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2305 Monroe Avenue
Rochester, New York
Dennis O'Keefe Obituary
Joseph III (Denny)
Pittsford: November 12, 2016. Denny was a thoughtful professional and a tireless volunteer; our community benefited greatly from his generosity. Professionally, Denny was an ATI Case Manager for the Monroe County Department of Probation but his true calling was in community involvement. He gave generously of his time to the Colonials Rugby Club and the Ancient Order of Hibernians' O'Rorke Division where he was given the AOH Kelly-Magill Award in 2007, the AOH Brother of the year award in 2009, and the AOH Hibernian of the Year award in 2010. He was also active in the Rochester Police Emerald Society where he was recognized as the Rochester Police Emerald of the Year in 2011. Denny participated in the St. John the Evangelist Church Choir, was a Monroe County Elections Inspector, in the Annual Huntington Disease 5K Race, and the Annual Honor Flight Golf Tournament. Denny was also a faithful blood and double red donor. His hobbies included golf and volunteering for any opportunity that might need his assistance!
Born in Long Island, Denny graduated from Chaminade High School and then University of Rochester where he was a Member of Delta Kappa Epsilon. Denny loved his family. He never missed the opportunity to attend any event his children were participating in, be it Kalcy in a horse show or DJ playing in a concert. His devotion and gentleness with his kids had no end. He loved visiting his family down in the NYC area and always returned from there with a thicker New York accent! His devotion to his friends and family had no boundaries. There was not a wake or funeral that he would miss or a volunteer opportunity he would pass up.
Denny is predeceased by his parents, Mary and Dennis J. O'Keefe Jr. He is survived by his wife, Susan; daughter,Kalcy and son, Dennis J. IV (DJ); sisters, Anne (Michael), Kathleen (James), Margaret (Denis), Eileen (Jeffrey); sisters in law Julie (George), Marti (Lincoln); nieces and nephews, Caitlin, Devon, James, Matthew, Thomas, Meaghan, Mark, William and Hannah, Meredith (Anthony), Colby, Calli, Kim Han; many cousins and thousands of friends.
Friends may call Thursday 5-8 PM and Friday 2-4 and 6-8 PM at the funeral chapel (2305 Monroe Ave.). Friends are invited to bring a written memory or photo for the family's Memory Book. A Funeral Mass will be held Saturday 10 AM at St. John the Evangelist, 553 Humboldt St, Rochester 14610. Interment at White Haven Memorial Park. Contributions in Denny's name may be made to U of R Gift & Donor Records, c/o Bill Lawler HD Research Fund, 300 E. River Rd., G100, Rochester, 14627 or Peace of Christ Parrish at St. John the Evangelist Church. To share a memory of Denny or send a condolence to the family visit www.anthonychapels.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Dennis O'Keefe
Sponsored by Anthony Funeral & Cremation Chapels - Brighton/Rochester Chapel.
Brendan Tuite
November 14, 2017
I truly cannot believe it is coming up on a year. Obviously you can't see this mr. O'Keefe but hopefully somebody else can. Yesterday I would have called you like normal and let you know that it became another year for me. I couldn't get 30 minutes without using and now I'm at 6 years. None of it would have been possible had you not come into my life. You looked out for me when no one else did. Most importantly you made me feel like even I could get it right and could live in life and be worth something. There's no way on Earth for the rest of the time that I'm on here that I could ever repay you for what you've done for me. Not just me but what you did for my family and anyone else who knows me and we will all be eternally grateful. I miss that you're not here, I miss not being able to let you know I'm doing well, but whatever solutely Hurts the Most is the fact that nobody else is going to get the opportunity to meet you and have their lives changed in the way that you changed mine. No amount of time will ever take that hurt away. So I know I'm not the only one thinking of you as the year approaches and while I am sad, as I'm sure others, I hope everybody on that day just remembers what a truly remarkable man you are and always will be. I miss you mr. O'Keefe. -Brendan Tuite
Ruth Yang
December 1, 2016
What a shock to see this notice in the paper. It is too sad. There are not enough words to say what a wonderful person he was.
November 29, 2016
Dennis was a great person! He was agood guy . We knew him from rugby. He loved his family . He was generous dude. He will surely be missed. My condolences to the O'Keefe family.
Jackie & Denby Blackwell
- See more at: http://www.legacy.com/guestbooks/democratandchronicle/dennis-joseph-okeefe-denny-condolences/182545563?cid=full&page=2#sthash.EAtDV4Ed.dpuf
Matt Killeen
November 22, 2016
Denny helped my daughter with ATI... I met him only once and wanted to meet him again just to know him... He was truely a special man.. He left a lasting impression on my daughter ... Thank you Denny..
Phil Chrys
November 19, 2016
To the O'Keefe family - I was deeply saddened to learn of Denny's sudden passing. I had just shared some memories & laughs with him at UR Homecoming a few short weeks ago, where we were once varsity football teammates.
May God's strength and fond memories of Denny be with all your family, friends, and loved ones during this time of loss and grief.
With sincere sympathy.
November 18, 2016
Denny was truly one of the sweetest souls God ever placed on this earth. May his angelic spirit shine within each person whose life he ever touched. Love and Peace,
Pat Lindsay
Peace of Christ Parish
Bob Skiver
November 18, 2016
It was with great sadness that Melissa and I learned of Denny's passing. We pray that God comforts his wife, his children, and all of his surviving family. I first met Denny when I joined the Colonials RFC 36 years ago. As all can attest, he was a superb rugby player who improved every team he ever played on -- but he was an even better friend to all who knew him. Denny was a fine man and kind man whose mere presence could defuse an argument, breath life into party, or cheer a sad soul. There was a Wild Colonial Boy, and Denny was his name, and tho' he's now in God's safe arms, his kindness will never fade.
Tricia
November 17, 2016
Dennis was a great person! He was was nice. I knew him from the bank I worked at. He loved his family and his Irish decent. He was so generous. He will surely be missed. My condolences to the O'Keefe family.
John McAndrew
November 17, 2016
When I attended freshman orientation at the U of R in the summer of 1972 Denny was the first person that I met. We gravitated toward each other and became fast friends. We both pledged DKE, he stuck with it and I thought the whole process was stupid. We played football together. He was a pretty good guard and he had to show me how to suit up (no football at my high school). We played rugby together with both the Aardvarks and were both original Colonials. We shared a thousand stories together both good and bad. Overwhelmingly good though. Too many stories to relay in a post. Just know my fellow Irishman it is a given that I have tears in my eyes as I write this and you will be missed my brother.
Jim LoDestro
November 17, 2016
My deepest sympathy to the family. He was a great friend, and a great man.
Gail Turzillo
November 16, 2016
My deepest sympathy At this difficult time. Peace & blessings.
Ed Elze
November 16, 2016
Susan - I played football with Denny while he was at the U of R followed by playing rugby with the Rochester Aardvarks. Denny was a great team mate and better friend. I was fortunate to catch up with him a few weeks ago when I was back at the U of R for our reunion. What I took from the conversation was Denny loved where his life had taken him.
My deepest sympathies to you and your family.
Michelle Lee
November 16, 2016
Denny was always kind and strove to do the very best job he could at whatever he undertook. He was very proud of his children and eager to share their accomplishments. You will be missed Denny.
Denny is proof of the saying, "only the good die young".
Drew Carozza
November 16, 2016
Dear Susan and family, I'm so sorry to hear of Denny's passing. A vibrant life gone too soon. In the late 80s, he was the experienced member of the Colonials who provided a kind heart and firm guidance to the new young players. Who sometimes didn't deserve it. Denny was always patient, always gracious. I will miss him.
Ed Meagher
November 16, 2016
Susan, I was so saddened to hear that Dennis had passed. Although I knew him for only a brief time, I knew that he made you so very happy. God bless you and all your family.
John Cogan
November 16, 2016
An amazing man who will be missed.
John Cogan AOH
Raymond Rice
November 16, 2016
He was a joy to work with and had a heart of gold.
Gulsah George
November 16, 2016
My deepest Sympathies to Susan, Kelcy & DJ
It was a pleasure to sing with Dennis many years ago at St. John's Choir. He is now singing up in Heaven with all the Angels & Saints. May you find peace and keep all the memories of Dennis in your heart. Love Gulsah former Choir Member
November 16, 2016
I'm so sorry to hear of the passing of Denny, he was a great guy and brother...May the Lord welcome him home and may he rest in peace....Mike Norton & family
AOH Division 5
November 16, 2016
"...But since it falls unto my lot
That I should rise and you should not
I'll gently rise and softly call
Good night and joy be with you all"
Good Night Brother.
November 16, 2016
A huge loss to our probation family . Thank you for your kindness. My thoughts are with your family and friends during this most difficult time. Ramona
Bonnie Toomey
November 16, 2016
My only interaction with Denny was professional and on the phone. He was always professional but also very down to earth and a pleasure to talk to, he will be missed. My sincere sympathies to the his family and friends.
John Smith
November 16, 2016
Denny, you will be missed by us all brother.
Diane Babson
November 15, 2016
My deepest sympathies to the O'Keefe family
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Anthony Funeral & Cremation Chapels - Brighton/Rochester Chapel2305 Monroe Avenue, Rochester, NY 14618
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Anthony Funeral & Cremation Chapels - Brighton/Rochester Chapel2305 Monroe Avenue, Rochester, NY 14618
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