Dennis M. Emperor

Dennis Emperor, 81, left this world peacefully on August 2, 2025, surrounded by his loving family at home.

Dennis was born on May 6, 1944 in Brooklyn, NY, the son of James Emperor and Ruth Emperor Maybusher. He grew up in Brooklyn, where he developed a strong work ethic and a deep love for his family. He was a graduate of Abraham Lincoln High School and soon after, joined the U.S. Navy for approximately four years and was stationed in Key West, FL and then Newfoundland, Canada. When he came home, he worked as a NYC cab driver and shortly after got a job at a major investment company in NYC. As he made his journey through life, he decided to become a police officer with the New York City Police Department. In 1979, he and his partner, Larry Hession were awarded the Combat Cross (this award is second only to the Medal of Honor) for an off-duty apprehension involving an attempted robbery at a Chase Manhattan Bank branch in Staten Island. A number of years later, he graduated from Empire State College and was promoted to Sergeant. He was also a recipient of five Excellent Police Duty awards, one Meritorious Police Duty Citation, and one Honorable Mention and was name Policer Officer of the Month. He dedicated himself to the NYPD for 21 years. He remained close friends with Him Mavrikos, Richard Brill, Sam Whitfield, Tony Economou and the late John Damone. These men have stood by his side throughout all of his health struggles and my family is so grateful to them! After retiring from the NYPD he took a job in Security for Wagner College and then at Bay Street Landing.

Dennis married Alice on July 31, 1971. He was a loving husband and was a pillar of strength and support for his family. Together, they raised 2 children: Keri and Erin. He was a devoted father, always there to offer guidance, love, and a helping hand. He cherished family gatherings, and his presence at holidays, and celebrations brought warmth and joy to those around him.

Dennis had many passions in life, including the pride he had in his Cape May Victorian “wanna be” in Tottenville. He loved when people in the neighborhood complimented him on his house. It was featured in the Staten Island Advance a few times. He worked so hard to make it so beautiful. He enjoyed traveling with his family (visited all 50 states, in addition – Costa Rica, Ireland, Australia to name a few). He loved spending time with his family and friends. He was known for his quick wit, his quiet belly laughs, his organizational skills and his financial knowledge. He was also known to be very generous; he often donated to many charities like St. Jude, The Siller Foundation (Tunner to Towers), and The Veteran Association.

He is predeceased by his parents, James Emperor and Ruth Emperor Maybusher, his brothers: James Emperor, Edward Skelly, Richard Skelly, his sister-in-law Norene Emperor and Godson Michael Emperor. Dennis is survived by his loving wife, Alice, his children: Keri and Erin, his son-in-law Jim Kearney, and his grandchildren: Kaitlyn and Jimmy Kearney. He is also survived by his siblings: Kathleen Emperor Sayers, Thomas Emperor, Betty Humphries, sister-in-law Maria Emperor, sister-in-law Josephine Winters and brother-in-law Jeremiah Winters as well as many cousins, nieces, nephews, and longtime neighbors and friends. Dennis touched the lives of all who knew him and he will be greatly missed. Your memory will live on in our hearts forever!

The family will receive friends from 2:00 PM – 4 PM and 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM on Thursday, August 7, 2025, at Bedell-Pizzo Funeral Home, located at 7447 Amboy Rd., Staten Island, NY 10307. Friends and family are invited to attend and pay their respects.

A mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 10:00 AM on Friday, August 8, 2025 at Our Lady Help of Christians located at 7396 Amboy Rd., Staten Island, NY 10307. Followed by his burial in Resurrection Cemetery, located at 361 Sharrott Ave., Staten Island, NY 10309.