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Donald Keenan Obituary
Don was born in Scranton in August 1944. He was a graduate of the Scranton Central High School and in 1966 earned a degree in English from the University of Scranton. Don's artistic talent afforded him a long career as an illustrator and graphic artist. He began his career at The Scranton Dry Goods Store doing hand-drawn newspaper advertisements. He worked for Sugarman's Eynon Drug Store, Jewelcor and Service Merchandise producing art for catalogs. Adding CAD to his cache of skills presented Don his favorite work experience with the former Fleet Decal and Graphics; from which he retired after more than 20 years of employment.
Don's oil portraits were often awarded first prize at regional shows and he was active in the art community for many years. A highlight of his career was having two of his illustrations published in the New Yorker Magazine. Don enjoyed theater and opera and his daily walks at the dike. He was a friend of Bill W. for 26 years.
Don was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Mildred Pabst Keenan; sisters, Alice Keenan, Helen Keenan Burke and Claire Keenan Delaney.
He is survived by brothers, Joseph Keenan and wife, Shirley, Madisonville; James Keenan and wife, MaryAnn, Scranton; three generations of nieces and nephews, cousins and dear friends.
The family extends appreciation to the nurses and staff of Celtic Hospice as well as the ICU team at Geisinger Wyoming Valley for the dedicated, compassionate and professional care given to Don.
Friends may call Tuesday from 4 to 7 p.m. at Vanston and James Funeral Home, 1401 Ash St., Scranton.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by the Rev. Joseph F. Sica, at 10 a.m. Wednesday in Immaculate Conception Church, 801 Taylor Ave., Scranton. All attending the Mass are requested to go directly to the church.
In lieu of flowers, the family encourages memorial contributions be made in Don's honor to Smile Train, 41 Madison Ave. 28th FL. New York, NY 10010, or to Little Sisters of the Poor, 2500 Adams Ave., Scranton, PA 18510.
The family invites you to share your remembrances of Don at www.vanstonandjames.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Donald Keenan
Christine M
March 19, 2025
Don was just the nicest guy. Don, you are missed.
Debbie Shaffer
March 23, 2021
Well here it is 4 years since Don passed away. Since then my mom just passed away and I am sure Don is making my mom laugh. He had the best sense of humor and I haven't had a belly laugh since I was last with him. It was a pleasure going into work, knowing I would be with Don for 8 hours of fun. We shared so much life together. Brought out the best in me. Still have great memories of him. Sadly missed
Debbie Shaffer
March 20, 2020
I still fondly think of Don after 3 years of his passing. We worked together, went out for dinners together and remained one of my best friends even after I married. Don's brother called me several months ago and I lost his number and would like to talk with him to reminisce about his brother. We were so close. Please call me again so we can share in our joys and sorrows about Don. Thank you, Debbie Shaffer
Debbie Shaffer
March 20, 2019
Even after 2 years, I still have precious memories of Don. I think of him often and always have to smile. He brought out the very best in me and we would love until we cried. His sense of humor was so refreshing and times spent were with were the best times of my life. Still sadly miss. Debbie
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Becky Mooney
March 28, 2017
Donnie was one of the sweetest, kindest and most gentle people I have been privileged to know. He brought compassion, sincerity, and an artistic flair wherever he went. Rest peacefully, my friend. You will be missed as much as or even more than you were loved.
Dorothy Steenback
March 27, 2017
Joe and Shirley,
I am so sorry for your loss. May your memories help to ease the pain you are now feeling.
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Louann Addison
March 27, 2017
I was stunned and so sorry to hear of Dons passing. I had the privilege of working with him at Jewelcor. He was a true gentlemen and always had a kind word. I am grateful to have known you. RIP Donald.
March 27, 2017
Friends of Don and Bill W. Will miss you Sun.AM. Dottie P. And Marty K.
Debbie Shaffer
March 27, 2017
I am deeply saddened by the passing away of Don. I have been friends with Don for 40 years - we worked together, went out together and laughed and laughed like I have never since laughed. He was such a close friend. We always said we wished we could go back in time to the good old days. My sympathy to the family. He will be SO missed. Debbie Shaffer
Susan L
March 26, 2017
So sad to hear this. Donny was a dear friend and co-worker. May he rest in peace.
March 26, 2017
Mary Ann and I were so sorry to hear of the passing of Don. He was such a wonderful, sincere person and will be truly missed. He was a quiet gentile man, but when he spoke it was with wisdom and knowledge. Rest in peace my friend.
Jack & Mary Ann Burns
Anna M
March 26, 2017
Deepest condolences to Don's family and friends I remember him as we have that same friend in common
Maureen McLean
March 26, 2017
Thank you Donny for your inspiration, support and the kindness you extended to myself, and everyone you met. I you miss you my friend. Maureen M
March 26, 2017
My condolences to Don,s Family. We shared many years together as a Friend of Bill's and the Art League. A true Artist and genuine friend. Thank you for being in my life. Ed J
Mary H.
March 26, 2017
My sincere sympathy to Don's extended family. He was my "opera buddy" for many years. I will honor him with a gift to the Metropolitan Opera Live in HD fund. He loved those Saturday broadcasts so much.
March 26, 2017
We are very saddened by the loss of our friend Don....may his family and friends find confort in the legacy he left us all in the beauty of his work, and the beauty of his being.....RIP Donnie...untill we meet again...
Xo Jim and Bernie
Susie Miller Pileggi
March 26, 2017
Joe and Shirley, I am so sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you and with the rest of the family and friends.
Trish Starcher
March 26, 2017
Rest in peace beautiful friend, until we meet again. You will be sorely missed by all who had been Blessed to know you. May your family find comfort in knowing you are under His care now.
March 25, 2017
RIP my friend. It was an honor to know you. You will be missed by all who knew you.
Bob S. (Pittston, PA)
Christine M
March 25, 2017
My sincere condolences to Don's family. I am sorry to hear of Don's passing. He was such a kind and thoughtful man.
Patrick Leonard
March 25, 2017
My sympathies to Uncle Don's Family and friends.He was a treasured Uncle to the Delaney Family and although I never met him, I had the privilege to hear wonderful stories about him and see some of his personal artwork, which I always loved and admired. May his creativity fill your hearts with ways to remember him and share his life with others.
Always,
Pat Leonard
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