It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Dennis A. Cristiano of Brewster, New York, on Sunday, October 13, 2024, at the age of 81.
Dennis was born May 29, 1943, in Port Chester, New York, the son of the late John Cristiano and the late Sarah McCallum. During his early childhood, Dennis and his family moved to Mamaroneck, New York where he attended and graduated from Rye Neck High School in 1962. In high school he was a member of the track and football teams. On July 22, 1967, Dennis married the love of his life, Patricia Jane Blum, in Perth Amboy, New Jersey.
Dennis dedicated his life to public service; he served in the U.S. Navy from July 1962 to 1966, and went on be appointed a Correction Officer with the Westchester County Department of Correction from July 1985 until December 1986. He then joined the Tuckahoe Police Department on December 29, 1986, as a police officer until his retirement in April of 2004. During his career, Dennis was the recipient of numerous Department Citations, including the Department Medal of Honor. He was also recognized by the Assembly of the State of New York, the New York State Senate, the Eastchester Volunteer Ambulance Corps, the Police Columbia Association of Westchester, and the Tri-County Federation of Police. Along with his recognitions, he was awarded the Gannett Westchester Newspaper Police Honor Award and Hero of the Month from the New York City–Westchester/Putnam Shields. He was previously a member of the Police Columbia Association and the Blue Knights Motorcycle Club, and was a former Treasurer of the Yonkers Motorcycle Club.
Dennis will be remembered for having a passion for helping others. He was known as Mr. Fix-It and also enjoyed collecting antique cars and motorcycles. Dennis also loved to make people laugh by telling jokes and stories.
Dennis is survived by his daughters, Meredith and her husband Jordan Mann of Philadelphia, PA, and Jessica and her husband Sean O’Connell of Danbury, CT; his grandson Benjamin Mann; brother James D. Cristiano of Harrison, NY; and several nephews and nieces.
Dennis is predeceased by his wife, Patricia Jane Blum, and his brother, John Cristiano, Jr.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Dennis’ name to Westchester B.L.U.E. Foundation at WestchesterBlue.org or
Westchester B.L.U.E. Foundation, Inc
P.O. Box 787
Port Chester, NY 10573
