Dennis G. Heaney was born on August 9, 1949, in Brooklyn, New York. He was the middle child of seven. As a child and into his teens, he loved to play softball.

Dennis enlisted in the United States Marine Corps at age seventeen. He did his basic training at Parris Island, South Carolina, and then further training at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina. By age eighteen, he was serving twelve months of combat as a radio operator in Vietnam.

After returning from Vietnam, Dennis worked for a brief time in a lumberyard and as an iron worker before joining the New York City Fire Department. He was a proud member of FDNY for 25 years. He was stationed at Ladder Company 157 in Brooklyn. Dennis was a favorite chauffeur to many officers, and the other firemen in his house referred to him as “The King.” He was a first responder on September 11th and lost many colleagues and friends on that historic day and in the years that followed from event-related illnesses.

Dennis is survived by his beloved wife, Jean. Dennis and Jean had their wedding reception on a boat on beautiful Lake George, New York. Thirty years later the guests still talk about what a wonderful time they had at the wedding. Dennis enjoyed cooking and was the cook in the family. He prepared every Thanksgiving dinner for 35 years for all his in-laws.

Dennis had many nieces and nephews that adored him. He was the favorite family member that kept everyone laughing. He loved movies and could quote most lines from his favorite films. A few of his nieces and nephews called him Dr. Evil. He loved his family so much and really enjoyed entertaining them. He is greatly missed.

One thing that has to be mentioned is Dennis’s love for his dog, Cookie. Cookie was adopted/rescued and came with a lot of health and behavior issues. After a few years, you would never know how damaged Cookie had been since Dennis spent so much time loving her. You would think Cookie was the greatest dog ever!

Dennis served his country and his city with quiet grace and dignity, without regard for his personal safety or comfort. He will never be forgotten and remains a source of pride for his wife, his brothers and sisters, his in-laws, and many nieces and nephews. He will always be Our Hero.