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Joseph Kealy Obituary
born April 15, 1950 in Hastings, Nebraska died October 8, 2008 in Scottsdale, Arizona. Joe attended St. Cecilia High School in Hastings, Nebraska. He was a standout athlete in both football and basketball. He attended Northern Arizona University on a basketball scholarship, later attending Hastings College playing football. He married Janet Meininger on November 27, 1971 in Hastings, Nebraska, moving the following year to Scottsdale, Arizona. During his 37 years in Scottsdale, Arizona, he owned Kealy Construction Company, served as CEO for International Environmental Corp, CEO for International Fibercom Inc. and most recently CEO for Clear Energy Systems. He was a member of the Phoenix Thunderbirds and served on St. Mary's High School Scholarship Board. Joe had a great passion for sports as was evident in his 10 successful years of coaching the Pop Warner, Huskers. He enjoyed watching his daughter, Shelby, play basketball at Xavier College Prep and at the University of Denver; and his son, Ryan, play football for St. Mary's High School and Arizona State University. His hobbies included playing tennis and golf weekly, and watching all sports especially college football. He had a strong faith and could be found most early mornings "talking to God" at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church. Joe loved life with a passion living every day to the fullest. He was a very loving, generous husband, father and grandfather, who let his family know how much he loved them each and every day. He enjoyed people and touched many lives with his fun loving spirit and intense honesty. Joe believed that heaven was the ultimate goal on earth and he is there. He is survived by his wife, Jan, children Shelby and Ryan and granddaughter Bailey Rae Kealy. The Rosary will be 7:00 PM, Thursday, October 16th at St. Mary's High School Chapel, 2525 N. 3rd St., Phoenix, 85004. The Funeral Mass will be 10:00 AM, Friday, October 17, at St. Mary's Basilica, 231 N. 3rd St., Phoenix, 85004. If possible, be color
ful for Joe as he views this as a celebration of life. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be sent to St. Mary's High School Scholarship Fund. Arrangements entrusted to Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home.
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Memories and Condolences
for Joseph Kealy
Thomas Beier
November 6, 2008
Kealy Family,
I am very sorry about the loss of Joe; you are in our thoughts and prayers. Joe made a huge impact on us all (especially ex-Huskers and Knights) and I will always be inspired by his leadership and generosity.
Peter Donovan
October 28, 2008
Dear Kealy Family: I am so sorry to learn of Joe's passing. He was a great advocate and ambassador to St. Mary's High School and his efforts certainly made the school a better place. He will be missed and I enjoyed knowing him. My thoughts are prayers are with you.
Bryan Johnson
October 28, 2008
Dear Jan, Shelby, and Ryan,
My thoughts and prayers are with you. Joe played a major part in my life growing up in AZ. I know it has been years, but when I think of my times as a child the Kealy family is always a major part.
Sincerely,
Bryan D. Johnson
Jen Dembinski-Tracy
October 25, 2008
Dear Shelby & family,
I was just told the news of your Dad's passing. I am truly sorry and feel saddened for your loss. I can clearly remember your Dad's devotion to you. He was special. My family is here for you and yours.
Michael Zukowski
October 22, 2008
Dear Jan, Shelby and Ryan:
It was with great shock and sadness that I just became aware of your loss. Although I had not seen any of you for many years, Joe and you were and remain some of my favorite people. I will miss him, but I will always retain wonderful memories of laughter.
Having now lost both of my parents, I have much empathy for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Michael C. Zukowski
Lea Johnston
October 21, 2008
Dear Jan and family,
We send our sincerest condolences. Joe was a wonderful person and a great friend, he will be missed. We can see his spirit lives on in his children. Please know you are in our hearts and prayers.
The Johnston's,
Lea and Dick
Dan Hammel
October 21, 2008
Dear Jan and Children. I am so sorry to hear of Joe's passing. It has been a number of years since I had seen you Jan. You may not even remember me from the old days when Skip Joe and I played flag football. I will miss Joe and please accept my deepest sympathies.
May God Bless you all,
Dan Hammel and Family
Lynn, John, Amanda and Mallory Pettas
October 20, 2008
Jan, Shelby and Ryan,
How lucky our family feels to have known Joe. What a great man to be around; filled with such love and enthusiasm for life. He lived life to the fullest. His passion and protective attitude for you, his family, was unsurpassed.
The hard thing about knowing someone like Joe is losing him, but he surrounds us; as he left his mark on every life he touched. We are thankful he touched ours. Love you and we're thinking of you.
Anne Delle Donne
October 19, 2008
Dear Jan, Shelby, Ryan and Family,
I was deeply saddened to hear about Joe's passing. You are all in my thoughts and prayers through this difficult time. He will be greatly missed.
Christopher Selna
October 18, 2008
Dear Ryan and family:
Though it has been many years, but the years are indomitable in my heart of knowing, and sharing the life around the beloved Joe. Not a sullen day goes by without the mere help of looking back in my life reaching out for times of motivation, and appreciation, and never do I not neglect the day he guided me from a one-to-one conversation-out from the shams of my high-school years and into the Marines. And now, I can only pray to God-thanking Him that in my life I was allowed to meet such a noble, and valiant man; a man loved by so many, and so many he did he also love.
Thank you for this chance, and God bless you all.
Emily Walbruch
October 18, 2008
Shelb ~ We love you and please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. I have always been proud to be your friend and know that all the attributes you hold are owed to your mom and dad! Please call me when you feel up to it! Our deepest condolences to your family, Love, Emily & Matt Walbruch
Michael Scarbrough
October 18, 2008
My thoughts and prayers are with your family
Larry Selna
October 18, 2008
Dear Jan, Ryan and Shelby,
Our family will never forget Joe. He, as you know, was a big part of our boy's life while growing into men.
Every minute anyone was around him, he made them smile!
He is up there now praying for all of us while we are grieving!
We have a loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love him and miss him always.
The Selna family (Scottsdale,AZ)
Bob and Lael Beier
October 18, 2008
Dear Jan, Shelby and Ryan
Both the Rosary and the funeral mass were incredible celebrations of Joe's love for life. Shelby and Ryan you both set the stage for a remarkable service. I know that Joe was there present ,showering your family with love and encouragement.Please know that our prayers and thoughts are with you during this time. Thank you all for being such a wonderful inspiration to living life to the fullest.
Chris Babakitis
October 17, 2008
Dear Jan, Shelby and Ryan,
I was very saddened to hear of your loss. Please accept my sincerest sympathy.
Chris, Angelina and Nick Babakitis
Brad Davis
October 17, 2008
Dear Kealy Family,
My sincerest condolences for your loss. Although I never had the privledge of meeting Joe. I can tell he was a great man and will be missed by many. Best wishes.
Carole Challoner
October 17, 2008
Dear Jan, Shelby and Ryan,
Please accept our condolences. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
The Challoner Family
Lauren Rosenberg
October 17, 2008
Dear Jan,
I'm so terribly sorry to hear about Joe's passing. Please take good care of yourself and your family. My thoughts and prayers are very much with you.
Your friend,
Lauren
Josh and Vicki Nicassio
October 17, 2008
Dear Ryan and Family,
We are so sorry to hear this news. Our deepest sypmathies go out to you and your family. You will all be in our thoughts and prayers.
With love,
Candy Lien
October 17, 2008
Shelby and family-
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time.
With much love and sympathy,
The Benson Family and Lien Family
Anthony and Pam Baumann
October 17, 2008
Jan & kids, the picture on Joe's obituary is so perfect. It's how we will all remember him. We aren't sad for him, since he is in a better place, but for all of you and those of us who will miss him.
Bob Carlson
October 17, 2008
Dear Jan, Shelby, and Ryan,
I was shocked and deeply saddened to learn of Joe's passing. I will always remember him as a man of great humor, kindness, love, warmth and laughter. May God be with you and keep you grateful and prayerful during this time.
With sympathy,
Bob Carlson
Bill Crawford
October 16, 2008
Being an neighbor of Joe and Jan's when they first moved to Scottsdale in the early 70's,my heart goes out to you Jan,Ryan and Shelby.My fondest memory of Joe was in 1975 when ASU beat Nebraska in the Fiesta Bowl and all the neighbors place gold pom-poms in their yard for Joe to see.Saw Joe years later at the Phoenix Open after ASU beat them again in 96 and he told me he was looking for the pom-poms again.From the old neighbors on 81st St and Sheridan St,our thoughts and prayers go out to you.Go Big Red and Go Devils
John Clark
October 16, 2008
Rest in peace my friend
Pat Thomas (Theis)
October 16, 2008
Jan,
You have my deepest sympathy. There was nobody quite like Joe. We were just saying how we missed him at our HS reunion last month. He was an unforgettable influence in our class.
Steve Rauterkus
October 16, 2008
To the Entire Kealy Family,
I send my deepest sympathy and extend my positive thoughts and prayers to you during this troubled time. When I was younger growing up, I always looked up to Joey playing sports and he always seemed to be the center of attraction. He was truly admired, respected and loved. Again my condolences.
Anne Hoffman
October 16, 2008
Dear Shelby,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. You are an amazing woman and I know how close you were with your dad. Please know that I'm here for you always and I'm so sorry.
Love, Anne
Mike Baska
October 16, 2008
Dear Jan, Shelby and Ryan,
I want to extend my deepest sympathies to the three of you. You have my greatest respect, deepest condolences and heart felt prayers. Everyone who was lucky enough to meet Joe will surely miss him. Memories of your husband and father will always bring joy and smiles, and his impact will be timeless. May God bless you and your family, and may peace be with you.
Debbie Babakitis & Family
October 16, 2008
Dear Jan, Shelby, Ryan and Family,
I am truly sorry for your loss, Joe was a wonderful person and will be missed everyday. He lives on in all of you as family is bound by generations. My deepest sympathy to all of you at your time of sorrow.
Tricia Servin
October 16, 2008
Joe was a wonderful member of the St. Mary's S&B Board. His sense of humor and smiling face was always a welcome sight. The dedication he had for the school and her students is a wonderful example to look up to. May we continue in anyway we can his commitment to life. I am thankful to have known him for the short time I did.
Vicky Aviles
October 16, 2008
Jan and Family
I've known Joe for many years having worked with he and John at IEC. My deepest sympathy to you and your family! May God continue to bless you during this difficult time.
Sr.Pamela Marie Volland
October 16, 2008
Dear Jan, Shelby and Ryan,
I was in the same grade and high school class as Joe's older sister Barb and my sister Pat was in Donna's class. I haven't seen Joe since he was a little boy growing up (we called him "Joey" -one of the cutest little boys I ever knew!) I knew his mom and dad and many of his aunts, uncles and cousins. The whole family is special and kind and I enjoyed their hospitality on numerous occasions as we were growing up. My prayers are with you. God bless you!
Sr.Pamela Marie Volland,RGS
Beijing
Kyle Deibler
October 15, 2008
Jan, Shelby & Ryan,
My deepest sympathies at the loss of your husband & father. He was a wonderful man with a big, compassionate heart and a joy for living that few could match. We will miss him around the gym a great deal.
Erin Beem and Rich Jones
October 15, 2008
The kind of genuine spirit and spunk that he carried cannot easily be duplicated. I will always cherish the memories of time spent with him and his family. Jan, Shelby, and Ryan.....my thoughts are with you. May your memories give you comfort now and in the days ahead. Joe Kealy, you are already dearly missed, the world is a better place for you being in it.
bill bernadette hanko
October 15, 2008
Dear Shelby and family, our deepest sympathy. We share your sorrow. Our prayers are with you. God Bless(Shelby call us if we can help)
The Hankos/Scottsdale,Arizona
Paula Navarro
October 15, 2008
Janet,
I am deeply sorry for your loss. I haven't seen you guys in years but I have always cherished some priceless high school times with you and Joey. He was a great guy with a unique and fun personality. Your wonderful joys and memories will get you through the difficult times ahead.
Paula Navarro (Rauterkus)
Jack, Shirley, Kris & Kelly Reuba
October 15, 2008
Jan, Shelby & Ryan,
Please accept our condolences on your loss. Joe was a great guy and a good neighbor. He will be missed.
Pam and Tracy
October 15, 2008
Dear Jan, Shelby and Ryan,
We share in the shock and sorrow of losing Joe/your Dad. He will be missed by all who knew him. Shelby, everytime we saw your Dad, we could always tell how much he loved you, how proud he was of you- we could see it in his eyes and in his smile when he was with you. I swear your dad was a college basketball coach at heart and the best recruiter ever! He loved finding you players and following your teams whether you were playing or coaching. While him being gone can't be altered, please realize that he will always be with you; his spirit and goodness lives in you and is a part of you all no matter where you go and what you do. Shelby and Ryan, you are both "chips off the ole block" that was your dad and your collective sense of humor, love of life and appreciation for good practical jokes will always be a lasting legacy to your Dad. It will be your duty to carry on those things in honor of him! May your memories be your guide and each other your strength as you endure this moment in time.
With much love,sadness and prayers,
Elyse and Michael Ferrington
October 15, 2008
We are so saddened by your loss. Who didn't love Joe? What a great man in every way. It was apparent how much he loved you Jan and with just the mention of Ryan or Shelby he lit up. I asked him not long ago how it felt to be a grandpa and his tearful answer summed it up. We feel fortunate and blessed to have known this wonderful man. He will be so missed.
Toby Greer
October 15, 2008
Dear Kealy Family,
You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
With much love,
Toby Harrington Greer
Mick Brown
October 15, 2008
My last two visits with Joe was on the golf course and at the NotraDame vs. Nebraska game. I knew Joe as a boy and visited with him as a man. He was always pleasant a a joy to be around. We will miss him but I know he is in a good place.
Jean Heartburg
October 15, 2008
Jan, Shelby and Ryan, my thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Joe was truly a man full of life. It is we who are left behind to finish our journey that now find challenges. Brandy sent the notice today about Joe. I think of the Kealy family especially at St. Patrick's day and green cake for Ryan. Remember Joe jumping around the basketball court at Xavier with the girls filming them!!?? And the great hospitality of the Kealy family at home!! He is definitely looking down with that big beautiful smile saying, "Just go have a beer and be happy." Love and prayers to all of you. Jean Heartburg
Dane & Amber Beem
October 15, 2008
To the Kealy Family,
We love you all so much and there are no words to describe how sorry we are for your loss. There are so many fond memories to look back on and countless more to look forward to. With love and condolences, the Beems
Lillian Trujillo
October 15, 2008
My deepest sympathy to you and your children. He was a great supporter to the St Mary's team, and his presence will be felt always on the field. He is will be missed by all of the St Mary's family. God Bless you all.
Michael & Kelly Sweeney
October 15, 2008
Dear Kealy Family,
We were all stunned when we heard the sad news of Joe's passing. He was so full of love and life and was such a vibrant, joyful and caring man. When I think of Joe, it is as a pillar of our community; the type of man one wanted to be like, to emulate, and to follow. For the St. Mary's family, Joe was a giant in our midst. He worked passionately to help St. Mary's - to assist kids get an education there, and to help the high school however possible. This included tireless efforts to help our proud football program succeed, and we who worked with him for this, must now double our efforts in his absence. He would have wanted it this way. Not too long ago, in relation to our efforts to help SM, I spoke with Joe about faith being the greatest shield we have in life; that it was the key to life beyond the veil. I’ll never forget him looking back at me and smiling, a gleam in his eyes with that knowing look, with humor just beneath the surface. It was obvious that he believed this too, for it was evident in all his actions. Joe was greatly loved; I am heartbroken to see him go, but joyful in having known him, and comforted in the belief that we shall meet again. In this time of loss, may you find strength and comfort in each other and in family and friends; an Irish prayer for you:
May Christ and His Saints stand between you and harm.
Mary and her Son.
Patrick with his staff.
Martin with his mantle.
Brigid with her veil.
Michael with his shield.
And God over all with His strong right hand.
Much love,
Cathy Wade
October 15, 2008
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. All my love.
Roy DeMars
October 15, 2008
Janet,
I feel fortunate to have spent two wonderful hours with Joe last year at the cabin. Just the two of us, something that has never happened prior. There must have been a good reason for this to happen.
Gay and I wish to express our deepest regrets & prayers to each for peace and comfort.
Terry and Judy Tonkin
October 15, 2008
Another lifetime friend is gone and we are heartbroken........sorry we
can't be at the funeral but keeping all of you and Joe in our thoughts and prayers..........hugs to all of you!!
Steve Hoyt
October 14, 2008
Jan and family - my deepest sympathies. Joe was full of energy and always had a positive outlook. I remember playing golf in the America West pro-am years ago with Joe - he definitely had the biggest slice I have ever seen but he sure knew how to manage it! I know he cared first and foremost for his family.
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