Michael G. Keenan
AGE: 67 • South Seaside Park
Michael G. Keenan, or Big Mike, as he was known in his hometown of Midway Beach, South Seaside Park, NJ, earned his nickname not only by his big stature, but with his big character and big heart, that touched the lives of many in the community. Growing up in New Brunswick, Michael took his basketball skills from St. Peter's High School to the courts of Florida's Chipola Junior College where the team made it to the junior national championship, and Mike continued spending winters around the campus until his passing. Big Mike was a permanent fixture on Midway Beach, and when he was not bodysurfing or fishing, he could be found talking about the Dallas Cowboys, the Boston Red Sox, or his favorite topic, the pride he took in his loving family. Sibling to two, father to three, and grandfather to six, not a day went by without him imbuing his sense of humor into all of his family's lives. Born December 30, 1945, died Sunday, Feb. 10, 2013, Michael G. Keenan passed before his time, due to heart failure, at the age of 67, and will be tremendously missed by many.
Michael was predeceased by his parents, Robert and Barbara Keenan, and is survived by his daughter, Kelly Collard, and her husband Clint of Maricopa, AZ; his daughter, Katie Pascucci and husband Ivo of Rumson, NJ; his son, Brian Keenan of New York, NY; his sister, Barbara Yanik and her husband Michael of Waretown, NJ; his sister, Marylou Kaiser and her husband John of Somerset, NJ; his grandchildren, Emily, Megan and Katelyn Collard and Colleen, Enzo and Brooke Pascucci; and his nephew, Michael Kaiser and his wife Claire.
Family and friends are invited to the Gleason Funeral Home, 1360 Hamilton St., Somerset, NJ 08873 between 3 & 7 pm Wednesday. In lieu of flowers please, memorial contributions in Mr. Keenan's name would be greatly appreciated to the Chipola Foundation, 3094 Indian Circle, Marianna, FL 32446.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Still miss seeing the big guy walking up 2nd to the beach. He was a great guy!
Richard Paulus
February 8, 2021
Prayers to the Keenan family...Mike was a great guy with such a great personality...he will be dearly missed.
Jim Petrillo
March 8, 2013
My deepest condolences to his friends and family. Last saw you, Mike in 1982 but how that picture brings back memories!
From Romeo & Juliet: "And when he has died, take him and cut him up in little stars, and he will make the face of heaven so bright; that all the world will be in love with night. And pay no worship to the garish sun..." Hail and Farewell fine fellow - from a former classmate at SPHS
Judy Scott
March 8, 2013
May God keep you in the palm of His Hands. Good night bright light. MBCA
Sophie Kauchak - Board of Directors
February 19, 2013
May you rest in peace Mike..... your JSMC friends miss you....
Charles Lombardi
February 19, 2013
Mike played ball with my brother Al,I worked with mike at pse&g I also played ball with mike.I`ll miss him.
Pete Kormondy
February 16, 2013
So very sad to hear about Mike. an unforgettable presence and great guy.
Nancy Seamon Lauler
February 15, 2013
My deepest heartfelt condolences to the entire family. I will truly miss hearing that big voice as he walked up the lane. It will now join with all the other voices that echo through out Midway Beach. Gone but never forgotten.
Richard Paulus
February 14, 2013
Am saddened to hear of your loss. Big Mike came by my house last year. First time I had seen him since 1967. Had a great time reminiscing. My prayers for his family. He was a great person.
Tommy Ayers
February 14, 2013
Our thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.
With love and hugs
Luigi e Anna
February 14, 2013
Michael, was a very special human,(of a class apart)his penetrative charisma, immediately conquered your heart, you only needed to spend less than five minutes with him, to feel like you knew him for a life time. God Bless You. Love Alberto
February 14, 2013
Mike's amazing heart touched the lives of many, which I was lucky to experience myself; only knowing him the short time that I did. I feel honored to have known him and shared the time that we did. His loving heart and pride for living is something I will always remember. "Pinky"- he was very blessed to have had you. Your entire family is in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless, always.
Leslie Nucera
February 13, 2013
Please accept my heartfelt condolences on the passing of Mike. I have known him since St. Peter's. He was a fun guy to be around and he will sorely be missed.
May he rest in eternal peace.
Pete Kokoszka
February 13, 2013
He was a great guy who you never could spend enough time with. My sympathy to the family.
Vincent Perla
February 13, 2013
Katie, Ivo, & Family,
Our prayers and thoughts are with you all during this difficult time.
Lou & Patty Ferraro
Lou Ferraro
February 13, 2013
So sorry for your loss. Are thoughts and prayers are with you all
Erin & John Tavares
February 13, 2013
My sympathies to Mike's family. He was one of the real legends of St Peter's basketball and a great teammate.
Frank Cipot
February 12, 2013
Mike,
When you see your Dad again in heaven, please say hello for me and tell him I'm sorry about missing that last game. Won't be the same in Midway without you.
Tom Dunlap
February 12, 2013
I miss my friend,roomate,teammate. I'll miss seeing you at Trammels in Blountstown. Bless your family during these hard times.
b
Dale Klay
February 12, 2013
Gonna miss ya, Mike! Tim/Jackie...2nd Lane
February 12, 2013
Gonna miss ya Mike. Tim/Jackie...2nd Lane
February 12, 2013
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Barbara O'Connor
February 12, 2013
so sad to lose one of thr "good ones" whose lives enrich the lives of all others. Big Mike was an integral part of building the legacy of Chipola athletics over the past decades. More importantly, he was our lifelong friend and one hell of a guy! farewell, Mike. Thx for being in our lives.
Jamey and Gayle Westbrook
Jamey Westbrook
February 12, 2013
Mike, Always appreciated your concern for me. I'll miss hearing from you.
God Bless You. Jim Carolan
February 12, 2013
MIke was a fun-loving guy. His basketball talents at St. Peter's allowed him to hold the single game scoring record of 46 points during his final year. As I remember it,Mike's love for the Midway Beach area began with a rental with a sign over the door which read "House of the Rising Sun". Well, Mike the sun will rise again over South Seaside Park, but it just won't be the same minus your two eyes watching and smiling. God bless you and your family
Dave D'Alonzo
February 12, 2013
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
G. Freeman
February 12, 2013
I remember you well from 1952 enjoyed your company at Midway Beach will always remember the fine memories we shared that's something that even in these hard times no one can ever take away...you will be missed my friend by friends and all your family!
Bob Calvert
February 12, 2013
My deepest sympathies to Mike's family. My prayers to a good friend and fellow Peter's athlete. We'll miss you at our yearly get togethers.Your on God's starting team now. God bless..
Kormondy
February 12, 2013
My deepest sympathy goes out to your family. Mike was such a fun and loving person. Midway Beach will never be the same without him. We will all miss him.
Lyn Cucco
February 12, 2013
i will miss you my friend... your love of family, friends and simply having the time of your life has impressed and inspired me... till we meet again
Marianne Dahab
February 12, 2013
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