Anthony Creaney, former NYPD officer, proud Irishman, 93

Anthony “Tony” Creaney passed away peacefully on Thursday, Aug. 10, 2023. He was 93.

He was born in Belfast, County Antrim, Northern Ireland, before emigrating to New York City and settling in the Bronx.

His wife of 65 years, Ann, and his sons, Patrick and Noel, died before he did.   

He is survived by his daughter Kathleen (Kevin); grandchildren Shana, Nicholas, Patrick (Jenna), Gineann (John), and Regina (Andrew); and great-grandchildren Ewan and Emmitt. As the patriarch of a large and close-knit family, he is also survived by brothers, sisters, cousins, nieces and nephews.

Anthony served in the U.S. Army branch during the Korean War, and followed that with a career as a New York Police Department sergeant until being injured in the line of duty in 1977. He was active in community leadership and volunteer work in the Bronx, particularly at the VA hospital, where he volunteered for 15 years.

Although he was proud to become an American and a staunch supporter of the VFW, his heart and soul were always at home in Ireland. His active participation in many Irish organizations and causes is how he will be most remembered.

From the early days of the Gaelic league, to the NYPD Emerald Society, to the Ancient Order of Hibernians, to the Antrim Society and the Saint Patrick’s Day Parade Committee, he never lost sight of the country and his culture.

He was as much a traveler as he was a homebody. He enjoyed seeing new sights and trying new foods as much as he enjoyed simply reading the New York Daily News over his morning oatmeal and tea.

A viewing was held Aug. 15 at Riverdale-on-the Hudson Funeral Home. Mass and burial was Aug. 16 at the Woolworth Chapel at Woodlawn Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Woodlawn Arts & Music House, 279 E. 236th St., Bronx, N.Y., 10470.