Christopher W Keenan

Christopher W. Keenan, 76, passed away unexpectedly on February 13, 2025, in Greenland, NH.

He was born in Albany, NY in 1948 to Dorothy Shepherd and William Keenan. Chris attended Vincentian Institute in Albany through high school, graduating in 1966, before studying and playing football at Nichols College. Moving out west to ski, he obtained his B.S. from the University of Utah in 1971. He then went back east and received his Juris Doctor from the Franklin Pierce School of Law in 1986.

A practicing attorney on the Seacoast for over 35 years, Chris opened his own practice, Christopher W. Keenan Law Offices, on Brewery Lane in Portsmouth in 2005.

Deeply committed to his community, Chris served as Chairman of First Night Portsmouth from 1993 to 1995 and as an Executive Board member of Pro Portsmouth for many years. A strong advocate for civic engagement, he volunteered for numerous state and national political campaigns in New Hampshire. Additionally, he was a longtime member of the Greenland Recreation Board, where he dedicated countless hours to coaching multiple generations of kids in soccer and softball.

Chris cared deeply for his family, especially his beloved late wife, Karen, and his daughter, Brianna, who was his greatest pride and joy. He rarely missed one of Bri's field hockey or softball games, spending countless hours coaching her youth teams, cheering on the Tufts Jumbos and Rochester Slammers, and capturing every moment on video along the way. Chris would tell anyone who would listen - strangers or friends - about Bri and her teammates' accomplishments. Also an avid skier and golfer, Chris spent his free time at Pease Golf Course in Portsmouth and skiing at Sunday River ski resort in Maine.

Chris will be remembered as deeply loyal and fiercely loving, striving to be the best person he could be, and forming lifelong friendships with people during every stage of his life. It was rare for Chris to go anywhere in town without running into someone he knew. Opinionated and stubborn in the best ways, he lived with passion and exuberance, consistently lifting up those around him with unwavering encouragement.

Chris was preceded in death by his wife, Karen J. Fitts, his mother Dorothy E. Keenan (Shepherd), and his father William M. Keenan. He is survived by his daughter, Brianna F. Keenan and husband Nicholas A. Kozma, his sister Missy Barth, as well as a few cousins and nieces.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 3, 2025, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Pease Golf Course. All are welcome to attend. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to the Town of Greenland Recreation Department. Please make checks payable to and send to: Greenland Recreation, Memo: Chris Keenan, 11 Town Square, Greenland, NH 03840.