James A. Keaney, 78, of Norwood, NJ passed away on Sunday, July 21, 2019. Beloved husband of Bridie (nee Burke). Cherished father of James A. Keaney, Jr. of Cheshire, CT and Karen Keaney of Norwood. Proud grandfather of Mackenzie, Katrina, Cassidy and Liam. Dearest brother of Mena, Eugene, Michael, Teresa, Pauline, Joseph, Angela and the late Patrick, Desmond and Gerald. Also survived by many loving nieces and nephews.
Jim was an operating engineer for the NYC Board of Education for over 40 years. He loved to play golf and was a member of the Links Golf Club in Unionvale, NY and the Gaelic Golf Club. He was also a devoted parishioner of Immaculate Conception RC Church, Norwood.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Friday 11 AM at Immaculate Conception Church with interment to follow at Rockland Cemetery, Sparkill, NY. Visiting hours are Wednesday 6-9PM and Thursday 2-4 & 6-9 PM at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Ave, Northvale, NJ (201-767-3050).
Those who wish may make donations in Jim’s memory to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, www.stjude.org.
www.pizzifuneralhome.com
Whenever Jim asked me if I would like a drink, and I would pause for a moment, he would say…”Why wouldn’t ya?”. He was one of the nicest, happiest men I have ever met.
God bless you Jim. We will never forget your kind and gentle manner that you projected to everyone one you came in contact with. You defined what it means to be a gentleman. Rest in peace. You will continue to be in our prayers.
Like so many of his friends, we not only enjoyed Jimmy’s reflections on the positions that he held but the humorous manner in which he imparted his knowledge. He would give you his last penny and Jimmy always appeared to enjoy the company he was in and the day itself. It’s been said that one has not lived until he or she has done something for someone who can never repay them. We think we speak not only for ourselves but for so many others who knew him that we could never repay the man who appeared “larger than life” for his friendship, advice, and his great sense of humor. We would be remiss were we not to note that despite the debilitating nature of this dreadful disease we never heard the man complain not even once. The disease may have reduced him in size but never in spirit. Jimmy Keaney knew not only how to live but he could teach us a lesson on how to die. He will sorely be missed and his spirit will remain with us forever.
I can’t let this sad event pass without my humble comments.
There are people that we meet thru out our lives that one can immediately become as friends with. To me, Jim Keaney was that kind of person. I can’t ever remember Jim passing me by without receiving heartfelt a greeting, there is something in a person’s eyes when they really mean it. Jim always seemed to have a happy outlook on life and I never heard him say an unkind word about anyone. I can’t even imagine Jim ever having done so.
Each and every member of our Gaelic Golf Club that has passed on is missed, but some more than others, some seem to leave larger empty spaces. I will miss him. I’m sure that God has His eye on him and probably has already said, “Well done James!”
Our deepest sympathy to Bridie and her entire family on the loss of James. Jim as we knew him was always a gentleman, well liked and respected.
May he Rest In Peace. Unfortunately we will be in Ireland and unable to attend the visitation and funeral mass. Our thoughts and prayers will be with Bridie and Family at this difficult time.
Marian & Eddie Donohue
Jim will be deeply missed, a true gentleman, Husband, Father, Golfer, Friend. The Gaelic golf club and the annual party will never be the same without him. Privileged to have known him. Condolences to Bridie and the rest of his family. A great man.
God Bless
Our hearts are heavy with sadness for the loss of our dear friend, Jimmy Keaney. We had held out so much hope that he would get better but it was not to be. We send our love and condolences to Bridie, James, Karen, Mackenzie, Katrina, Cassidy, Liam and to all the Keaney family at this sad and difficult time. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Jimmy was a wonderful person and was much loved by all of us who were lucky enough to have known him. He has left us with so many great memories especially of times spent in Florida, some of which we feel should be shared. Jimmy loved every minute he spent in Florida and often expressed how fortunate he felt to be living such a great life. He loved his golf and Austin together with everyone else enjoyed playing with him because he was always having fun, was so positive and never complained, win or lose. In May when he was not feeling well Austin and I played with Jimmy and his son, James, in what has turned out to be his last round of golf. As usual, he was so happy to be out on the course and in the sunshine and played all 18 holes. We will hold on to that memory for sure.
Jimmy also loved fishing. On any given evening when we were not golfing, we were sure to come across Jimmy, Bridie, Anne and Pat McGovern, drinks in hand, waiting patiently for the fish to bite on Anna Marie Pier. Jimmy always had that signature smile and that look of sheer contentment on his face. “What a life”, he would often say.
All of us marveled at Jimmy’s dancing skills. He loved music and dancing. When he danced the “Twist”, could he get down. He would command an audience. All of us were astonished at how low he could go. He danced with pure joy. Jimmy, thanks for all the wonderful memories.
As we journey on, we will miss you and never forget you. We know the Angels have lifted you on high and that God has awarded you a prominent place for a life well lived. Rest In Peace dear friend.
Austin & Kathleen Lowry
So sorry to hear of Jimmy’s passing. I came late to jimmy’s life as friend of his playing golf in the Florida Thursday league. I always enjoyed getting paired with Jimmy on the golf course not only because he was a good golfer but because of his wonderful disposition. Always smiling, he made me feel good just to be around him. I’ll always remember the great day we had on the water boating together, catching fish and enjoying perfect weather and wonderful fellowship. Condolences to the family and his many friends. Bruce Munro
To Dear Bridie, James & Karen
and the entire Keaney Family USA to Ireland.
My deepest condolences on the passing of Jimmy. Words cannot begin to express my sorrow, Please know you are all in my thoughts at this time.
Very sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. A true gentleman. My deepest sympathy Bridie, James, Karen and extended family and friends. May he rest in peace.