Edward J. Keelen
Served proudly in Army Honor Guard at Arlington National Cemetery and had professional career in early information systems
Edward J. Keelen, a resident of Essex Fells, N.J., and Seapointe at Cape May, died on June 7, 2019 after a lengthy illness. He was 90 years old. Jinny, his adoring wife of 67 years, was at his bedside at St. Barnabas Medical Center.
Relatives and friends are invited for visitation on Saturday, June 15, 2019 from 9 through 11 a.m. in the Shook-Farmer Funeral Home, 45 Roseland Avenue, Roseland, N.J. 07068.
A Funeral Mass will be offered at 11 a.m. at Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Church, 28 Livingston Ave., Roseland, N.J., with entombment to follow in the Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Mausoleum at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, East Hanover, N.J. Condolences and memories may be shared at shookfarmer.com.
Edward, better known as Bud, was born in Newark, N.J., in the St. Rose of Lima Parish in 1929. He graduated from St. Michael High School, attended Seton Hall University while concurrently working at the beginning of a long career in the industry now known as IT Information Systems. His entire working career encompassed many major corporations, relocating to Denver, Colo., returning back to New Jersey, and retiring from All State Legal in Cranford, N.J.
Bud was drafted into the US Army in 1951 during the Korean War and was chosen to become a member of the esteemed "Old Guard" of the 3rd US Infantry Regiment. In 1948, the "Old Guard" became the original Army Ceremonial Unit and official escort to the President, and is known formally today as the "Honor Guard." It was Bud's privilege to serve and to be part of the funeral detail to honor the fallen soldiers who were buried at Arlington National Cemetery and at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The Honor Guard served also as the personal detail to the President of the United States. He was discharged in 1953 with honors and returned home to marry Jinny that same year.
Bud was the son of the late Edward and Anna Moran Keelen. He was also pre-deceased by his brothers-in-law, Christopher I. Zwick and J. Thomas Martin.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Virginia Moglia Keelen, the love of his life; his adoring sister, Ann K. Zwick; and loving sister-in-law, Jean Moglia Martin. He leaves behind cherished nephews, sons of Tommy and Jean Martin, David J. Martin and his wife Kathy, Thomas Edward Martin and his wife Janet, and Christopher P. Martin and his wife Amaryl, and their children.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Bud's memory are suggested to be made to the Essex Fells Police Foundation, 255 Roseland Avenue, Essex Fells, N.J. 07021 or the charity of your choice.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
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