Eugene F. Keegan

Keegan, Eugene F. (Chuck) ALBANY Eugene F. "Chuck" Keegan, 87, died on Thursday, October 3, 2013 at home following a long illness. Son of the late George and Arlene Keegan, Chuck was predeceased by his wife, Leona B. "Sally" Richardson Keegan. Father of Mark P. (Mary Jean), Charles J "C.J.," Timothy J., Coleen M. "Susie," Gary S., John G., James J. (Lisa) and the late Karin A. and Patrick J. Keegan; grandfather of Meghan, Liam, LaMar, Madeline, Aaron, Sean and Kaitlyn Keegan and Alexis and Brody Michaud; also survived by his "honorary" son, James Sheeran; brother of the late Jack, George and James Keegan. Chuck was a proud veteran of World War II, enlisting in the Navy and selected for the submarine service, the "cream of the crop." He served on the USS Bashaw (SS-241) and the USS Barbarrow (SS-317). After the war he worked at the Knolls Atomic Plant. An excellent athlete, he played semi-pro baseball for both the Albany Hobos and the Troy Allstars. He spent many a season as a coach for the National Little League. A 1949 graduate of the Simmons School of Mortuary Science, he founded the Magin and Keegan Funeral Home with his partner Fred Magin in 1956. With the love and partnership of his high school sweetheart, Chuck successfully raised nine kids who carry on his humanitarian ideals as nurses, teachers, law guardians for children, funeral directors and social workers. Always involved in the lives of his kids and grandkids, he never missed a sporting event nor did he miss an opportunity to share his wisdom. Chuck loved the church. When his health allowed, he attended daily Mass. He also acted on his Catholicism, using his special skills to minister to the poor and homeless of our community. He was recognized for his efforts by the Homeless Action Committee in 2004 when they honored him for providing "beautiful funeral services for people who were homeless, ensuring dignity in death." His efforts to ensure that all are entitled to a dignified death was also recognized in a January 2012 newspaper article. The Keegan family wants to thank Drs. Bashant, Sullenberger and Rosenberg and their staffs for the excellent care they provided to Chuck. Additionally, the family sincerely appreciates the love extended by his caretakers, Kayleigh Lawyer, Ticia Gilroy, Kristie White and Maureen Shanahan. Your kindness can not be repaid. Funeral services will be held Monday, October 7, 2013 at 10:30 a.m. at Blessed Sacrament Church, 607 Central Ave., Albany. Relatives and friends are invited and may also call at the Magin & Keegan Funeral Home, 891 Madison Ave., Sunday from 4 to 7 p.m. Internment, Our Lady of Angels Cemetery. While the Keegan family appreciates the gift of flowers, we request that instead, memorial contributions be made to either the Homeless Action Committee, 393 N. Pearl St., Albany, NY 12207, or Catholic Charities, 40 N. Main Ave., Albany 12208.