Name: Visitation for Richard Keefer
Start: 2020-09-19T14:00:00.000Z
End: 2020-09-19T15:00:00.000Z
Location: Saints Joseph and Francis Xavier Church

Richard M Keefer "Keef", born August 10, 1965 of Northfield Illinois, formerly of Massapequa New York, died suddenly on Friday, September 11th, 2020. Rich was the beloved Son of Katherine and Dick Keefer; loving father of Jack and Ben Keefer; dear brother of Glenn (Christina) and Craig (Beje) Keefer; uncle to Sean, Anna, Caroline, Matt, Hayden Keefer and Zach and Mackay Kanaley. Rich was married to Aimee Keefer (nee Kanaley) for 25 years. The Keefer family is sincerely grateful for the love and support he received from Brandi VanRoekel and her 2 sons Michael and Preston. Rich graduated from Massapequa High School in 1983 and was named a D3 All American quarterback at SUNY Cortland State University in 1988. While in Chicago, Rich worked as a commodities trader for Paine Webber Inc and then a manager for Griffin Trading Company in Chicago and in London. Rich was also co-founder of Keefer's Restaurant in 2001. Visitation Saturday, September 19, 2020, 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. at Saints Joseph and Francis Xavier Church, 524 9th Street, Wilmette, IL 60091. Sadly, due to Covid-19 restrictions the funeral mass in his honor immediately following the visitation will be held privately to family members only. The Funeral Mass will be live streamed Saturday, September 19, 2020, 10:00 a.m. for those who cannot attend. To view the Funeral Mass please visit donnellanfuneral.com. In keeping with Rich's love of Raquette Lake; in lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Raquette Lake Fire Department, 171 State Route 28, Raquette Lake, NY 13436.

Info: www.donnellanfuneral.com or (847)675-1990.

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

Published by Chicago Tribune on Sep. 16, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Richard Keefer

9 Entries

Mr/Mrs John Priola

October 23, 2020

You were always very kind to me. Our deepest condolences and prayers to your family.

Gene McCants

September 19, 2020

Rich and I have had a few brief conversations a while back. And each time it had always brought back fond memories of the old C-state days. (Including the '86 World series Celebration :-) ). And in these conversations, the one thing that I had come to realize, was that his character had never waivered. He was still the same guy that I knew and respected from long ago. The same man that was loved and respected by everyone who was ever fortunate enough to meet him. In Rich's passing, the Red Dragon family lost a key member of perhaps the most prolific football season in the schools history. But the memories he helped to create will live on forever and worthy of storytelling for years to come. R.I.H #10

Terrence Lavin

September 16, 2020

I am so sorry to hear this news. He always made everybody happy. And it’s crushing to hear that he left us all so soon. Please know that he will always be in our hearts.

Barbara Vela

September 16, 2020

Aimee, Glenn , Craig , Jack , Ben , Chris— All of you gave Rich the support and love that most of us would be blessed to have in their lifetime. May Rich be playing football in heaven now and watching over all - especially Jack and Ben .
Thinking of you ,
Barb Vela

Kathleen Tronsor

September 16, 2020

My dear cousin. So very sorry, life is so unfair. He's with his dear mom now, and his uncles Eddie and Frank. They have taken him under their wings. The Tronsor family send our condolences to his sons.

Jay Cummings

September 16, 2020

I knew Richard with his family at Raquette Lake and how he loved being there and having friends in the community.
He was so generous to my family at the lake and we had good laughs. Connections with all the family thru Cortland's Outdoor Education Center
at the lake was such a blessing and happy memories. God's healing to you all and we will all see each other again on our final journey. That is God's promise to us all. God bless you and keep in strong in faith and have trust.

Craig Cheplick

September 16, 2020

#10 a quarterback with an nfl arm but the toughness of a linebacker... a champion... a winner... a huge heart... i remember that tie dye tee shirt hanging out beneath his pads and that smirk "hey coach calm down it will be ok" and it was.. Rich represented everything we were at Cortland State love of the game love of your team love of life until we meet again big guy you will never be forgotten God Bless Coach Chep

Kathy Haggerty

September 15, 2020

Aimee, Jack, Ben, Glenn, Chris, and the Keefer Family,

We are shocked and saddened to learn of the passing of Rich. Your family has our deepest sympathies and condolences. We wish you peace and closure.
With love,

~ The Haggerty’s~ Kathy, Shaye & Sean

Holly Cummings DeMarsh

September 15, 2020

Glenn & Christina, Craig and Beje, Aimee, Jack and Ben. Words cannot express the sadness we feel for this terrible news about Rich. Although we had not spoken in years, I will remember happy memories of Rich at Raquette Lake. Boating, waterskiing or him on the catamaran in earlier days, My heart breaks for all of you. May happy times and wonderful memories comfort you all. With love and prayers to the entire Keefer family.

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