Artemas Dooley Obituary (1940 - 2020)

Retired Detective Artemas Dooley was born on August 6, 1940, in WestPoint, Mississippi, to John and Carrie Dooley. However, he proudly claimed the "Queen City of the Sound" his home once moving to New Rochelle, New York with his beloved mother, and sister, at the age of twelve until his death. Artemas settled well and excelled in his new "city life" graduating from New Rochelle High School, Class of 1959. Art was known around town, as a respectful, honest, and determined young man. A hard worker, from youth until retirement, he kept multiple streams of income, believing "as long as it is an honest living, never be too proud". While working at Vic Smith's Shoe Store, (the elite shoe store in town) he became well known, and would meet his future wife, Mildred. After a courtship, they married on October 26, 1963 and were together for nearly forty years, until Mildred's untimely death in 2001. Their union produced two cherished daughters, Cheryl and Aretha. Art was the original "#girldad". While he tried his hands at different jobs over the years, Art found his true calling when he was accepted to the New Rochelle Police Department. For the next fifty years, law enforcement and security would be his career. "Dooley" as he affectionately became known, was one of the first African American police officers to serve on the New Rochelle Police Force, no small feat during the 1960's in America. Dooley, rose to the rank of Detective, having a successful and decorated career, within several department units including; Patrol, Undercover, Major Crimes, Robbery and Theft. A man with great integrity and a straight shooter, who had a way with the community people and leaders, he was specially selected to join the newly formed, Special Investigation Unit for Narcotics as the crack epidemic invaded the streets. He served on the police force, over twenty years, until his retirement in 1990. After retiring from the force, Art became founder and CEO of On the Job Security LLC, a security officer at his high school Alma Mater, New Rochelle High School and the Director of Security for Norwalk Public Schools. One of his longest standing clients was the former legendary Palace Lounge and Nightclub. Active in his community, he believed in the power of mentorship and networking for effective law enforcement. Until his death, he was an active member in both the New Rochelle Police Association (PBA) and his beloved Westchester Rockland Guardians Association, where he was recognized in 2019 as their oldest living president. (The Guardians is a service county law enforcement organization for African American male and female individuals) Although he worked a lot, Art most valued his family -biological and extended. After raising two daughters, he especially took pride in his grandsons. Dooley enjoyed good food, good times with good people, dancing, and mentoring younger officers and young people throughout the tri-state area. His wife Mildred Dooley, mother Carrie Dooley, and sister Odessa Madison predeceased him. Left to cherish his memories and continue his legacy are his daughters, Cheryl Dooley, and Aretha Dooley Malloy, and son in love, Tracy Malloy, grandsons, Mason Artemas Joseph Malloy and Miles Tre Malloy. Brother and sister in laws, Albert White (Barbara) and Catherine Carter (James deceased), first cousin Roslyn Blaine, his companion, Jackie Roberson, 3 surrogate daughters, Tracy Rhett, Sherri Holmes, Gail Cooper, and a host of mentees, cousins, and friends.