John D. "Jack" Keefe

About

Liberty High School Lehigh University University of Miami University of Pennsylvania

John Keefe Obituary

Jack Keefe
John D. Jack Keefe, 84, of Allentown, died Thursday, July 16, 2009 in the St. Lukes V.N.A. Hospice House. Born in Bethlehem on January 6, 1925, he was the son of the late Thomas J. and Mary (Connolly) Keefe. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Kay (Focht) Keefe. For more than 34 years, Jack served as a professor of economics at Lehigh University. During his tenure, he was as an educator, mentor and friend to many. He graduated from Liberty High School in 1942, where he was a standout scholar and athlete. He went on to serve with distinction in World War II, earning three Purple Hearts and a Bronze Star. After the war, he attended Lehigh University, the University of Miami and the University of Pennsylvania before beginning his long teaching career. Of all his accomplishments, Jack would be most proud of his close relationships with family, friends and students. Survivors: He is fondly remembered by his wife, Kay; sons, Michael and his wife, Linda, Kevin and his wife, Terri, Daniel and his wife, Clare, John and his wife, Mary Kay; daughter, Mary; brother, Richard; grandchildren, Katie, Patrick, Jake, TJ, Kelly, Christopher, Jessie, Molly, Noah and Justin; great granddaughter, Taylor. He was preceded in death by his brother, Thomas, and grandson, Nick. Services: Arrangements are being handled by Connell Funeral Home Inc., 245 E. Broad St., Bethlehem, where a funeral service will be held on Tuesday, July 21 at 11 a.m. Calling hours will be held in the funeral home on Monday, July 20 from 6-8 p.m. and on Tuesday from 10-11 a.m. Interment will be in Holy Saviour Cemetery, Bethlehem. Contributions: In lieu of flowers, Jacks family asks that you do something positive in his memory, or donate to a charity of your choice in his name. Offer condolences online at www.connellfuneral.com

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

Published by Morning Call on Jul. 19, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for John Keefe

13 Entries

July 14, 2010

Pop-Pop,
It's almost a year since you passed away, but we love and miss you as much as if it were yesterday. I know you are watching over all of us and that is very comforting. You have a new great-grandchild Morgan who is 6 1/2 months old. When she is older, I can't wait to tell her stories of my Pop-Pop Jack. I love you and miss you and will see you again someday.
Love,
Miss Katie

Dr Roland Sigal

July 25, 2009

Kay and family:

Our deepest sympathy. Jack's relationship goes back to when we were 14 years old. He was a great person. Roland & Doris

Adrienne DeLeon

July 23, 2009

Mrs Keefe & Family,
I am so very sorry to hear of your loss. Though I never met Mr. Keefe in person I know he was the kind of man that has touched so many lives in such positive ways. Wow, 59 years of marriage, that is beautiful. I know he will be greatly missed. Remember all the great times that you all spent together. God Bless. You will all be in my prayers.
Adrienne-

Tom Hyclak

July 22, 2009

Jack was a good colleague and an inspiration to those of us who see teaching as vocation not a job. Untold numbers of Lehigh students benefitted from having him as their economics instructor. He was a good man who had a good life in the face of serious challenges and who had a positive influence on many.

July 20, 2009

Kevin, Terry and Boys - Our sympathies are with you. - Robin Flemming, Cole Breidinger & Vaughn Gower

July 20, 2009

Our Very Dear Kay & Family,
No words could ever be enough to describe the privilege it is to have met you, Kay, and learn of your family. Jack contributed so much to so many. We can remember all the lives he's touched. We pray the Spirit of all comfort keeps you strong during this time and to the end. He is our joy in the midst of sorrow. God bless you always.
Much Love and Prayers,
Revs. Bob and Mary Hoppes

Susan Schwentner

July 20, 2009

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

July 20, 2009

TO THE KEEFE FAMILY
IT WAS A HONOR TO KNOW YOUR HUSBAND & FATHER.HE WAS TRULY ONE OF THE BEST OF WHAT HAS BEEN COME TO BE KNOWN AS THE "GREATEST GENERATION".THE WORLD IS A BETTOR PLACE TODAY BECAUSE OF MEN LIKE HIM.
PETE DUGAN & FAMILY

Sandy Hutchison

July 19, 2009

Jack is the best memory I have of my school days. He was the best teacher I ever had — he was a great educator. He was the one person during my college days who could turn negative issues into positive experiences. He gave me inspiration to charge on. I feel I have lost my best friend. But, I consider myself so lucky to have known Jack and been able to have his friendship for more than 40 years. Kay, may God bless you and your family.

Dick Trumbore

July 19, 2009

Great guy, true old friend, gritty survivor, many wonderful, warm and humorous memories.

Donald Lewin

July 19, 2009

Jack's demise is a pure loss. The world lost a great educator who helped develop the minds and thinking processes of many thousands of his students, including mine. He was a fine human being -- a true "mensch." He was also a wonderful friend.

Please accept my condolences.

Ken and Joan Bitler

July 19, 2009

John and Family. May the Lord Bless all of you during this time of sorrow and until the day you are all reunited again in His kingdom. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Mr Keefe did it right he raised one of the greastest families i have ever known and you all have to be so proud of him. God Bless you all now and forever.

Pastor Helen & Pastor John Edwards

July 19, 2009

Dear Kay and family,

You are very much in our thoughts and prayers.

We are sorry for your loss and know God will give you His comfort and peace as you walk through this time of great change.

With much love,
Pastor Helen and Pastor John

Showing 1 - 13 of 13 results