Denis Troy, a towering presence in Orangetown, NY civic life for more than three decades and a defining figure in Rockland County’s Irish-American community, died peacefully on Feb. 6, 2026. He was 78.
He died surrounded by his family, holding the hand of his "dance partner" of 54 years, Beatrice Rogers Troy.
For many in Orangetown and beyond, Denis Troy was less a public official than an institution. He was a man who seemed to know everyone, remember everything and show up unfailingly when it mattered. Over a career that spanned more than 30 years, he served as a Rockland County legislator, Orangetown councilman and deputy town supervisor, roles through which he sought, as he often put it, to preserve his “little oasis” for generations to come.
Born on May 31, 1947, in the Fordham section of the Bronx to Catherine and Peter Troy, Denis Michael Troy was the eldest of three boys. He attended St. Nicholas of Tolentine High School and went on to Manhattan College, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in mathematics and became a proud Jasper.
He began his professional life teaching math and driver education at St. Raymond High School in the Bronx before transitioning into the field of information technology, working for AT&T/Lucent, IBM and Rockland County government. Yet friends and colleagues say public service was always his true vocation.
“I’m heartbroken by the passing of Denis Troy, a dedicated public servant who cared deeply about the Town of Orangetown and the Pearl River community,” said Congressman Mike Lawler. “He was larger than life, always supportive and encouraging, and a true friend. I will miss him greatly.” ON THE MARCH: Congressman Mike Lawler with Denis Troy
Within the Irish-American civic world of Rockland County, Mr. Troy’s influence was especially profound. A proud member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, Division 3 in Pearl River, he helped shape what the division would become. As treasurer, vice president and long-time president of the Pearl River AOH, he led fundraising efforts to build and expand the Hibernian House and dramatically increased membership.
For those efforts he was named Hibernian of the Year and later served as Grand Marshal of the Rockland County St. Patrick’s Day Parade.
He marched proudly in the New York City and Pearl River St. Patrick’s Day parades, loved Irish history and music and traveled often to Ireland with family and friends.
John McGowan, president of the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick in Rockland County and a former member of the New York State Assembly, described Mr. Troy as a formative presence in his own life.
“Denis Troy was more than a respected leader; he was a constant presence in our community and in my own life. With Denis’s recommendation, I was hired as an Assistant District Attorney, and with his support, I later entered elected office, where he stood by me every step of the way,” he said. "DEDICATED": Denis Troy, centre, with friends Brian Pearson and Pat Moroney
This past December, the Town Board in Orangetown gathered to dedicate and rename the recreational facility on Orangeburg Road as the “Denis Troy Athletic Complex.” Town of Orangetown Supervisor Teresa Kenny called it “a testament to his unwavering belief in the benefits of youth sports and creating spaces where children and families can come together.”
Denis met the love of his life Beatrice Rogers at a Bronx school dance, where, captivated by her bright blue eyes and black hair, he asked her to dance. They were married on April 3, 1971, at St. Nicholas of Tolentine Church and remained devoted partners for more than five decades.
After beginning their family life in Wingdale, N.Y., they moved to Pearl River in 1980, a decision Mr. Troy would later call “the best of their lives.” There they raised four children and built what he described as “a wonderful life.”
Visitation will take place at St. Aedan's Church, Pearl River today (Thursday 12 February) from 3-7pm,with burial tomorrow after 10am requiem mass. Full details online.
In addition to his wife, Beatrice, Denis is survived by his brothers, Peter (Diane) and Richard; his brother-in-law, Mike Rogers; his children, Kathleen (Glenn) of Nyack, Michael (Jennifer) of Pearl River, Daniel (Kristen) of Tappan and Patrick (Valerie) of Hoboken; and nine grandchildren: Serafin, Kaitlyn, Reilly, Madelyn, Julia, Brendan, Kieran, Denis and Colin.
