Dennis Gildea

Dennis Anthony Gildea (October 9, 1898 – February 22, 1976) was an American football player and coach.

Early life and military service Gildea was born on October 9, 1898, in the Roxbury neighborhood of Boston, Massachusetts. He attended Boston College High School.

College football Gildea played Center for the Holy Cross Crusaders from 1920 to 1922. The Crusaders went 17–9 during Gildea's three years on the team. “The Iron Major” Frank Cavanaugh rated him as one of the best blockers he ever saw.

Early coaching career In 1922 and 1923, Gildea served as assistant coach at Fitchburg High School. He then served as head coach at Leominster High School in 1924 and 1925.

NFL In 1926, played seven games for the Hartford Blues of the National Football League.

Everett High School From 1926 to 1954, Gildea was head football coach at Everett High School. He compiled an overall record of 163–72–29. They had two children, Barry and Dennis Jr. Dennis Jr. worked as a night manager at a Roy Rogers outside of Alexandria, Virginia. He was one of four men killed in a high-profile robbery there on March 6, 1976.

In 1935, Gildea graduated from Boston College Law School.

Gildea died of a stroke on February 22, 1976, in Peabody, Massachusetts.