Obituary
Richard A. Keefe, age 85, of Hebron, CT. passed away in Bonita Springs, FL., with his loving wife and family by his side after a brief illness with cancer on March 7, 2018. Richard is survived by his wife Linda Lyon-Keefe, his brother Darrell Keefe and wife Marlene of CT., his sister Louise McFerran of PA., his 5 sons Danny, Ricky II and Jeffrey Keefe of CT, James and Todd Keefe of FL, his 8 grandchildren Melanie Marcaurel of CA, Jennifer Marcaurel of CT, Charlene, Tommy, Josh and William Winston of CT., Ricky Keefe III of FL and Dylan Keefe of CT., his two great grand children Trevor and Tayler Foster of CT., his Great Great Granddaughter Caydence Foster of TX and many nieces and nephews. Richard was predeceased by his brothers Arthur and Dennis Keefe, his daughter Cheryl Marcaurel and his sister Josephine Korwin. Richard also leaves three step-daughters Aubin and husband John Haestad and children Jace, Jamie, Jessie and Sara of FL. Jennifer Hebert and husband Richard and children Lea and Danielle and Fayne Sears and significant other, Fritz Reichle and her children Bryce and Trevor.
Richard served his country in the Korean War as a Staff Sergeant serving as Instructor Flight Engineer with over a 1000 flying hours in the USAF. After he received an honorable discharge, he went on to become an Engine Tester for Pratt & Whitney where he was so proud to have never missed a day of work in the time he worked there. Following that employment he became a Legislator and Chief of Building & Grounds for the State of CT as well as the Building Inspector, Zoning Agent and Sanitarian for the town of Hebron, After retiring from the State of CT, he started his own construction company, Richard’s Construction. After falling from a roof, he and his wife Linda retired to FL. They visited family and friends in CT. during the summers.
Richard was a life-time member of the Democratic party of Hebron, having made the deciding vote for the late Governor O’Neil. He was one of the founding members and a past President of the Lions Club. He was instrumental in furthering the growth of the Hebron Harvest Fair and volunteered every year. Richard was also a member of the American Legion for many years. He enjoyed marching in the Memorial Day Parade. Richard also served as a Justice of the Peace, officiating at many weddings. He enjoyed spending time with all his family and friends. Richard was a quiet man with a big heart. He will be greatly missed.
A celebration of his life will be held at the Hebron Lions Club on Saturday April 14, 2018 from 4:00-7:00 PM followed by a gathering at the Greenleaf in Hebron, CT. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Hebron Lions Club.
Family and friends may sign the guest register or leave a condolence message by visiting www.baldwincremation.com.
Affordable Cremations by Baldwin Brothers is honored to serve the Keefe family.
JUST THINKING OF YOU ON THIS ONE OF YOUR SPECIAL DAYS, ST PATRICK'S DAY. MISSING YOU A LOT AND LOVE YOU VERY MUCH.
YOUR OTHER HALF,
LINDA
When Richard first came into our lives it was such an uncertain time for all of us. We suddenly had this dark, capable, Irish man, a stranger, enter the picture. Along with him came a daughter and five gangly boys that would inevitably become part of our already existing family. I am sure that they were just as unsure as how to proceed as we were. Then, with Richard and Linda showing us through example, we learned about one another and we built relationships that did not just make us a bunch of kids that had to get along because there was no other option, but made us a true family. I love my cousins, and I love the man that became my uncle not just in name, but in spirit.
Richard always greeted us with a grin, always made us feel welcome. And then with the trust that he took the time to build, we felt loved. Looking back, the love that he showered upon Linda, and Fayne, Jen, and Aubin? It was so patient, and so genuine. How could you not love a man that loved the people that meant the most to you?
Richard sets the standard by which all men should be measured. I thank him for loving my Aunt Linda so completely, for being her partner in life, and bringing us all together as a family.
So, here is to Richard. "It is not length of life, but depth of life."
Ralph Waldo Emerson
You lived well Uncle Richard.
Dennis, Josephine, Richard Louise and Darrell Keefe circa 1958