John Francis Kealy

John Francis Kealy, 63, passed away in Scottsdale, Arizona on August 16, 2007, surrounded by his family. He was born in Pensacola, FL on June 20, 1944, the first son of Dick and Ruth Kealy. Soon after his birth they moved to Hastings, Nebraska. Dad was a great scholar and athlete while attending the local Catholic schools (Go Bluehawks) and excelled in football and basketball. He was the first person to receive the "Ruth Kealy" award and continued to brag about his lightening speed, thus the name "Jet". He stayed in Hastings until he went away to college at the University of Notre Dame. During his college career, he married his lifetime sweetheart, Kathleen Beiriger on August 6, 1966. As a young couple, they moved to Phoenix, Arizona to help his father and brother, Joe, in the family business, Kealy Construction Company. Dad graduated from Arizona State University (Go Devils) in 1967, the same year his twin sons were born. He was always proud of his Nebraska roots, and returned to Hastings to continue the family business and watch his family grow with the birth of three daughters. While in Nebraska, Dad was active in the Knights of Columbus, the City Council and a member of the AAGC. Business brought his family back to Arizona in 1981 and success in business, life and love kept us here. At the time of his death, Dad was working with his sons as a General Contractor/De-velopment at their self-owned companies, IEC and KNK Diversified. His favorite past time was spending time with his wife, children and grandchildren. He leaves behind his wife Kathleen, 5 children, John Jr. (Erin), Rick, Kelly (Marc), Kerry (Travis) and Kristen (Joel); a brother Joe, sister Barb, and many nieces and nephews. The twinkle in his eye, however were his 5 grandsons who will miss him dearly, Tom, Dane, Keegan, Cole and Connor. Preceding him in death are his parents, Dick and Ruth and his beloved sister, Donna Crilly. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, August 21, 2007 from 5:00 to 8:00 P.M. with a Rosary at 7:00 P.M., at Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home, 4800 E. Indian School Rd., Phoenix. Funeral Mass will be on Wednesday, August 22, 2007 at 10:00 A.M. at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church 7655 E. Main St, Scottsdale, where dad was a faithful member and Eucharistic Minister. Internment will take place immediately at St. Francis Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Hastings Catholic Schools, 111 N. Burlington Avenue, Hastings, NE 68901, Attn: The Kealy Memorial Award, honoring John F. Kealy.