Name: Calling hours for Michael D. O'Keefe
Start: 2019-09-29T21:00:00.000Z
End: 2019-09-30T00:00:00.000Z
Location: Lambert Funeral Home & Crematory

HOOKSETT - Michael D. O'Keefe, 70, of Hooksett, died Sept. 25, 2019.

Born in Minneapolis, Minn., on July 22, 1949, he was the son of Thomas J. and Mary B. (McCarthy) O'Keefe.

He attended Cathedral High School in Springfield, Mass., and graduated with a bachelor's degree from St. Anselm College. He earned a master's degree in natural science from Worcester Polytechnic Institute with a concentration in subatomic particle physics.

He also served in the U.S. Army.

Michael began his career as a chemistry teacher in Manchester. He then co-founded a high technology recruiting and contract software engineering company and co-founded a medical staffing company. After retiring from the business world, he returned to the classroom teaching chemistry at Campbell High School in Litchfield.

He loved spending time with his family and friends. He enjoyed supporting them at horse shows and being around his beloved dogs.

Michael was predeceased by the love of his life, wife Donna (Darrah) O'Keefe, in 2011.

Family members include his daughter and son-in-law, Amanda and Gerry Murchison of Hooksett; his siblings, Thomas J. O'Keefe Jr. and wife Twyla of Texas, Stephen W. O'Keefe of Boston, Mass., John O'Keefe and wife Eileen of Massachusetts, and Mary Kathleen Driscoll of Massachusetts; a close family friend, Mark F.X. Nelke; and many other friends and by the students whose lives he touched.

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SERVICES: Calling hours are Sunday, Sept. 29, from 5 to 8 p.m. in Lambert Funeral Home & Crematory, 1799 Elm St., corner of North Street, Manchester.

A funeral service is planned for Monday, Sept. 30, at 11 a.m. in Grace Episcopal Church, Lowell Street, Manchester.

Memorial donations may be made to the Wounded Warriors Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, Kan. 66675 or the Community Hospice House, 7 Executive Park Drive, Merrimack, N.H. 03054.

To send an online message of condolence, please visit www.lambertfuneralhome.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Union Leader on Sep. 27, 2019.

Memories and Condolences
for Michael O'Keefe

17 Entries

Susan Gontarz

October 3, 2019

My sympathies to Mike's family. I was his bookkeeper for over 20 years when he was in business. Mike was very knowledgeable of all areas of finance which made for a great working environment. I've thought of him many times over the years. Rest In Peace Mike.

Nancy Sevigny

October 1, 2019

Amanda, I'm so sorry to hear of your Dad's passing. He and your Mom were such a lovely couple, always so happy. I'll keep you all in my prayers. Nancy Sevigny

Heather Welsh

September 30, 2019

Amanda - I am so sorry to hear about the passing of your father. My thoughts are with you and your family.

Ron donofrio

September 30, 2019

It was such a honor and privilege to know both Mike and Donna , so many good memories of you both . Robin and I both loved you Warren is going to miss you :) ... Ron Donofrio & Robin Mcgahey

Janet & John Oberti

September 29, 2019

What an amazing teacher and man! He inspired his students at Campbell including our youngest son. Chemistry was his favorite class. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family! Such a great man!

Deborah Watson

September 29, 2019

Mr. O'Keefe, as we knew him, was a stellar teacher at Central High School. I was tempted to go into Science, largely because of my experience of him in the classroom, but did not. I did, however, go into teaching, and he was part of why that was so. God bless you, his family and friends, with comfort, encouragement, and many good memories of this man, who shared his gifts with so many through the years.

Rick

September 29, 2019

Mike started as an employee in 1978. A few years later my business partner. A few years later a close friend and confidant.Mike became my brother. In battle the only man I would want to share a fox hole. God bless. Rick

Susan Richardson

September 28, 2019

I am so sorry Amanda. Your Dad was my mentor, he taught me so much about life and business. Michael took me under his wing at the age of 23. He was kind, caring and disciplined when it came to business. I feel so blessed to have known Michael. He has touched so many people. Michael adored you Amanda, you were the light in his eyes. Rest In Peace Michael.

Kathryn DiCola

September 27, 2019

My two sons both had him as a chemistry teacher at Campbell High. They so loved him. I credit him with my son now being a biochemist. All the students adored him. This is very, very sad news.

Susanne Stretch

September 27, 2019

"Give Rest, O Christ, to thy servant Mike with thy saints, where sorrow and pain are no more: neither sighing, but life everlasting.....Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia..."Forever grateful to you for bringing us (Fr. Jerry and I) to NH from WA. Love to Donna. Love to Amanda and Gerry....

Jim Barker

September 26, 2019

I met Micheal two times and was so impressed by what an amazing man he was. He left an impact on my grandson & me and I am grateful for that. I will continue to pray for his family and friends. He touched so many lives and made our world a better place.

Nathalie Hirte

September 26, 2019

My sincere condolences . 2 of my children had your father at CHS. He had a profound and lasting impact on them. His lessons live on with many students. Sincerely. Nathalie Hirte

Susan Clarke

September 27, 2019

My deepest condolences. Mike was a wonderful man and loved spending time with him --very intelligent, wise, and caring. I am blessed to have know him. Many prayers for his family and friends who have been with him every step of the way.

Chris Gillespie

September 27, 2019

I think you would have a difficult time finding an educator more revered and beloved by their students than Mr. O'Keefe.

Regardless of students' background or level of science literacy, Mr. O'Keefe offered boundless attention, patience, and encouragement. His passion for chemistry, and science in general, was tremendous. Regardless of the challenges he was facing in his personal life, he managed to inspire every single student who took his class with his unwavering intelligence, professionalism and good humor, day in and day out.

I know I am one of countless CHS alumni who will always be thankful that, even though Mr. O'Keefe could have taught anywhere, he chose Litchfield. He truly was one-of-a-kind and we are lucky to have had him as an educator and member of our community.

While he will be deeply missed by many, including myself, I can't help but feel a twinge of comfort knowing that, somewhere out there, Mr. O'Keefe is embarking on a new chapter of his never-ending journey to explore the mysteries and wonders of our magnificent universe.

William Thomas

September 27, 2019

We were so sorry to learn of Michael's passing. Our sincere condolences to Amanda and his siblings. Wendy and I were colleagues at Central High School and we knew that Mike was a great teacher and well-liked and admired by his students. Mike and Donna along with John and Catherine - Ann Day and ourselves would often frequent that terrific Irish restaurant and pub, "Frankie's," in Bedford, where we would hear wonderful Irish musicians such as Tommy Makem and Liam Clancy! We will remember both Donna and Michael fondly.

William Pothier

September 27, 2019

I feel privileged to have taught next to Michael for the two years that I did. His chemistry instruction was inspiring and powerful and there is no doubt that this has had a lasting affect on the students lucky enough to be in his classroom. May you rest in peace Mike knowing how many lives that you have touched and who are all better now because of it. What we do in life echoes in eternity.

September 27, 2019

Mr. O Keene, Thank you for your service RDM Windham NH

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