TOWSON, MD – John J. Keane, Jr. died peacefully on April 10, 2015 at the Brightview Assisted Living facility in Towson, MD where he had been a resident for almost three years. He was almost 93.
Mr. Keane was born in Matahambre, in the province of Pinar del Rio, Cuba on May 20, 1922 to John J. and Bernadette C. Keane. At that time, his father was employed by the American Metals Company as a supervisor at the Minas de Matahambre, which was one of the largest copper /silver mines operating in the region.
Mr. Keane graduated from Fordham Preparatory School, Fordham College and Fordham Law School. His senior year in college was interrupted by World War II; he enlisted in the U.S. Army and served in London, England in the intelligence unit under General Eisenhower. He worked in an office that was located diagonally from General Eisenhower’s HQ at 20 Grosvenor Square. His nearest scrape with a military death came when General Patton stormed into his office unannounced and he and several other soldiers were found to be wearing loosened neckties.
During his time in England, Mr. Keane met Kathleen McEnery, an Irish girl who came to London before the war, lived through the Blitz, during which she was “bombed-out” several times by the Luftwaffe, and ran additional risks by accompanying Corporal Keane on frequent visits to pubs and shows with air raid wardens in hot pursuit. After the war, Ms. McEnery traveled to New York City on the longest and roughest crossing ever made by the Queen Mary, and the couple married and had six children whom they raised in New York City, on Long Island and in Johnstown, N.Y. Before coming to the Brightview Assisted Living Center, Mr. Keane resided at the Beverwyck Senior Living Center in Slingerlands, N.Y. and at 15 Kensington Place in Albany, NY.
Mr. Keane worked as a young attorney at several firms in NYC including Milbank Tweed Hadley & McCloy; he later served as Deputy Town Attorney for the Town of Oyster Bay, Long Island; as the first Executive Director of the Fulmont Community Action Agency in Fonda, N.Y.; and as a senior staff member of the health planning division at the New York State Department of Health.
Mr. Keane had three brothers (Jim, Bob and Frank) who were devoted to each other after childhood sandlot games and other happy times. Both Bob and Frank survive him, as does Bob’s spouse Rose, as do his six children and their spouses—John (Margaret), Mary, Lucy (Mike) Brandow, Anne, Peter (Helen) and Bernadette (Dick) Felch; eight grandchildren (Lisa, Kelly, Erica, Jake, Kathleen, Matt, John and Andrew); and four great-grandchildren.
Mr. Keane was a kind gentleman with a sharp mind and an acute sense of humor who loved reading, Notre Dame football and NY/SF Giants baseball.
A Catholic Mass will be celebrated in remembrance of Mr. Keane at 11:00 AM on Friday, April 17 at the Parish of Mater Christi at 40 Hopewell Street in Albany, NY 12208. Donations are not encouraged but can be sent to the Parish of Mater Christi. To leave a message of condolence for the family or obtain directions to the funeral home, please visit www.HansFuneralHome.com.
Jane Truemner
To my dear cousins,
I am deeply saddened about the loss of your Dad. Uncle Jack truly was one of the kindest gentlemen I have ever known. I carry so many fond memories of times spent with him, Aunt Kathy, and all of you in Johnstown, at Grandma’s, and many family visits.
Love,
Jane, my husband Doug, and daughter Erin
Maurice M. Farhart
I am deeply saddened by the loss of your Dad. We became acquainted at Fulmont Community Action Agency. We traveled together to various meetings.
He was my boss, my mentor, and my friend. He was able to attend my wedding. I have fond memories and I will always remember him in a special way because he truly was an accomplished man. God Bless you all.
Maurice
Liz Gallagher
Dear Pete, Helen, Kathleen and Matt(as well as the rest of the Keane family),
I was so sorry to hear of John’s death. Easily, he was one of my favorite people to talk to. It has been years since I’ve seen him, but I always remember his bright spirit, great sense of humor and his apparent interest in everything and everyone around him. I am sorry you are going through this difficult time, but also hope that memories of John will help ease your pain as you grieve his death. My thoughts and prayers are with you all! Rest in peace, John.
Love, Liz
Don LaVada
PK,
So sorry to hear of the passing of your Dad. It sounds as though he lived a very full and interesting life. Hold a place in your heart for him, and he’ll always be there. All the best. May you find peace in your heart.
Don