Walter John Keegan

1948 - 2016

Walter John Keegan

AGE: 67 • Sayreville

Walter John Keegan Sr., 67, of Sayreville passed away on Wednesday April 13 at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick after a brief illness. Born in New Brunswick on June 12, 1948, he was a lifelong Sayreville resident.

Walt was employed by E.I. DuPont de Nemours in Sayreville for 30 years, working his way up through the ranks from laborer to management, retiring in 1995.

Walt had a lifelong passion for all things automotive, and retirement brought the opportunity to work at several local auto dealerships as well as Sayreville Tire and Barry's Automotive in Sayreville. He passed his love of cars on to his son Walt Jr. and they spent countless hours in the garage together working side by side on many projects. He was a member of Classic Knights Car Club and took great pride in his automobiles.

Walt also loved animals, dogs in particular, and was a tireless volunteer at New Beginnings Animal Rescue in East Brunswick. He was instrumental in helping the shelter get up and running in 2014 and in helping it to thrive. He cared for the dogs, kept up with maintenance and repairs, and participated in all fundraising events including conducting his annual "Rods & Paws" Car Show benefit. He loved "his dogs" and they loved him back.

Walt was a communicant of Our Lady of Victories Church in Sayreville where he received all his sacraments. He lived by The Golden Rule and had an awesome sense of humor. He could always make you giggle with a wise crack or funny comment. He would eat pizza for breakfast, lunch and dinner if given a choice.

Walt is predeceased by his parents, Jack and Fannie Kozak Keegan. He is survived by his high-school sweetheart and devoted wife of 47 years, Betty Meisch Keegan; his son and best friend, Walt Keegan Jr. and his wife Jennifer of Spotswood; his loving sister Barbara Keegan of East Brunswick, and a host of other relatives and good friends.

Funeral services will be held Friday 7pm at the Carmen F. Spezzi Funeral Home 15 Cherry Lane Parlin with private cremation to follow. Calling hours at the funeral home will be held Friday from 4pm to 8pm.

Donations in Walt's memory may be made to New Beginnings Animal Rescue, 706R Cranbury Road, East Brunswick, NJ 08816 or to a charity of your choice.

Letters of condolence, directions and completed arrangements can be found at www.spezzifuneralhome.com.