Dr. Dennis Michael Mulcahy
April 19, 1948 to August 15, 2026
Obituary
Dr. Dennis Michael Mulcahy
April 19, 1948 – August 15, 2026
We are heartbroken to announce that Dr. Dennis Mulcahy passed away suddenly at the age of 78 on Saturday, August 15, 2026, surrounded by his family. He leaves to mourn his loving wife of forty-two years, Barbara, whom he loved dearly, as well as his two beautiful children Eoin (Gillian) and Maria. Dennis often remarked how extremely proud he was of his children’s accomplishments as well as the fine people they have both become. He also leaves to mourn his two sisters, Diane Jackman and Pamela Clarke (Gilles); as well as other extended family members. He will be missed as well by two special friends Waverley Lee and Marvin Smith.
Dennis is predeceased by his parents Sylvester and Marie Mulcahy.
Barbara and Dennis enjoyed spending quiet time together. As well, they loved travelling the world and seeing new places, often in the company of Eoin, Maria and Gillian. Dennis loved being close to the ocean and in the spring loved spending time on the beach in St. Augustine, Florida. A special part of these trips to Florida was having the company of his family.
Dennis was a passionate advocate for small and rural schools in his work as a Professor in the Faculty of Education at Memorial University for 39 years. This passion was sustained until his very last days. His work earned him a reputation internationally and he was invited to share his expertise in other countries including Australia, China, Egypt and the United States. He was well respected for his professionalism, knowledge and compassion for his students.
Cremation has taken place. Visitation will take place from Carnell’s Funeral Home, 329 Freshwater Road, St. John’s, NL on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. A Celebration of Life will take place from the Carnell Memorial Chapel at Carnell’s Funeral Home at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 19, 2026.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the St. Vincent de Paul Society.
“And it’s here’s to you old Skinny Dennis
The only one I think I will miss”
Guy Clarke, L.A. Freeway
Schedule
Visitations
2-4 p.m. on August 18, 2026
7-9 p.m. on August 18, 2026
Carnell’s Funeral Home
329 Freshwater Road
View on Map
Celebration Of Life
2:00pm, Wednesday August 19th
The Carnell Memorial Chapel
329 Freshwater Road
View on Map
Dennis and I were friends back in our Holy Cross days. had many a class together over the years. Rest in Peace, Crusader.
I am sorry to hear of Professor Mulcahy’s passing. He taught me during my masters and has left a lasting impression. In fact, he was my favourite! He always challenged my thinking, provided thought- provoking feedback, and listened and responded with kindness and respect. Please accept my deepest condolences.
Maisie Groves.
Barbara, Eoin, Maria & Gillian,
I was deeply saddened to learn of Dr. Mulcahy’s passing. He was not only my professor and supervisor, but also someone who played a meaningful and lasting role in my academic and personal journey. Given the close connection between our families, his loss feels especially personal to me and my family. I will always remember his guidance, kindness, generosity, and the confidence he placed in me throughout my studies. I am truly grateful for everything he taught me and for the many ways he supported and encouraged me. My heartfelt condolences go to his family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time. May he rest in peace.
From: Nadeem & Asma
My sincerest condolences to Dr. Mulcahy’s family. Dennis taught me English in grades 10 and 11 at Herdman Collegiate in Corner Brook (1973/75).. He was a kind and patient teacher and inspired me to become a lifelong reader of literature. Years later, as Chair of the Board of the independent school in Corner Brook, I had the great pleasure of welcoming him to an event related to school children and learning techniques. His love and passion for lifelong learning were again evident. So sorry for your loss.
Barbara, Eoin & Maria,
I am truly saddened to hear of “Dr.Mulcahy’s” passing. After many wonderful experiences with Dr. Mulcahy as a professor and mentor while completing my bachelor of education degree, I then had the wonderful experience of teaching both Eoin and Maria at MacDonald Drive elementary and getting to know his beautiful wife, Barbara as a parent volunteer and teacher colleague. It was during this time that Dr.Mulcahy tried to convince me that I should refer to him as Dennis, however “Dr. Mulcahy “always stuck with me. Please know that my heartfelt condolences are with you all and please hold tight to your wonderful memories of such an amazing person..
The Mulcahy Family,
I am sorry to hear of Dr. Mulcahy’s passing. I was fortunate enough to have had him as a professor while completing my undergrad degree. He was so knowledgeable and helpful. It was only this spring I walked through the halls of MUN and saw his name on the door and I remarked on how great he was to have had.
Condolences to you all,
Kristen
The Mulcahy Family,
I first got to know Dr. Mulcahy in the late 90’s when I started my own journey in the Faculty of Education. He strongly encouraged me to attend Harlow and I am so very glad I listened to him. I was lucky enough to have him as a professor in both my undergraduate program, and later in my two masters programs. When I taught seasonally at MUN, he was the first to reach out to me and offer any assistance that I needed. My favorite memory would definitely be a class dinner at India Gate.
Thinking of you all!
Barbara, Eoin & Maria,
Our sincere condolences on Dennis’s passing. You guys have been great neighbors for over 3 decades. During his illness he was pleasant & didn’t dwell on it while in the company of neighbor’s. Wishing you all strength as you navigate through these difficult times..
We are currently out of the country but will see you when we get home.
Mary Lynn & Ted Purcell
Dear Barbara, Maria and Eoin,
Doreen and I are so saddened to learn of Dennis’ passing. You were all such wonderful neighbours to us when we lived on Regina Place for 33 years. We fondly remember looking after “Skully” and Maria’s pet goldfish when you travelled.
Dennis was indeed a true gentleman.
To the Mulcahy Family,
I was so saddened to hear of Dennis’ passing. I first met ‘Mr. Mulcahy’ as my English teacher at Herdman Collegiate in 1978. From his class, I fell in love with Shakespeare! This week I found my high school year book that he signed for me, wishing me good luck. He was such a wonderful teacher!
I met him again when I rejoined Memorial in 2011 and saw his name on an office in my building. I loved meeting him in the hallway and chatting about Corner Brook and the days at Herdman. He will be greatly missed. Rest easy Dennis.
Barbara and family,
So very sorry to hear of Dennis’s passing my sincere condolences to you and your family at this most difficult time.
Barb, I am so sorry to hear of Dennis’ passing. I have very fond memories of him in high school, not only as my English teacher, but even more as my basketball coach. He was always so encouraging and supportive and that has stayed with me through the years.
Thinking of you and your family at this very challenging time.
Barbara and family,
So sorry to hear of Dennis’ passing. Sincere condolences to you all.
To the Mulcahy Family:
I am deeply saddened by this news. Dennis was a generous and supportive colleague. I enjoyed working with him over the years and especially valued his insight during our work on a rural education research project.
He will be missed by all! My thoughts are with you at this challenging time.
Eoin. I am so sorry to hear of your father’s passing. My condolences to you and your family.
Dennis was an inspiration and will be remembered. My condolences to family and friends, Pat
Barbara and Family, I am so sorry to hear of Dennis’ passing. We usually spoke at the beginning of the semester in preparation for course readings and I knew him as a generous faculty member who always put his students first. I remember sitting together at our Christmas party one year and he spoke of his family with such pride. May your memories sustain you during this difficult time.
Hi Barbara & Family
This is sad to hear about the passing of Dennis. I have known him as a valued colleague and a true gentleman. Please accept my deep condolences. I wish you peace and strength to go through this loss.
To the Mulcahy family, I am so sorry to hear of Dennis’s passing. He was a lovely gentleman, my first cousin. My prayers & thoughts are with you during this difficult time. My he rest in peace. 🙏🙏❤️
I am so very sorry for your loss. I was fortunate to have Dr. Mulcahy as a professor during my M.Ed. program in 2014, and I learned so much from him. I also had the privilege of working closely with Gillian at Vanier in 2009. What a truly beautiful family. My heart goes out to all of you, and my thoughts and prayers are with you during this very difficult time.
Eoin and Gillian, I am so sorry for your loss. I know you’ve had some great trips together over the years and a lot of forever memories were made. How wonderful to be able to spend that time together. Please pass along my condolences to your mother and sister. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Xo
With kind thoughts to you, Barbara and to your children…I am so sorry for your loss.
Barbara, so sad to hear of Dennis’ passing. Accept my condolences..
Eoin, so sorry to hear that your father has passed away. Please extend my deepest condolences to your family for their loss.
To Barbara and Family,
I am so sad to hear of Dennis’ passing. As a former collegiate at Herdman Collegiate, we had a great deal of interaction especially in our time of coaching the girls school basketball team. I am sure his time at the school was a good preparation for life at MUN! He will be remembered fondly. Barbara, much love in this difficult time.
Sad to hear of Dennis’ passing. I was fortunate to have had Dennis as a professor back in the 1980’s and enjoyed our discussions on education topics dear to both our hearts. Rest easy Dennis. Please take comfort in the many wonder memories you have of him.
To the Mulcahy Family.
So sorry to hear of Dennis’ passing. I have fond memories of our time together in Harlow when you entire family joined us for the semester. Many times, we would cross paths later in life and he always had a kind word and memory. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Barbara, I was saddened to hear of Dennis’ passing. I fondly remember our recent conversations of looking forward to retirement. My deepest condolences to you all at this difficult time. He was a wonderful and valued colleague of the Faculty of Education. Rest easy Dennis.
Barbara & Family,
So sorry to hear about the passing of your loved one.
I hope the memories of your years together will give you some sense of peace in the difficult days ahead, as you mourn this incredible loss.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Sincere and heartfelt condolences,
Linda
Just a week and a half ago, I attended the 50th high school reunion for Herdman Collegiate’s class of 1976. Dennis’s name came up as we fondly discussed our favourite teachers of the day.
I have so many good memories of this decent human being — from school, from the Corner Brook Playmakers, and from encounters around MUN. Condolences to Barb and family — he was truly one of a kind.
Barbara, I was so sad to hear of Dennis’ passing. He was such a lovely man who lived a meaningful and interesting life. My deepest condolences to you , Eoin and Maria. May your many memories bring you comfort in the days ahead..
Mulcahey Families, My condolences on your loss. I have very fond memories of Dennis during my time at MUN. And the pleasant greeting each & every time when our paths crossed at various intersections in the City.. Always engaging,, always pleasant. I will remember his lovely smile & beautiful personality. May many pleasant memories bring you comfort as you grieve his loss.
It was a few short days ago we cleared his office, generously rehoming a lifetime of materials to the students and MUN Libraries. He joked fondly with another long time colleague present that it was time that he retire and pursue other hobbies and interests that had been on the back burner. Dr. Mulcahey was a gentleman, and a lovely Faculty member to deal with. As a Library regular, he was keen to offer the best services to his students. He was pleasant and appreciative in all dealings. He will be remembered in loving fondness. Much love to you Barbara in this difficult time.
Liza-Ann
Barbara and Family
I’m so very sorry to hear of Dennis’ passing. I knew him as a valued colleague and a tireless advocate for rural schools. He will be missed. Thinking of you at this difficult time.
Gerald