Peter Bruce Keenan, 75, of Wappingers Falls, New York, passed away after a brief illness at Vassar Brothers Medical Center on Tuesday, February 14, 2017. He was surrounded by his family.

Peter was born in Rockaway Beach, New York on September 8, 1941 to the late Joseph Keenan and Dorothy Brennan. On February 29, 1964, he married Helen Keenan at St. Francis de Sales Church in Bell Harbor, New York. Together Pete and Helen had four “rambunctious” sons.

Peter pledged his love to his country by joining the Army and served from 1961 to 1963. He then worked as a Construction Representative for Con Edison until he retired in 2000 after 37 years of service.

Peter was a loving husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend to all. Peter is survived by his wife of 53 years, Helen; his sons: Sean (Mary Lou) Keenan of Millbrook, NY, Chris (Jackie) Keenan of Wappingers Falls, NY, Brian (Anne Marie) Keenan of New Paltz. NY, and Tim(Michele) Keenan of Poughkeepsie, NY; and 9 grandchildren: Peter, Christian, Brittany, Danielle, Kelly, Lia, Riley, Kasey and Brady.

Peter’s passion was coaching football. He started with pop warner and the “Hopewell Jets” and continued his coaching career at Marist College, Our Lady of Lourdes High School, Roy C. Ketcham High School and predominately at Millbrook High School. He was called “Old Man Keenan” by his players at Millbrook High School. Mr. Keenan was not only their football coach but their mentor, friend, and someone for whom they looked up to with great respect.

One of his players said, “Coach meant so much to Millbrook Football, but he meant much more than that to me. He is the main reason that I am a man today.”

Another player said,”I will never forget the lessons he taught us on the field. I hope one day, I can teach my kids half as well as he taught me.”

Peter also excelled at coaching baseball for 20 years with the East Fishkill Little League.

Peter was a devoted father and grandfather. He and Helen loved to attend their children and grandchildren’s sporting and academic events. His life was dedicated to being there for his family. Peter was a man of strength and conviction. He was never afraid to share his feelings with others because his words were meant to add value to their lives.

Peter’s other interests included antiquing, fishing and spending summer vacations at the beach with his family.

Visitation will be on Friday, February 17, from 2-4 and 6-9pm at the McHoul Funeral Home, Inc., 895 Route 82, Hopewell Junction, New York. The Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Saturday, February 18 at 10am at St. Columba Church, 835 Route 82, Hopewell Junction, New York.

In lieu of flowers, please send memorial donations to the Sparrow’s Nest, 942 Route 376, Suite 215-216, Wappingers Falls, NY 12590. (www.sparrowsnestcharity.org). Please visit Peter’s Book of Memories at www.mchoulfuneralhome.com.

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