Obituary of Clarence F. Kehoe
Clarence F. "Keek" Kehoe, age 88, of Rome, passed away May 2, 2012, with his loving family at his side. A lifelong Roman, Keek was born April10, 1924. He attended Saint Aloysius Academy and then entered the U. S. Navy, where he served in WW II. During his service to his Country, he was awarded the Navy Unit Commendation.
Keek was united in marriage to the former Jean Lewin, on October 19, 1946, in St. Peter's Church; a blessed union of 65 years. He served in the Rome Police Department and retired as Lieutenant, after 38 years of service. He was a long time member of the Rome VFW, Smith Post American Legion, Moose Club, and lifelong member of the Rome Elks.
One of Keek's proudest moments was graduating with an Associate's Degree in Criminal Justice in 1976. He was a staunch Irishman with a passion for learning. Keek taught himself Gaelic, and could speak it with the Irish countrymen at Flanagan's Pub, in Dunedin, Florida, where he and Jean enjoyed their retirement years.
Keek is survived by his wife, Jean; and four children; Kathleen and Robert Flanders of Vestal, NY, James (Jake) Kehoe of Dunedin, Fl., Patti Keyes of Whitesboro, NY, and Karen and William Tagliaferri of Rome; daughter in law, Diane Kehoe of Rome, and son in law, Alan Keyes of Greensboro, NC; eleven grandchildren, Robert, Eric, Jamie and Christopher Flanders, Jason, Karrie and Chad Kehoe, Kelly and Justin Keyes, Alyssa and Jenna Tagliaferri; and four great grandchildren; brothers in law and sisters in law, John Taylor of Canastota, Patricia Ripley, and Beverley and Chuck Leffert of Rome. He was predeceased by a grandson, James Mark Kehoe, and sister in law, Doris Taylor.
Funeral services will be held Saturday at 10:00 AM at the Barry Funeral Home, 807 W. Chestnut Street, and at 10:30 AM at St. Paul's Church. Burial will be in St. Peter's Cemetery.
Relatives and friends may call at the funeral home, Friday 4 to 8 PM.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Jervis Public Library.
An Irish Blessing
Dance as though no one were watching,
Sing as though no one were listening,
And live every day as if it were your last.