Denis F. Riordan, age 57, of Gilbert, AZ, died on Saturday, January 3, 2026 in Phoenix, AZ due to complications from surgery.

Son of the late Denis J. Riordan and Corinne "Cookie" Riordan, Denis is survived by his six siblings: Patricia M. McCormack and her husband James of Shelton, CT, Michael J. Riordan and his wife Diane of The Villages, FL, Maureen E. Vergato and her husband Joseph of Kissimmee, FL, Margaret Carcaldi and her husband Robert of Brookfield, CT, Kathleen Cassidy and her husband William of Brookfield, CT, his twin Kevin T. Riordan and his wife Kerry Ann of Beaufort, SC and his nieces and nephews: Meghan, Ryan and Kelly McCormack, Ally Espin and Joey Vergato, Tess and Nicholas Carcaldi, Taylor, Shane, Kiley and Jake Cassidy, and Lindsey and Matthew Riordan. Denis also leaves behind his "second family" of close friends in Arizona.

Denis was born in Lexington, KY and raised in Bethel, CT. He graduated from Bethel High School and surprised everyone by heading west to attend Iowa State University in Ames, IA. There he became a brother in the Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity and developed a passion for the Iowa State Cyclones. If you knew Denis, you knew how much he loved his Cyclones. After college, Denis returned to Bethel – but surprised us all again in 1993 when he packed up his possessions and drove across the country to start a new life in Arizona. In 1997, Denis found his calling when he joined the City of Mesa Police Department. In April 2022, Denis retired after 25 years of distinguished service which included work as a Patrol Officer, Field Training Officer, Detective within the Neighborhood Drug Interdiction Team, Detective in Family Violence at the Center Against Family Violence and Patrol Sergeant. During his exemplary career, Denis received two Life Saving Medals.

Once he settled in Gilbert, AZ, Denis rarely surprised anyone again. He was unapologetically himself. He loved the NY Giants, Notre Dame Fighting Irish, NY Mets, Arizona Diamondbacks and of course the Iowa State Cyclones. Denis could often be found at Cogburn's enjoying a Bud Light, joking with his friends and watching his beloved teams.

Denis was truly one of a kind. Beneath his gruff exterior, Denis was funny, kind, generous and truly had a heart of gold. He showed his care in his own – sometimes unique – ways but never failed to show up for family and friends. We will always remember him for that, and we will all miss him greatly.

Memorial contributions may be made to the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or the 100 Club of Arizona, 333 N. 44th Street, Phoenix, AZ 85008.

A Celebration of Life will be held on April 11, 2026, from 4:00pm to 8:00pm at the Western Skies Golf Club in Gilbert, AZ.