William Gerald Keane

William Keane Obituary

TRURO William Gerald Keane, 71, of Truro, died suddenly of heart failure on November 5th, 2008. Bill served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1956 to the early 60s. He was named Marine of the Year in 1958. Principal of the Truro elementary school from 1971 to 1986, Bill was also an avid fisherman. Due to his extremely inquisitive mind, he was a font of information about a far-ranging array of topics, including but not limited to the natural world and every aspect of life on Cape Cod. He was the author of the book Fact and Fancy in American Wildlife, published in 1969 by Houghton Mifflin. At the time of his death, he was a realtor with Old Cape Sothebys International Realty in Orleans. Bill touched countless people through his warmth and generosity. He is survived by his wife Cammie Keane and children Julia and Asa Keane of Truro; daughters Beth Keane of Plymouth, Kristen Sinewick of Plymouth, and Erin Peterson of New Hampshire; and his closest cousin, Patty Whittemore of Rockland. In accordance with Bills wishes there will be no funeral or memorial service. A gathering to celebrate his life will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, his family requests that contributions be made either to the Truro Neighborhood Association Scholarship Fund, or towards the future education of Julia and Asa, which contributions may be sent to N. Cameron Keane, in care of Wendy Watson, 73 Oak St. #100, Brattleboro, VT 05301.

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Published by The Patriot Ledger on Nov. 15, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for William Keane

6 Entries

Ellen Duffy-Peterson

November 20, 2008

I have so many wonderfull memories from Round Cove in East Harwich to North Beach, to Skate fishing and jumping off the pilings. He showed me more than one true Cape summer. I will never forget comming into round cove very late one night in the dark and Bill and my Dad probably haD ONE TO MANY MILLER LITES AND THE WERE rowing in and the skiff flipped over........ Rest In Peace BIll !!!!

Mike Casey

November 17, 2008

Mr. Keane,
Sir, as a fellow Marine I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for our Country when you served in the USMC. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

Semper Fi Devil Dog!
Mike Casey USMC '85-'89

Robbin (Yerxa) Delaney

November 13, 2008

Twenty-five years ago I was honored to have my god-father give the toast at my wedding. After all he was known for his "toasts" full of clever words & wisdom. That was the man I remember growing up, a well-educated, professional man, an author, and in his "off-time" fisherman & Jack of all trades. Even tough I havent been a part of Bill's life for a while I will always have nice memories of him. I was sad to hear of his passing. To my three wonderful cousins, Beth,Kristen & Erin, I love you & wish you peace during this difficult time. To My Uncle Bills wife & young children I also wish you peace and strength. May your memories help you through this difficult and painful time. God-speed Uncle Billy, may there be more fish to be caught, more quahogs to be dug up & most of all more cooking to be done- i will forever miss your clam chowder & the best baked stuffed quahogs EVER!!!

shirley smith

November 12, 2008

Dear Cammie. I am so sorry for you , Julia, and Asa. Bill was a warm gentle man. I didn't know him that well, but when I saw you all at the summer concerts.....what a wonderful,energetic family you all were together. Bill was very generous to Dick and me when we were at one time thinking of getting a reverse morgage on Pamet house. His guidance through that process was professional but at the same time warm and neighborly. To short a time to be julia and asa's dad.....to soon for his physical presence to be gone.....His spirit will always be a part of the landscape in truro and at the school. You are in my prayers. Warm hugs for you and your two beautiful children. Shirley Smith

Candy Keane

November 10, 2008

Beth, Kristin and Erin-

You are all in my thoughts and prayers. As kids we had great times. The memories are wonderful, hold on to them.

Love,
Candy Keane

Erin Keane-Peterson

November 9, 2008

My memories are vivid.....the beach, boats, fishing, working in the yard, and an array of animals (especially my lopped eared rabbit, times two and Cherrystone). Larry's PX on Sunday's and then JuJu Bee's from Northport, that was my time on "dump day." Him helping people in distress on Pleasant Bay and yelling at others for not following the rules. North Beach during the summer with family and friends, my dad driving boat loads of people back and forth sometimes into the night. Going blue crab fishing in Round Cove at night with a big light. I held the light and he scooped them up and they ran around the dinghy that I was in, trying to snip my feet. Fourth of July parties. Christmas mornings with my sisters on the steps. Working at the pizza shop in P-Town and the fact that everyone knew my dad. Going to school with him at Truro Central School and all the good people I meet. Many more, too many to list. I will be forever glad for all the good times and sad for the time lost.

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