Colonel USAF (ret) Dennis R., 79 of South Yarmouth and formerly of North Attleboro passed away peacefully at his home, after a long battle with cancer. He had three loves in his life; his family, his country, and sports officiating.

He was the husband and best friend of Betty J. (Lukow) Redding. They were married for 55 years.

Born in Attleboro, Dennis was a 1958 graduate of North Attleboro High School, where he was class president for four years, and a four-year letterman in football, baseball and basketball. He earned his Masters Degree from Chapman University.

He and Betty shared 27 years of military life. He flew 300 combat missions in Southeast Asia as a Radar Navigator on B-52s. He was awarded two Distinguished Flying Crosses, numerous Air Medals, and two Legions of Merit as commander of multiple overseas and stateside bases. He was honorably discharged as a Colonel in 1989.

Dennis kept busy, in his spare time, officiating sports events. He was a respected high school football, basketball and softball official as well as a college football official, working many tournaments and state championship games. He volunteered as an umpire for the Cape Cod Senior Softball League for many years. His greatest accomplishment was working as a Replay Official for the Atlantic Coast Conference, culminating in his selection to officiate the 2017 Cotton Bowl. Off the field, he mentored numerous officials.

Together, Dennis and Betty raised two cherished children who brought great joy to their life. He is survived by his son, Kevin Redding and his wife, Carrie of Unionville, CT; his daughter, Kathy Meyer and her husband, Chris of Andover, VT; his four amazing granddaughters; Kailey and Erin Redding, and Zoe Ray and Evelyn Meyer. They never failed to bring love to his heart and a twinkle to his eye. He is also survived by his brother, David Redding and his wife Marilyn of North Attleboro; his sister, Vicki Lankarge of Avon, CT, and many nieces and nephews who were all part of the family that he so deeply loved. Dennis was predeceased by a sister, Marie McIssac.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Saturday January 18 in St. Pius X Church, Station Ave., South Yarmouth.

Interment will be private in the Massachusetts National Cemetery, Bourne.

Visiting hours will be held from 3 to 5 p.m. Friday January 17 in the Hallett Funeral Home, 273 Station Ave., South Yarmouth.

As an expression of sympathy, memorial donations may be made to the Visiting Nurse Association of Cape Cod - Hospice, 255 Independence Drive, Hyannis, MA 02601 www.capecodhealthcare.org/give.

I am saddened to learn of the the death of Denny Redding, a friend, confidant, a 1958 Class member, leader and a true gentleman. Denny was engaged in many of the activities with the Class of 1958, especially our reunions. Our intention will be to honor Dennis's memory at our 65th reunion in 2023. We were a tight class in many respects and will miss Denny dearly. Rest In Peace my friend. Dick Linnekin Class of 1958

My sincerest sympathies to the Redding Family. A superb gentleman has passed from us.

Kevin, Carrie and family, We are very sorry to hear the news and want to express our deepest sympathy. If we can help in any way please let us know. Craig, Lisa and Matt

Being a fellow member of the Atlantic Coast Conference football officiating staff provided several opportunities to share assignments with Dennis. His kind words and encouragement during my initial years with the conference will be remembered and passed on to others starting their ACC career. May pleasant memories comfort you as well.

Betty and Family: The world has lost a true American hero and a great human being. I know I will greatly miss Dennis. Rest in Peace my friend, Bob Denise

An Officer and a Gentleman. A final salute to a well played lifetime of service to his family, his community and to our Nation. Rest in Peace, Colonel. David L Clark Falmouth, MA

Dear Betty and Family: I am so saddened to learn of Dennis' passing and I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers. I cherished the 7 years (2006'-13') that I lived on the Cape in Harwich and in traveling to college football meetings and study groups with Dennis during that time period. Dennis was a good friend and an extremely competent and knowledgeable football official and I always respected his advice and counsel. God bless you Betty and your family and may Dennis rest in peace - your friend, Hilton & Rosemary Perez of Carmel, NY.

I worked with Dennis in the Summer of 1962 at American Sisalcraft in Attleboro. He was a fine young man and a hard worker. Thank you for your service. RIP Dennis. Brent Mahar

Dennis was a great guy and a heckuva football official. I was on the Colonial-Ivy-Patriot replay officiating staff with him. I will miss him, and to his family, I'm so sorry for your loss.

Dennis was a great guy and a heckuva football official. I was on the Colonial-Ivy-Patriot replay officiating staff with him. I will miss him, and to his family, I'm so sorry for your loss.

He was such a kind and caring man. We feel very lucky to have known him. He will be missed by so many.

So sorry for your loss but consider ourselves fortunate to have had him as a friend.

Our hearts & prayers go out to you Betty and your family at this heartbreaking time. Dennis was an amazing man who'll be missed by so many. Sadly, Ruthi