Dennis J. O'Keefe

Dennis J O’Keefe age 76 of Mahwah died after a valiantly fought courageous battle against cancer on August 5, 2023. Born in NYC, Dennis grew up in Waldwick graduating from St.Luke’s High School in 1966 after which he served honorably in the US Army and the Vietnam War.  In 1970 he became a police officer for the Mahwah Police Dept. and served 40 years retiring as a Lieutenant in 2010. He served as the Delegate to local #143 for 11 years, and was the commanding officer with the startup of the Mahwah K9 program and was also the Maintenance Supervisor for the Mahwah police fleet. Dennis was an avid and passionate fisherman who found immense joy and solace by the water, casting lines, and reeling in the days catch. His love for fishing was only matched by his deep and cherished relationships with friends and colleagues. He had a special way of bringing people together through shared experiences, laughter, and camaraderie, making every fishing and work day unforgettable for those lucky enough to be in his company. Dennis will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him, leaving behind a legacy of friendship and the shared love of the great outdoors. Surviving him is his loving wife of 54 years, Christine (Tice), his devoted daughters, Colleen,Shannon and Kerri O’Keefe. Also surviving are Dennis’s five beautiful granddaughters, Ashley, Marissa, Alexis, Kyla and Caity, his brother Kenneth O’Keefe, sisters Patricia O’Keefe, and Christine Potter.  Dennis was also pre-deceased by his parents Kenneth and Dolores O’Keefe, his brother Maurice(Pete), sisters Marie Sharon Broersma and Carol Cali.

Visitation will be held on Friday from 3 - 8 PM at Van Emburgh-Sneider-Pernice Funeral Home, 109 Darlington Ave, Ramsey, NJ 07446.  A funeral service will be held on Friday, August 11, 2023 at 6:00 PM at the funeral home. 

In lieu of flowers, Memorial contributions may be made to Wounded Warriors, Tunnel to Towers or The Gary Sinise Foundation.