Robert A. Keaney, 78

1942 - 2021

Lynn - Robert A. "Bob" Keaney, of Lynn, passed away on May 15, 2021, after a lengthy illness at Advinia Care in Salem.

He was the son of the late Edward F. and Mary (Petros) Keaney of Lynn. Bob graduated from Lynn Classical High School in 1960, where he played basketball under the late coach Herb Brenner.

Bob was a Sports Editor for the Lynn Sunday Post for over 30 years, where he started as a cub reporter, and worked his way up to become a sports editor. He was also a sports writer for Lynn City Times, as well as contributing sports articles to the Lynn Daily Item.

Bob was very active in the sports community of Lynn, holding coaching positions for basketball and baseball teams for many years including the St. Pius CYO Bantams, St. Mary's High School, Ray Sullivan Club, Boys' Club, Connery Post 6, Lynn Adult Park Leagues, East Lynn and Pine Hill, Little League Homerun Derby, and Lynn's Challenger Little League. He was also on the Board of Director's and Staff at Lynn Boys' Club, originator of Lynn's Baseball Hall of Fame held at LH Society; archivist/historian for N.S. Spirit and N.S. Navigators collegiate baseball teams; instrumental in bringing the famous Eddie Feigner of The King and his Court to Fraser Field, as well as good friend-Red Sox player, the late Johnny Pesky. Bob was founder of the Lynn Senior Center Men's Sports Club as well.

Bob, along with good friend, Russ Meade, and the late Frank Colella, created the Wm. "Sonny Man" Hill Sportsmanship Award, and events for 25 years with much success.

Anything to do with the late Harry Agganis, Bob was involved if possible. His all-time baseball idol was Ted Williams. And where did Bob meet and interview Ted Williams? Right here at Lynn's Fraser Field in the 90's!

He leaves his loving family; sister and brother-in-law Karen (Keaney) and Bill Robidoux of Lynn; sister-in-law Joanne (Opie) Keaney of Peabody; nieces Darcey (Keaney), Bernard (Dave) of Lynn; Jennifer Keaney of Peabody; nephews Jason Keaney and Danny Benson (Jamie), all of Peabody.

He was predeceased by his brothers Dennis and Edward Keaney of Lynn.

Service Information: Arrangements are private for family only.

Those who prefer to make donations in Bob Keaney's name may be made to Boys' and Girls' Club of Lynn, 25 North Common Street, Lynn, MA 01902.

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

Published by Daily Item on May 26, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Robert Keaney

Sponsored by Goodrich Funeral Home - Lynn.

8 Entries

John Kibbey

February 12, 2022

Our family was lucky enough to have Bob enter our lives through little league baseball at Fraser field in the mid 70's. Bob was a great writer and always interested in people's stories. My dad George Kibbey played little league in the mid 50's and was one of the first teams from Lynn trying to make the Little League World Series. Bob was fascinated by this and put a big article together in the Lynn Sunday Post. It meant so much to my father and I can not thank Bob for writing such a truly great article. The two years he coached our little league Giants team with Jim price are still some of my best memories in baseball and my childhood. We were lucky enough to win a championship in 1975 and gave us plenty to talk about later in life when we bumped into each other. They do not make people like BOB anymore. A truly special person who touched so many people and made them feel IMPORTANT. You will be missed Bob.

The Kibbey Family.

Mark Giardina

October 9, 2021

I apologize for not being able to make Bob's services. Bob played a very big part of my earlier years while playing sports in Lynn! He truly cared about the quality of his work reporting on Lynn sports. I'm not sure there will ever be anyone else that will be able to live up to his level of dedication to reporting on sports in Lynn.

Jack Paster

May 30, 2021

To Bob's family and friends...especially Russ Meade:
My sincere condolences on your loss. I worked with Bob for many years at the Sunday Post and was awed by his encyclopedic knowledge of all things Lynn and especially sports in the city and the surrounding communities. Bob's calm demeanor set the tone in the news room on a crazy football Saturday as the deadline approached. He made sure that every score, every key play and every name was mentioned. He could find a glowing moment in every local game even in a crushing loss to a local high school team! He was a true old-school professional journalist in every sense of the word. I'm sure he's already helping God lay out Heaven's sports page for the weekend edition and fighting tooth and nail for front page space for his sports page teaser! Rest in Peace, dear friend. -30-

george j Papagelis

May 26, 2021

Thanks Bob
RIP
Buddy Papagelis

Gary Brenner

May 26, 2021

Bob was a dear and loving friend to our family, especially to his coach and our late father Herb Brenner. We will never forget how many stories, pictures, and memories he shared with us. He did so much for so many people and will be deeply missed. Rest in peace dear friend.

Gary and Stephen Brenner

Shawn Veinot

May 26, 2021

He will be missed and loved by all who knew him may his legacy live on

John Marsello

May 26, 2021

My heartfelt sorrow to the Keaney family on Bobs passing, l played for bob on the Ray Sullivan club. I thought a lot of him as a coach a writer and a person. May Bob Rest In Peace. John Marsello

Heather bloom

May 25, 2021

Rip bob such a great man! You will never be forgotten.

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