:00am at St. Francis by the Sea Catholic Church and inurnment with military honors will follow at the church columbarium.

On Sunday, as the Eagles take the field, our thoughts will be with him. We will cheer for them, just as we know he would.

Pura Vida, our friend.

Those wishing to may make donations in Dennis’ honor are encouraged to make them to Volunteers in Medicine, 15 Northridge Drive, Hilton Head Island, SC 29926 or The Deep Well Project, 80 Capital Drive, Hilton Head Island, SC 29926.