Denis J. Pembroke, 64, of Dorchester, passed away peacefully on June 5, 2021 surrounded by his loving family.

For 28 years, Denis served his Country in the United States Marine Corps, achieving the rank of Master Sergeant. In 2004, he was retired Honorably aboard the U.S.S Constitution. Following his time on active duty, Denis served the Commonwealth first as a Metropolitan Police Officer and then as a Massachusetts State Trooper, retiring honorably in 2010.

In 2016, Denis was diagnosed with Stage 4 Glioblastoma, his oncology team gave him one year to live. After recovering from his first resection, Denis told the story of his encounter with his guardian angel. The angel urged him to stay with his family, who needed him – there was still much for him to do on this earth as a husband and father. During this time, Denis would battle two subsequent brain tumors. Nurtured daily by his loving wife Joan, and with the support of wonderful nurses and doctors at Brigham & Women’s and Dana Farber, Denis fought. His resilience, dedication & love of family shone through in his smallest daily efforts. His drive to live was selfless & admirable.

Denis is survived by his beloved wife of thirty-six years, Joan Pembroke, and their cherished children: John F. Pembroke, Elizabeth Lewis and her husband Dan Lewis, and Brendan Pembroke and his fiancé Rachel Stasiukevicius. He also leaves behind his sister-in-law Marie Desisto and her husband Tom, as well as, his nieces, nephews, cousins, and his life-long friends the McDermott family of Dorchester.

Denis’ parting gift was a true and intimate understanding of the power of love and the infallible strength of family. He left this world surrounded by love and his strength will live on forever in those close to him.

Semper Fidelis, Top P

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Saint Elizabeth Church, 350 Reedsdale Road, Milton, Friday, June 11th at 10:00 AM. Family and friends invited. Visiting hours will be at Dolan Funeral Home, 460 Granite Avenue, EAST MILTON SQUARE, Thursday June 10th from 3-7 PM. Burial Mayflower Cemetery, Duxbury. Gulf War Veteran.