Jack, you were were a wonderful friend with a hard head & a beautiful brilliant mind

Jack was a smart, kind, humorous man who left a lasting impression on all who met him. My husband and I were fortunate to have met Jack and Barbara many years ago. It was through Denise, his niece, who is married to my son, John.
They always spoke so highly of him and we got to see it first hand upon meeting him. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Barbara, Alec, Wes and Anna. May they find comfort in their loving memories and in knowing that he now rests in peace.

The first time I heard an infant cry at night, it was Jackie. I was 6. My 18-year-old sister, Pat, and her unemployed husband moved into our Brooklyn apartment. Along with my parents and five other brothers and sisters, the three of them were there for about a year.

So, although I was an “uncle” at six, Jack was more like a little brother to me. My parents and I adored him. Later on, he often came and stayed with us. My mother would say, “Jackie is coming! I’ll make macaroni and cheese!” with great joy. He had his place on the living room couch alongside my father, where he would endlessly ask about his grandparents growing up in rural Ireland.

Jackie was so proud of Barbara, Alec, Wes and Anna. They were amazing in the love and care they gave to him through these past years.

I spent a few years growing up with Jack in Annadale, S I between1958 - 62. We were best bud's and hung out together daily. I moved back to Brooklyn but got to visit with him a few more times when I re-visited my uncle and family on Edgegrove ave. The last time we meet we went to his dad's bar in Annadale and i recall he was getting passionate about politics and said he wanted to help good guys get elected. Jack was extremely intelligent and big picture all the way. We spent countless hours conversing in that genre with him mostly emerging the teacher. He left his "forever mark" on me philosophically. I often tell stories about our adventures even did as recent as this year. I knew and remember his brothers fondly and offer my deepest condolences to them and entire family. I'm sorry we lost touch and equally sorry the world lost such a marco-man in an era where they're getting scarce. The Jack i know is not resting, rather watching over his family and pulling strings from above.

I want to offer my condolences to Barbara, Alec, Wes, and Anna. I hope knowing Jackie is at peace gives you some comfort.

Jackie, my oldest cousin of many. He would light a room up with his bright eyes and infectious smile. I have so many fond memories of this wonderful guy. His visits were always exciting. As my cousin already said, he would ask a million questions and he would listen to what I had to say. Really listen. I have to laugh at my cousin and sister mentioning his surveying what we were eating. He was very concerned. Always concerned about our well being. He was blunt, opinionated, passionate and he did not mince words. I loved that about Jackie. As a young girl, I was in awe of his presence. A warm
Loving man. I also, loved the political sparring matches he engaged in with my father. Polar opposites politically, but in the end of the debate they parted with a handshake and similar bright smiles. I loved that. Jackie, I imagine you will still be sparring with your Uncle Joe and my brother Michael, each with a pint of Haagen Dazs together, smiling down on us all. God bless.

My Uncle Jack, a great man - one like no other. There are so many memories I have of him, and my dear Aunt Barbara. They always kept me close and a part of their world.
Summers in Montauk, rooftop 4th of July, St. George to Park Slope, and even Thanksgivings in Binghamton. He cared for me. There were haircuts at the happening Astor Place, trips to Saks to buy me the most sophisticated linen outfit which I treasured for years. There were hours of Scrabble from the time I was 10, which continued into a tradition w my husband John and Uncle Jack as they bantered back and forth about the Yankees and the Mets.
There were so many great memories, too many to list, but what I remember and treasure the most were our talks. He would turn off the radio, the TV, and we would stay up talking, late into the night. He respected my ideas and listened to my every word, always gracious and never making me feel silly, because in reality - everyone was silly next to Uncle Jack, always the smartest and most eloquent man in the room regardless of the company. He just listened! He saved his profound advice for times when it mattered most. He let me choose my path and encouraged independence and self reflection. He guided me all through college and beyond. I remember long nights of study at his table in Park Slope as I was earning my Masters. He would always stay up extra late to sit at the table, eat Haagen- Dazs w me and talk to me- really talk. There was NO SMALL TALK for Uncle Jack. Big topics, and raw emotion- those are the conversations you had w Uncle Jack, even when I was 10! When I was in high school my friends used to hide when Jack came over. “Oh no! It’s Uncle Jack and you know he is going to ask us a million questions!” I think my sons’ friends do the same to me now! I learned from the best!!!!
Uncle Jack’s spirit lives inside me, and I attribute many of my best qualities to him. I am eternally grateful to him for that and he knew it. While his last 17 years were tragic and those who watched him suffer will never get over that, I was able to tell him over and over how much I love him, how grateful I am for all he gave me of himself, how his time was one of the greatest gifts I have ever received. I know he knew how much love I had for him and while he could not always say it I could see in his eyes he felt the same. His eyes could always speak volumes. I saw the love and pride in his eyes as he watched my 3 sons grow into young men... loving all their antics, silliness and accomplishments. His eyes shone in their presence and his 3 great-nephews learned to love through good and bad, very early on. They loved their Uncle Jack and learned to sit on his good side, that it was still ok to try to beat him at an arm wrestling contest, no easy task, and that apparently Motown concerts were the best TV you could possibly watch.
I sat at my uncle’s bedside a few weeks ago and looked into those crystal blues eyes, and yes he was ready. I thought I was too, but the loss of Uncle Jack is too huge, I may never ever be ready. He is irreplaceable. He will forever be present in my heart and in the hearts of my family.
I am who I am today because of my Uncle Jack. My family is stronger, wiser and kinder because of all the simple, yet powerful, moments and memories with my treasured Uncle Jack. I am forever grateful and will always be your devoted niece...
Denise

My Uncle Jack, a great man - one like no other. There are so many memories I have of him, and my dear Aunt Barbara. They always kept me close and a part of their world.
Summers in Montauk, rooftop 4th of July, St. George to Park Slope, and even Thanksgivings in Binghamton. He cared for me. There were haircuts at the happening Astor Place, trips to Saks to buy me the most sophisticated linen outfit which I treasured for years. There were hours of Scrabble from the time I was 10, which continued into a tradition w my husband John and Uncle Jack as they bantered back and forth about the Yankees and the Mets.
There were so many great memories, too many to list, but what I remember and treasure the most were our talks. He would turn off the radio, the TV, and we would stay up talking, late into the night. He respected my ideas and listened to my every word, always gracious and never making me feel silly, because in reality - everyone was silly next to Uncle Jack, always the smartest and most eloquent man in the room regardless of the company. He just listened! He saved his profound advice for times when it mattered most. He let me choose my path and encouraged independence and self reflection. He guided me all through college and beyond. I remember long nights of study at his table in Park Slope as I was earning my Masters. He would always stay up extra late to sit at the table, eat Haagen- Dazs w me and talk to me- really talk. There was NO SMALL TALK for Uncle Jack. Big topics, and raw emotion- those are the conversations you had w Uncle Jack, even when I was 10! When I was in high school my friends used to hide when Jack came over. “Oh no! It’s Uncle Jack and you know he is going to ask us a million questions!” I think my sons’ friends do the same to me now! I learned from the best!!!!
Uncle Jack’s spirit lives inside me, and I attribute many of my best qualities to him. I am eternally grateful to him for that and he knew it. While his last 17 years were tragic and those who watched him suffer will never get over that, I was able to tell him over and over how much I love him, how grateful I am for all he gave me of himself, how his time was one of the greatest gifts I have ever received. I know he knew how much love I had for him and while he could not always say it I could see in his eyes he felt the same. His eyes could always speak volumes. I saw the love and pride in his eyes as he watched my 3 sons grow into young men... loving all their antics, silliness and accomplishments. His eyes shone in their presence and his 3 great-nephews learned to love through good and bad, very early on. They loved their Uncle Jack and learned to sit on his good side, that it was still ok to try to beat him at an arm wrestling contest, no easy task, and that apparently Motown concerts were the best TV you could possibly watch.
I sat at my uncle’s bedside a few weeks ago and looked into those crystal blues eyes, and yes he was ready. I thought I was too, but the loss of Uncle Jack is too huge, I may never ever be ready. He is irreplaceable. He will forever be present in my heart and in the hearts of my family.
I am who I am today because of my Uncle Jack. My family is stronger, wiser and kinder because of all the simple, yet powerful, moments and memories with my treasured Uncle Jack.
Forever grateful and always your devoted niece...
Denise

March 2, 2021

Jack was the first grandchild to bless our grandparents, Mae Neville and Jack Keane. We all looked up to him since he was the oldest! He was smart, witty, good looking and loyal. As a bachelor, he would visit us in Maryland and throw out all the food my mother ( his Aunt Anne) had for me and my 3 siblings...not a single item of food containing red dye #3 or non vegan item would remain. He would come back from the Health Food Store with Tofu ice cream which was not something a 10 year old would want to eat. He always told us the family secrets that my mother thought we were too young to know about, so, I learned from him the importance of “not” keeping secrets....that life is filled with good and bad and we learn from it all. Once married, he and Barbara would drag Alec, Wes, and Anna to stay with us in Maryland so they could see the sights in Washington, D.C., swim, or catch a Baltimore Oriole versus New York Yankees game at Camden Yards. During those visits the best seat in the house was the kitchen table, with Jack facilitating conversations about life, ideas, philosophies, history, etc...The everyday, ordinary time spent in conversation with him was “extraordinary” and some of my best memories.

Jackie and I were best friends in Annadale shortly after his family moving to Staten Island. I remember we went to each other’s houses, played pinochle in the park, we’re in the same class in grammar school. We went to different high schools and lost touch, last talked to him in Texas years ago. I knew his mom and dad ,brothers and sister back in the day. One of the few people I always knew would amount to something.

A good man Very bright A classmate. who I learned a lot from Rest in Peace fellow Lion

My sincere sympathy to Barbara and the family. I thought about you the other day, Barbara..will never forget you. I am so sorry to read about your husband’s passing.

A fine gentleman with a heart of gold and a mind full to the brim with understanding,kindness and a unique wit.I shall miss him greatly.Sincere Condolences to Barbara and the children.

Jackie was always calm and always had a smile on his face. I remember when I was a kid, my cousin Jackie came over and I was eating a bag of Doritos and he took it from me and read all the ingredients. He was always looking after his health and told me how bad these were for me. He would bring us papaya juice and other healthy juices. I will always remember his easy going way about him and his smile. My condolences to his wife and children. Rest In Peace, Jackie.

My sincere condolences to Barbara and you family. You are in my thoughts