Patrick B. "Pat" Dennehy, age 86, of Tewksbury, passed away peacefully at home with his family on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, after a long battle with Parkinson's disease.
Born in Malden on March 18, 1940, he was the beloved son of the late John Dennehy and the late Johanna (Creedon) Dennehy, both natives of Ireland. Pat was raised and educated in Medford and was a proud graduate of Malden Catholic High School, Class of 1957.
Following high school, Pat honorably served his country in the United States Navy from 1960 to 1962. After completing his military service, he began what would become a distinguished career in law enforcement. In 1963, he joined the Metropolitan Police Department in Washington, D.C., later serving with the Montgomery County Police Department in Silver Spring, Maryland. Returning home to Massachusetts, Pat joined the Boston Police Department in 1970. During his remarkable 35-year career, he faithfully served the City of Boston until his retirement in 2005. The final decade of his career was spent with the Boston Police Relief Association, where he compassionately assisted sick, injured, and retired officers and their families, a role that reflected his caring and selfless nature.
Pat shared 60 wonderful years of marriage with his beloved wife, Elizabeth (McGrath) Dennehy. Together they built a loving family that remained the center of his life.
Pat loved sports of every kind and was a devoted fan of all the hometown teams—the Boston Bruins, Boston Celtics, Boston Red Sox, and New England Patriots. He especially enjoyed skiing throughout his life and could often be found happily puttering in his garage and workshop. Pat had an infectious smile, an easygoing personality, and a genuine kindness that drew people to him. He never met anyone he disliked, and the feeling was mutual. His warmth, generosity, and sense of humor left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know him.
He is survived by his devoted wife, Elizabeth; his loving children, Erin Dennehy of Tewksbury and Sean P. Dennehy, a retired Massachusetts State Police Trooper, of West Springfield; and his cherished grandchildren, John Sullivan of Tewksbury, Mikaela Dennehy of West Yarmouth, Connor Dennehy of South Hadley, and Juliana Dennehy and Shannon Dennehy, both of West Yarmouth. He is also survived by his brother, John Dennehy of Plymouth, MA.
Pat also leaves his extended McGrath family, including his brothers-in-law, Christopher McGrath, Michael McGrath, Daniel McGrath, Peter McGrath, Gerard McGrath, and Thomas McGrath, as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.
He was predeceased by his brother the late Neil Dennehy; and his brothers-in-law, John McGrath, and his sister-in-law, Mary (McGrath) DiLorenzo.
The family would like to thank Abling Healthcare for the love and care given to Pat.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Pat's name may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project at: https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org/donate or to: Shriners Hospitals for Children, at: https://donate.shrinerschildrens.org/donate
On Friday, July 24, 2026, family and friends are invited to attend his visitation from 10 until 11 a.m. at the Tewksbury Funeral Home, 1 Dewey Street, Tewksbury, followed by his Funeral Mass at 11:30 a.m. at St. William's Church, Tewksbury. Interment with military honors will follow at St. Mary Cemetery, Tewksbury.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of Tewksbury Funeral Home.