Obituary: Thomas M. Keane Sr., Former Needham Resident

Obituary from Doane, Beal & Ames Funeral Home:

Thomas M. Keane Sr., 88, formerly of Needham, died Dec. 5, 2013.

Thomas was born Jan. 22, 1925 in Hartford, Conn. to Mary and Michael Keane. He was the first of five children to be born in the United States, his family coming from Ireland. 

After high school, Tom joined the United States Army at age 17 and served as an MP during World War II in England and France. Despite having just one good eye, he was a sharpshooter.

After the war and thanks to the GI Bill, he got his undergraduate degree in zoology from the University of Connecticut and graduated in 1950. His love of learning and science drew him to a long career with the Warner Lambert pharmaceutical company.

In 1955, Tom married Elizabeth Ann (Betty) Kelly in Wethersfield, Conn. Tom and Betty Ann first settled in Hartford, Conn., then Bloomfield, Conn. and in 1964 moved to Needham. Tom and Betty Anne moved to Centerville in 2000 and then to Hingham in 2013.

Tom was a voracious reader who discussed and debated the issues of the day; he was a nurturer who cared for his gardens like he cared for all he met. He was an active member of the Osterville Men's Club and its glee club. He was a devoted parishioner of Our Lady of Victory, Centerville. 

Tom is survived by Betty Ann, his wife of 58 years; his eleven children, Thomas M. Jr. and his wife Laurie Farrell of Boston, Robert J. and his wife Sharon of Bedford, Mary Elizabeth Doherty and her husband Christopher of Topsfield, Anne Kelly of Amherst, Martin E. and his wife Elizabeth of Arlington, Va., Gregory J. and his wife Lissa of Nahant, Kathryn T. Bullen and her spouse Tori of Castle Rock, Colo., James P. and his wife Eileen of Medway, Kevin J. and his wife Eileen of Needham, Brian F. and his wife Kate of Arlington, Va. and Bridget J. of San Francisco, Calif.; and all of his 33 grandchildren. 

In lieu of flowers, remembrance of Tom can be sent as a charitable donation to the Catholic Memorial School Advancement Office, 235 Baker St., West Roxbury, MA 02132.