Daniel J McKenna

Daniel J. McKenna, 83, a long-time resident of Rockland County, most recently of Estero, FL, went home to his Holy Father and to be reunited with his beloved wife “Cookie” and his son Danny. With his loving family by his side, Daniel peacefully passed on the morning of August 23, 2025.

Daniel "Dan/ Danny" was born on November 2, 1941, to Patrick and Agnes (McElroy) McKenna.   He was raised in the Bronx with his 8 siblings and his dearest extended family members from Ireland.  

From 1961-1963, Dan served in the United States Army as a Cryptographer. In 1965, Dan became a member of the New York Police Department, where he enjoyed a 30- year career, retiring as a Captain.

The first of many highlights in Dan’s distinguished NYPD career was achieving the highest score on the NYPD Sergeant’s Exam.  Over the years, he worked in and commanded several different divisions including TPF; the Detectives Squad in the 34th Precinct; the Detectives Squad (Naroctics) in the 47tah Precinct; Executive Officer in the 24th Precinct. However, Dan took the deepest pride and felt he made the greatest impact with his work at the Detective Bureau, culminating in his assignment as Commanding Officer in the 5th and 6th Detective Division.

On October 7, 1967, Dan married Kathleen Brannelly, lovingly known as “Cookie”. Together, they were married over 30 years, and raised their family in Nanuet, NY.

As a dedicated Catholic, Dan never wavered in his faith, nor his love and dedication to his family and friends. Dan was always there to help whenever it was needed, lend an ear or shoulder to cry on, and/or share a beer and a laugh.

Dan was a longtime member of the Elks Club, The Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH), American Legion, PBA, and was an active parishioner at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church (Nanuet, NY), and Our Lady of Light (South Fort Myers, FL).

Dan was an avid Numismatist (coin collector) and a reader. He loved traveling, history, theatre and arts, classical music (especially the violin and piano), bagpipes and Irish pub songs, and the Platters were a favorite band. He was a lifelong Yankees fan and big fan of Mickey Mantle. He also loved to watch an Army or Notre Dame football game. However, Dan’s favorite pastime was sharing time with family and friends.

Dan was the beloved father of: Kathleen (Tony) Barna of Garnerville; Jean (Patrick) Palmer of Purcellville, VA; Don (Julianne) McKenna of Carmel, NY; and Maureen (Mark) Belgen of Hanover, MD. He was also the proud grandfather of John, Kristen, Ryan, Danny, Mckenna, Reagan, Emma, and Danny.

Dan is survived by his sisters  Kathleen Buckley, Judy Carlsson, and Patricia Baker, as well as adored in-laws, cousins, aunts and uncles and nieces and nephews from the McElroy-McKenna and Brannelly family.

Dan is predeceased by his cherished wife Kathleen, son Danny, granddaughter Lauren Elizabeth, brothers James, Eugene and Donald (US Army Korea),  sisters Agnes and Bernadette, and by his parents.

Dan’s family will receive friends at Wyman- Fisher Funeral Home, 100 Franklin Avenue, Pearl River, NY 10965 on Thursday, August 28, 2025 from 3 – 8 PM. Mass of Christian Burial will take place at St. Anthony’s Church, 36 West Nyack Rd, Nanuet, NY 10954 at 10:00 am, Friday, August 29, 2025.

In lieu of flowers, friends who wish may donate in Dan’s memory to: Happiness Is Camping, 62 Sunset Lake Road, Hardwick, NJ 07825

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