The local community is celebrating the life and legacy of Dennis Willmott, who passed away on June 14, 2026, at age 80, in his home, surrounded by loved ones. He was born in Woodstock, N.Y., to artistic parents Cyril and Mary Garrity Willmott and grew up in Cambridge, Mass. He was deeply inspired by flamenco and blues music and got to frequent and play in the local music venues around Cambridge with his close friend Shantu and younger brother, Robbie.
In 1968 he married Marian Howard and settled down in Vermont. He worked as a builder and then started a design/build company with Michael Abate. He left the business to work as a designer for the architect Turner Brooks and later with the architectural firm TruexCullins. He has tremendous gratitude for this opportunity and experience.
His life was enriched by his 58-year marriage to Marian and three amazing children, Milo, Leala and Brady; their spouses, Tyler Enfield, Kelly Willmott and Jada Barton; and three grandchildren, Lucas, Anika and Indigo. He was fortunate to find land in Hinesburg with spectacular views in 1973, where he built a house and spent the rest of his years. Skiing (a special thank-you to Cochran’s racing program), windsurfing and walking in the woods, along with a number of cats, dogs and horses throughout the years, added to the riches. He lived a life fueled by passion and humor.
Music was his love from the time he was young. In 1997 he established the blues band Left Eye Jump with his close friend Dan Whalen. The band played in venues throughout the state and for many years played every Saturday afternoon at Red Square in Burlington. He felt tremendous gratitude for the fantastic musicians he got to play with — particularly his bandmates Jeff Salisbury, Kenny Bleckly, Tom Buckley, Bill Darrow, Joe Moore, Bill Mullins, Dwight Ritcher and Greg Izor, along with many others, too numerous to name here. He also had the honor of playing with Big Joe Burrell.
He was passionate about keeping traditional blues alive and was active in the blues community, helping to revive the Vermont Blues Society and hosting many blues jams with his band, encouraging both seasoned and young players to perform. As one musician put it, “He lifts everyone up.”
Perhaps his biggest legacy is his natural love and connection to the people he interacts with, whether a waitress, a coworker, a fan or a chance encounter. Nathaniel, who managed the sound at Red Square for the band, expressed it well: “You’ve always exuded kindness and radiated positivity; you bring out the best qualities in people and give them the confidence to be the best versions of themselves. I think that’s a big part of what made Saturdays so special for all these years. We all got to share your light.”
There will be a celebration of life later in the summer.
This article appears in June 24 • 2026.
What a remarkable heart and talent! Holding you all in love!
Dennis – always kind, considerate, energetic. Never a cutting word. Enriched my life with hundreds of gigs. His shows were like parties – audiences quickly sensed his open heart, his boyish vitality, his love of the music, and returned it to him. Nights at the Starry Night Cafe – the whole crowd on their feet. And his musical home for 30 years — Red Square. You are much missed Brother. I always thought there’d be another gig. But you lived a full, robust life of family (whom he adored and spoke of often), friendship, work and music.
I learned of this last night.it hits the heart heavy ty for all the blues experiences and the shows and taking the time to teach you will be missed.rest in peace friend.