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Peter Keane Obituary

Peter J. Keane, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather passed away peacefully on November 9, 2016. He was born in Whitesboro, New York, January 7, 1926, the only child of Henry and Pauline Keane.

Peter graduated from Utica Free Academy, Utica, NY, in 1943. He immediately joined the US Navy, and served on a submarine, the USS Puffer, in the Pacific during World War II. Peter then attended Syracuse University, studying mechanical engineering. He earned his Professional Engineer license in 1967.

Peter was an active member of Corpus Christi Catholic Parish for the past 46 years. His many volunteer activities included Marriage Prep, Home Bound, Hospital Communion Distribution, Share Colorado, Care and Share, Right to Read, and Soup Kitchen.

Peter leaves behind the love of his life, his wife of 65 years, Irene. He was a devoted father to six loving children: Terry (Sandy) Keane, Spring, TX; Gerry (Sue McLaughlin) Keane, Arvada, CO; deceased infant son, Dana; Scott (Theresa) Keane, Colorado Springs; Doug (Lynette) Keane, Colorado Springs; Erin (Ken) Carnes, Colorado Springs. Peter has seven cherished grandchildren: Bree, Tess, Paul, Jason, Amy, Heather, and Kelly, and six great grandchildren: Caleb, Keenan, Rory, Margot, Jacob, and Lachlan.

Visitation will take place on Monday, November 14, from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at Swan Law Funeral Directors, 501 N. Cascade Avenue, Colorado Springs. A Celebration of Life Funeral Mass will be at 10:00 am on Tuesday, November 15, at Corpus Christi Catholic Parish, 2318 N. Cascade Avenue, Colorado Springs. A reception will immediately follow the Mass in the parish hall. Burial will be at 1:30 at Evergreen Cemetery, Colorado Springs.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Autism Society of America.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Gazette on Nov. 13, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Peter Keane

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5 Entries

January 3, 2017

As a family man, father, fellow worker Peter was always proud of his wife and family. Those who knew Peter were so lucky to know a kind, considerate, caring and loving individual.
We know that God understands our sorrow, continues to love us and still, we often wonder, why? The husband, companion you loved and enjoyed so much, the father of your children, now is in heaven.
May you always feel warmed by Peter's love for you and surrounded by God's never ending care and love for you. Thanks Be to God for your many happy years.
Dick Van Allen, Monticello,MN

November 21, 2016

To Dad from Terry, Gerry, Scott, Doug, and Erin

There is a man named Peter that we call Dad;
Now that he is gone, we are quite sad.
However, we know that if he were still here to speak,
He would tell us that happiness is the emotion we should seek.

As a father, he was the best that we could desire;
A man that, in every way, we did always admire.
When making decisions, the Holy Spirit was his first call;
He said that doing so helped him keep his eye on the ball.

Only one way to eat a hot dog: that would be in the nude
Can't say Vichyssoise: call it cold potato soup.
He jokingly said he had no class;
But we thought that in any setting he would more than pass.

His family came first in any situation;
No sacrifice too big to make our wishes come to fruition.
He worked as an engineer to keep us clothed and well-fed;
And our education was top priority: that is what he said.

He was equally at home on water or rail;
From his time on a submarine in WWII to a modern-day sail.
He loved everything about both trains and boats;
However, model-railroading and Navy ships probably got the most votes.
So principled and true to his faith and his country;
The right thing to do was always easy for him to see.
We had a role-model that was the absolute best
What a great thing to acknowledge as we now lay him to rest.

His keen sense of humor was never very far away:
I'm hungry, said DougI'm Pete, glad to meet you, was what he would say.
Most of his sayings have been adopted by us all;
What a fitting tribute to the man we called Pa.

A great fishing trip was had the summer before he became ill:
To Vancouver for salmon; our boats we did fill.
Scott, Ken, Doug, and Terry, great food whiskey, beer, and wine:
We had Dad with us for five days: it was mighty fine.

A family gathering now numbers 30, more or less;
Peter always cherished those, even though the house was soon a mess.
He was very proud to be part of such a harmonious clan;
Humble as he was, he never took credit for executing a great plan.

His 65-year marriage to Mom was something to behold.
Peter loved Mom unconditionally is what we were shown.
They endured many challenges with confidence and grace;
They were always on the same page intellectually, emotionally, and in spiritual space.

We love you, Dadyes we always will.
With gratitude and respect our hearts are full.
We know you took the non-stop to the heavenly kingdom;
Well done good and faithful servantwith the saints you are welcome.

Nick Nichols

November 20, 2016

To the Keane Family,

On behalf of the Charleston Base SUBVETS and Swamp Fox Chapter SUBVETS WWII, I offer you our sincere condolences on Peter's passing. We grieve with you on the loss of your loved one and our shipmate. All SUBVETS and their families have your family in our thoughts and prayers. There is no expiration date on the back of our dolphins and Peter will always be remembered as a Brother of the Phin, a member of our Greatest Generation, and a great Patriot.

MMFN(SS) Peter J. Keane
US Navy WWII Submarine Veteran
Now on Eternal Patrol
Sailor Rest Your Oar
Your Shipmates Have The Watch

Fair Winds and Following Seas Shipmate

Charleston Base Submarine Veterans
Nick Nichols, MTCM(SS) USN Ret.
Base Chaplain

Ken Carnes

November 20, 2016

Love you Pete. You have been the best father in-law a son in-law could every hope for. I will cherish your memory and all the special times we had together. Such great memories, like camping with the Keanes, family gatherings and holidays together, watching you work on the model train tracks and running the train for the grandkids, helping me build my fence, vacationing together and riding trains together throughout Colorado and Utah. I will especially cherish the time I spent fishing with you,Terry, Scott and Doug in Canada...Fish On! So many more great memories with such a great man.
Love, Ken

Bill Dixon

November 14, 2016

On behalf of the United States Submarine Veterans (USSVI), I offer our sincere condolences on Peter's passing. You and your loved ones are in our thoughts and prayers. We are forever grateful for Peter's service to our country in the U.S. Submarine Service. To our Brother of the Phin we say, Sailor, rest your oar. We have the watch. May you rest in peace and may God bless your loved ones who remain. Thank you for your service to our country."
Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace always in every way. - 2 Thess 3:16.

Peter Joseph Keane MMFN(SS), US Navy, Now on Eternal Patrol.
Fair Winds and Following Seas Shipmate
His record is now posted online in the Eternal Patrol file on the USSVI website.

Bill Dixon, National Chaplain United States Submarine Veterans, USSVI.

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