Dennis J. Tourville, 66, of Buffalo passed away on January 25, 2025 at ECMC. He was born on August 14, 1958 to the late Lester and Mildred Tourville.
Besides his parents, he was predeceased in death by his brother Daniel Tourville. Dennis had a love and passion for animals, especially for horses. This passion for horses led him to work many years as a groom, trainer and driver at Batavia Downs and Buffalo Raceway. He achieved his harness driving license in 1981, driving horses that his father, Lester trained.
Some of his favorite horses over the years include, Mar Con Don, Mr. Straw and Devils Cheer. His all-time favorite was Money who he shared pop tarts and peanut butter crackers with. Dennis was a huge Buffalo Bills fan. Most of the time you would see him sporting a Bills sweatshirt.
He is survived by his siblings, Rev. David Tourville, Deborah Tourville, Diane Tourville, Donna (Fred) Kabel, Darlene (Dan) Bailey, Jeremey (Kc) Tourville and Sarah Tourville. Several nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews. His friends whom he thought of as family and who took care of him during his illness, Tammy, Todd, Kyle and Alyssa Cummings. Also, his close friend Donna Kerr.
Services: Family and Friends are invited to attend either service. Sunday, February 9 at C. Mertz and Son Funeral Home, Inc., 911 Englewood Ave, Buffalo NY 14223. Calling hours will be at 3 p.m. followed by a service at 4 p.m.
Saturday, April 26, there will be a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Dominics Parish, 15 Union St Westfield, NY 14787 at 10 a.m. In lieu of flowers memorials can be made to New Vocation Racehorse adoption on their website:newvocations.org or to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital at stjude.org. Your memories and condolences may be shared with the family at mertzfh.com.
