Robert M. Keaney
April 26, 1945 - November 1, 2016

CANAAN, Maine -- Robert M. Keaney, 71, of Canaan, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family in Skowhegan, Maine.

He was born April 26, 1945 in Cambridge, MA, the son of Charles Francis Keaney and Florence May (Thomas) Keaney.

He married Donna Leone on December 26, 1966 in Billerica, MA; they were married for 43 years before her passing in 2010.

While Bob was serving in the U.S. Army, he was stationed in Germany and he and Donna had many adventures traveling all over Europe.

Robert drove tractor trailer for Smith Transfer in MA for many years and was a member of the Teamster Union (local 25). He then followed his dream to own a farm in Maine. He moved to Maine in 1980 and became the owner and operator of Keaney Farm in Canaan.

He had a love of animals and the outdoors. He collected antique Oliver tractors. Most of all, he loved spending time with his family.

He is survived by his two children; Gretchen Keaney and her husband, Scott Ballou of Canaan, Patrick Keaney and his wife, Jessica of Skowhegan, four granddaughters, Rebecca McKechnie and her husband, Aaron of Canaan, Molly Ballou of Skowhegan, Violet Keaney of Skowhegan and Karissa Stoops of Skowhegan; two brothers, Kenneth Keaney of Billerica, MA, Richard Keaney of Townsend, MA; one sister, Charlotte Rose of Webster, NH, and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents, his wife, and his brother Ronald Nelson.

A private celebration of his life will be held at his beloved farm in Canaan, Maine.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Smart & Edwards Funeral Home, 183 Madison Ave., Skowhegan, Maine.

In honor of Robert and his beloved dog, "Mickey", who recently passed away as well, donations may be given to The Humane Society of the United States 1255 23rd Street, NW, Suite 450, Washington, DC 20037 or to the Somerset Animal Society, PO Box 453, Skowhegan, ME 04976.

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

Published by Lowell Sun on Nov. 6, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Robert Keaney

Sponsored by Gretchen Keaney.

12 Entries

Beverly Bates Wickson

February 23, 2017

I am not sure if The Keaney/Leone will get to see this. I wanted to send my sympathy to the families.. I grew up on the street with both families, girl scouts with Charlotte, hung with Donna for many years, my brother, Ken , and KK were good friends. Lots of pleasant memories of our times together back when we were so very young. George, I remember you, and I too remember your sister with her big crush on Bobby . Sometimes it seems like yesterday..Sending my sympathy and sweet memories
Beverly Bates Wickson

Rebecca McKechnie

December 11, 2016

I'll love you forever and always! Thank you for all of your love and support. I'm thankful for our memories and jokes. I miss you so much that it feels overwhelming at times. I really wish they had a phone in Heaven so I could call you again. In those moments, I go and sit in your truck to cry or put on a flannel shirt of yours so a part of you is with me. I miss you since not only were you my Grandpa, you were and still are my friend. I can't imagine Christmas Eve without you so please be here with us. Please watch over us and know that I love you and miss you. You were a wonderful, sweet and kind friend and I'm proud of the life you loved and that you are my Grandpa.

George Leone

November 25, 2016

As a young boy of 9 years old I witnessed what infatuation was my big sister Donna at 15 years old was in love with handsome 18 year old Bobby Keaney our neighbor living across the street. She would look out the window every time his cool old car would come or go. The hit song would play regularly I want to be Bobby's girl which she sang and became; Going on dates to the drive in movies. Bobby worked driving dump trucks like his father Charlie. There was always dump trucks home for lunch. Bobby was working for the town plowing snow off the streets during a big northeaster Blizzard. I did a ride along with him all night it was dangerous snow blindness sliding off the road with no form of communication just praying to God. I was very tired and nervous but impressed how Bobby kept the truck on the road not sliding off and be stuck for the night. I was 13 years old at his wedding he was 21 years old my sister Donna was 19 years old on 12/26/66. It was a beautiful wedding with my 2 year old brother Tommy and my young 43 year old Daddy Domenic in tuxedo. Dad walked Donna down the aisle of Saint Theresa's church in Billerica to give her away to Bobby. Five months later on 5/20/67 my Daddies casket went down the same aisle at church with him in it. Donna always was Daddies little girl and could do no wrong. Donna and the whole LEONE family was never the same we all had a broken heart. Donna loved Bobby who had a lot of similarities to her Daddy a gentile calm loving spirit that also loved animals. Bobby served in the U.S. Army in Germany with Donna and when she came back to the states she had Gretchen in her belly. I remember crying when Donna came home that my sweet Daddy would never be a grandpa to love on his grandchildren. I saw how much my Daddy loved babies as he loved on Tommy teaching him to sing Italian songs as he put him to sleep nightly and taught him to play baseball before he was 2 years old.
I love this Keaney family. Baby Gretchen then 4 years later baby Patrick George my God child was born both beautiful children. Spending Christmas and birthdays with them as children.
Later on I worked on the loading docks at Smith Transfer trucking company with Bobby. He was always very dependable early for work and a conscientious faithful worker. It was always a pleasure working with him.

I helped them move from Chelmsford Ma. to Westford, Ma. Then in 1980 I helped them move to the farm in Canaan Maine making several pick up truck loads. The start of Bobby's dream of owning a dairy farm. In 1990 I moved to Acadia National Park from Ca. so once again we were close neighbors to visit each other. Bobby surely loved his old cars, tractors, trucks and animals.
Bobby and Donna came to Acadia for a whale watching trip a rough time at sea Bobby got green very sea sick and he never did that again.
I met Jessica Keaney and Violet Donna Keaney on June 5 and 6th 2016 and spent two nights at the farm with Bobby talking of our old times together. And oh how he loved watching ice hockey games.
He was a faithful husband taking great care of my sister for 43 years. This December they would have been married for 50 years if they were both still alive. BOBBY thank you for taking such good care of your family and all the animals. I look forward to seeing you again in heaven forever. I have been blessed to have you as a brother in law.

Ed Lane

November 7, 2016

Growing up in Billerica, Bob was one of the good guys, We had some laughs and adventures. Bob will be in my thoughts and prayers. Rest in Peace old friend!

Gary and Julie Hilliard

November 6, 2016

Praying for you all at this difficult time. May God bring you peace and comfort. With the healing of your broken hearts, you will be able to look back on the good memories with less sadness and more joy.

Marty Kennelly

November 6, 2016

RIP.Marty and Cookie Kennelly

November 6, 2016

Thank you for your service Rest in peace

John Husselbee

November 6, 2016

SO SAD, ALL MY THOUGHTS TO THE KEANEY FAMILY, BOB AND AND I GO BACK 55 YEARS. WHEN GRETCHEN GOT MARRIED I DROVE HER TO THE CHURCH IN HIS 1939 CHEVY, I WAS SO PROUD TO DO SO. John & Cynthia Husselbee Davenport Florida

Tamra Jenness

November 5, 2016

Thank you Bob for the laughs for the winter walks for the advice for being a great friend for all the favors you've done for me.I'm sure going to miss you Rest in piece my friend.love you

Jim & Mona Gagne

November 5, 2016

To the Keaney Family: Deepest condolences on the loss of your Dad, such a wonderful person, a rock for you to lean on. Having him for Rebeccas' wedding was a blessing. Now Donna has him back, and together they will be watching over your wonderful family

Theresa A Durrell

November 4, 2016

This fine man is with his wife.Such a beautiful family. All my prayers and Love are with all of you.

Susan Goodwin

November 4, 2016

I am so sorry for your second loss in as many months Keaney Family..I am a friend of Rick's.

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