Obituary: Denis J. Herlihy of New City Dies at Age 78

Denis J. Herlihy of New City died on Sunday, April 14, 2013, with family members by his side, at the age of 78 years.

He was born in the Vinegar Hill section of New York City to Margaret (Kenny) and Patrick Herlihy. He played basketball at Iona College, and worked as an accountant for several firms in New York and later in life was a postal carrier in Valley Cottage. 

He is survived by his daughter, Patricia Gutenberger and her husband, Eric, of Stony Point; his son, Denis P Herlihy and his wife, Lauren of Haverstraw, New York; his son, Michael J Herlihy and his wife, Linda, of Midland Park, New Jersey; grandchildren: Chrissy, Karl, Kaitlyn, and Kerri Gutenberger; Denis, Steven, Conner, Riley, Kacey, Kaelin Herlihy; and Elizabeth and Michael Herlihy; his sister, Theresa O'Connell of New City, New York; his nephew, Dr. Dan O'Connell and his wife, Jane, of Cornwall, New York; niece, Terri Dwyer and her husband, Dan, of Skillman, New Jersey. Denis was predeceased by his wife, Ann (Gillen) Herlihy, his sister, Mary (Herlihy) Lovett, and his brother-in-law, Maurice V. O'Connell.

Denis was an avid gardener and landscaper. His green thumb and expertise were sought out by all his family members and neighbors. Denis was a friendly and outgoing person and was known for always lending a hand.

He was an active member of many community-based organizations where he led, coordinated and participated in many social activities and organizations throughout his life, including the CYO basketball program for St. Francis of Assisi in West Nyack. He was a past-president of the Saint Francis Senior Citizen Club 1 of West Nyack, a member of the Saint Anthony's Senior Citizen Club of Nanuet, he was a past-grand Knight and current fourth degree Knight of The John Cardinal Mc Closkey Council # 4565 of the Knights Of Columbus.

He served as the current president of The Rockland Country Triad as well as Rockland County Widow and Widowers groups.

Funeral arrangements are being handled by the Michael J. Higgins Funeral Home of New City. Calling hours are Tuesday, April 16, and Wednesday, April 17, from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at the funeral home. A service is set for Thursday, April 18, at 10 a.m. at Saint Francis Of Assisi in West Nyack.