Emery Carl Troy, the last son of Charlie and Willie Bell (Troy) Taylor, was born in Cleveland, OH, on October 30, 1929. On his first birthday, his father died from pneumonia. A few years later, the family moved to Toledo, where his life’s journey continued under the guidance of his mother and stepfather, Will Taylor.
Emery belonged to a dynamic trio of brothers who dedicated their lives to service the communities in which they served.
His eldest brother, J. Frank Troy, was instrumental in improving the lives of Toledo’s Black community, including establishing the Area Office on Aging. Emery’s second brother, the Rev. Leon L. Troy Sr. improved the lives of many in his community in many ways: through the pulpit, through housing, and the education of young people. His eldest sibling, and only sister, Charlie Pearl Cobb, also preceded him in death. She was very instrumental in her church community and had a strong faith. She believed in continuing education and went back to school after retirement and received an associate’s degree in early childhood development.
Emery Troy was the president/CEO of Dooley House, Inc – a nonprofit agency located in Camden, NJ. Mr. Troy wore many “hats” during his time at the agency. As one of the co-founders, he saw the agency grow from a home that cared for children with HIV/AIDS only in the 1980s to an agency that provided transitional housing for children with multiple medical problems, as well as HIV/AIDS. Dooley House also provides transitional housing and case management for adults living with HIV/AIDS, a transportation fleet serving HIV/AIDS individuals to medical and social service appointments, and a permanent housing program for homeless individuals with multiple diagnoses.
In 2003 through vision and good fortune, Dooley House moved into a new million-dollar facility generously furnished with gifts from individuals and corporate sponsors. In 2009, Dooley House Moved its administrative department to another building in Camden City, the Troy/Wallston House of Hope. At this location, Dooley House offered a Senior Services program that was designed to respond to all aspects of life and provide an environment that recognized the contributions of seniors. The Troy-Wallston/Chazz Witherspoon Youth Academy was an affiliate of Dooley House, Inc, which provided programs to help develop the youth community of Camden to reach and achieve their potential in a safe and positive environment.
Mr. Troy’s vast knowledge in the field of HIV/AIDS spanned more than 30 years. Being on the front lines of the struggle for HIV/AIDS education and information, he saw many changes in the educational training, medial treatment and the overall thoughts of the general public related to HIV/AIDS.
Emery served as chairperson of the Camden City AIDS Advisory Council; he was appointed to the Governor’s AIDS Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS for the State of New Jersey in 2003; and he served on the Ryan White Planning Council of the Philadelphia Office of HIV Planning.
Before the dream of Dooley House became e reality, Mr. Troy worked in various areas of the business field, as well as an Alcohol/Drug Counseling Director. He attended Diamond Business & Professional College in Cleveland, Ohio, where he majored in business administration.
Mr. Troy received numerous awards and countless commendations for his tireless work for the improvement and care of children and adults with medical problems and living with HIV/AIDS.
Emery Troy departed this life on December 4, 2024 in Toledo. Although he is gone, his life, his deeds and the love he had for others will never be forgotten.