Honorable William F. “Bill” Keenan, Sr.
Honorable William F. “Bill” Keenan, Sr. inNeedham, of Harwichport and Dorchester, age 92, Monday January 11, 2013. Former Representative and retired Adjutant of the Chelsea Soldier’s Home. Born January 8, 1921 in Dorchester to Delia M. (Rafftery) of County Rosscommon,Ireland and William Michael Keenan of County Fermanagh,Ireland. Brother of Joseph M. Keenan of Hamilton, New Zealand. Husband of Marilyn (Kaplan) Keenan and father of Jude Mark Keenan who both predeceased Bill. Survived by his children and their families: William F. Keenan Jr., MD and his wife Maryjean (Remitz) of Williamsport, PA and their children Cathy, Sean and Jude, Catherine M. Kittams, BSN and her husband Brian Kittams, MD of Lake Oswego, OR and their children Audrey (Kittams) Cosgrove-Lewandoski, and her husband Chris, and Jessica Kittmas, Patricia M. Keenan-Luppi and her husband Mark Luppi of Needham, MA, Christopher J. Keenan, DO and his wife Monica (Delatorre) of NJ and their children Juliana and Melissa, and David T. Keenan, Esq. and his wife Barbara (Finch ) of Dorchester, MA and their children Samuel, Christopher and Chanel, and two great-grandchildren Olivia and Molly Cosgrove-Lewandowski. Bill was raised in Saint Gregory’s Parish in the Lower Mill section of Dorchester,MA. He graduated from Saint Gregory’s Grammar School. He attended Boston English High School. After the bombing of Pearl Harbor, Bill enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps and served in the H Company, First Marines, First Marine Division Reinforced, on Guadalcanal where he received the Order of the Purple Heart for his injuries, a Presidential Unit Citation, and the Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal. He graduated from Holy Cross College with help of the GI benefits. He later received his Masters in Economics from Boston College. Bill was elected and re-elected to six terms (12 years) in the House of Representatives. Bill was loved by all he met. His lifework was in watching out for those who were vulnerable, with his work in as a high school teacher, legislature, social worker for the Veteran’s Affairs, a member of the Consumer’s Council, and Assistant Adjutant at Chelsea Soldiers Home. Bill was named Democrat of the year in Harwich. Bill retired to his beloved Cape Cod in Harwichport. He loved to swim, take long walks with his wife and family, spending time with his friends. He was happiest when he was surrounded by family and friends. He was a wonderful son, husband, father, grandfather and friend. Bill loved his family and cherished his friends. He touched many lives. His kind personality and loving smile will surely be missed, but not forgotten. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in St. Gregory Church, 2215 Dorchester Ave., Dorchester, Saturday February 16 at 11:30 A.M. Relatives and friends are invited. Visiting hours at Dolan & Chapman Funeral Home, 5 Canton Avenue, MILTON VILLAGE , Friday 4 – 8 PM. Graveside Services will take place on Monday at 12 Noon at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, Harwich, MA. In lieu of flowers, donations in Bill’s memory may be made to Boston Children’s Hospital online at www.childrenshospital.org/tribute or checks made payable to Boston Children’s Hospital can be mailed to Children’s Hospital Trust, 401 Park Drive, Suite 602, Boston, MA 02215.
Guestbook Entries
To the Keenan Family,
We extend our sincerest Sympathy to all in the loss of Bill. We enjoyed many good times with our great friend & family during the years and will sorely miss him. Bill is now in a good place being united with Marilyn, Mark and other loved ones.
We will keep Bill and you in our prayers.
Love, Ralph and Irma Lespasio
We extend our deepest sympathy to all the family at this time, we remember Bill with fond memories, may his soul Rest in peace
Dear Kathy, Sorry to read of your father’s passing . I remember him from Democratic politics in Boston and on the Cape and, of course for being your Dad. One of the Greats from the Greatest Generation. In sympathy—-and prayers for you and your family.
Jane Fleming
With sympathy to the Keenan family,
It was with great sadness that we learned of Bill’s passing. We have treasured memories of our all too infrequent meetings with him. He was a lovely gentleman with charm and charisma. We especially remember his visit to Ireland a few years ago.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam,
Mai Keenan (Fermanagh) and Marita, Kieran and Family (Sligo)
Our heartfelt sympathy to all the family; our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. We will always remember Bill with lasting and fond memories.
When I was very young and our family was going through some hard times Mr. Keenan was very helpful to us in securing housing in a housing project. I remember going with my father to Rep. Keenan’s
house in Cedar Grove and the kindness and concern with which he received us. I am grateful to him for this
Please accept our deepest sympathies in the death of your father. He was a very nice man. I have fond memories of him when I was growing up in Dorchester.. May his memory be eternal My thoughts and prayers are with the family always
our family is very sad for Bills passing. He and Marilyn were very dear to our parents and family. Last time i saw him was when cousin Joe was here from New Zealand; that was a wonderful time at Patricia’s house in Needham. We are so sorry we did not no of his passing. Much love from Kathleen and the Raftery family