Obituary of Colin E. Keenan

Colin E. Keenan, 74, passed away May 26, 2018. Colin was born October 8, 1943 in Beacon, New York. He was the son of Patrick and Susan Keenan (nee Bradley), Irish immigrants. Colin graduated from Beacon High School. Colin proudly served in the U.S. Army during Vietnam, and in later years as both an Army, and then Air Force Reservist. He retired from New York State Corrections in 1999 and subsequently worked for many years as a part time Beacon City School District bus driver. In July of last year he lost his wife of 50 years Gail E. Keenan (Branson). In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his brother Danny; his sisters: Suzanne, Mary, and Patricia. He is survived by his brothers Michael, Monsignor Patrick, and Hugh Keenan; sisters Rosalea (Vinny) Megna and Sharon Wallace; his three children Sabrina (Jerry) Bailie, Poughkeepsie; John (Wendi) Keenan, Waxhaw, North Carolina; and Shawn (Jenn) Keenan, Wappingers Falls; sister-in-law Jalene (Jimmy) Yeaple; his grandchildren Aislinn & Emma Bailie; Abigail, Noelle, & Isabella Keenan; Walt, Sable, & Sasha Keenan; best friend since childhood, Clarence Heroy; numerous nieces, nephews, family members, and friends, as well as, his new feline companion, Frack. In nearly two decades with BCSD, Colin enjoyed those he worked with, especially interacting with the many students. His decorated buses were legendary. He enjoyed traveling, and spending time with his grandchildren. As a lifelong New York Yankees fan, everything revolved around watching 'the game'. The daily jumbo in the morning after meeting Bob for newspaper delivery at 4:45 am, scratch-offs, The Price is Right, and Wheel of Fortune were all a part of his daily routine. In later years he became a staunch member of the Tom Brady fanclub. Colin offered no apologies for his Dairy Queen sweet tooth, affinity to Taco Bell, and Friday night pizza & wings dinners. He was on a constant quest for what he considered 'home-fries'. None of us really ever knew what he was after, but he certainly did and stopped at every diner within his travels. For someone who didn't have much skill in the kitchen, CEK 'trained us all well'. Thank you to all that played an integral role in Colin's care these last months, we are grateful. A Memorial Mass will be held at St. John the Evangelist Church at 31 Willow Street, Beacon, NY on Saturday, June 16 at 10 am. Burial will take place immediately following at Fishkill Rural Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, a donation made to a Veteran organization of your choosing would be an honor. Arrangements are under the direction of Straub, Catalano & Halvey Funeral Home, 55 East Main Street, Wappingers Falls. To send the family a personal condolence, please visit our website at www.StraubCatalanoHalvey.com Lets GO YANK--E-E-S!!