FREEPORT – Dennis Hoey, fearless night reporter for the Portland Press Herald, passed away peacefully at his home in Freeport early Saturday afternoon, the result of a heart attack that he suffered on February 26, while playing basketball at his beloved Bath Area YMCA. He was lovingly supported by his wife Joyce Earle, dear friend Alice McGrath, and the team at Northern Light Family Hospice. Special thanks go out also to Pat Horne for his unflagging kindness over the last four months.

Born in Portland and a graduate of South Portland schools and UMO, Dennis was a lifelong resident of Maine, except for a few years spent at the Waltham Tribune. In 1984 he achieved his lifelong ambition when he became a staff writer for his hometown family newspaper. Over the years, Dennis became known for his news acumen, determination to see a story through to its end, and his seemingly magical ability to locate people using his legendary paper Rolodex.

Dennis loved his home state for its beauty and the recreational opportunities it provided. He spent most of his childhood summers in the mountains of Western Maine, visiting his maternal grandmother and many cousins. Dennis and his wife spent most of their vacations exploring Acadia National Park, camping, hiking, biking, swimming and kayaking. He also enjoyed visiting his sister’s camp in Rockwood, where he loved to take in the early morning views of Mt. Kineo.

Dennis and Joyce were married aboard the HM Longfellow in Portland Harbor on July 27, 1986. They were the proud parents of one son, Kevin Hoey of Yarmouth. As much as Dennis loved his career, his family always came first, and Kevin could not have asked for a better dad.

Dennis is survived by wife Joyce, son Kevin, nephew Reece Colello and brother-in-law Jim Colello, and cousins, Jackie Brooks Scheusler and Kelly Brooks Bean.

Dennis was predeceased by his parents, Sylvia Bird Hoey and Stephen Hoey, and well as his beloved sister, Sandra Hoey Colello. His ashes will be interred with his parents and his sister at the Hunts Corner Cemetary in Albany at a later date.

If you are able, please consider a small financial donation in his name to the Freeport Conservation Trust, whose beautiful trails helped keep Dennis sane throughout the early months of the Covid-19 pandemic.

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