Francis Charles "Franko" Keenan

With heavy hearts and insurmountable love, we announce the passing of Francis C. Keenan, a beloved father, grandfather, brother, and friend. Francis (Franko), 89, formerly of Cranford, NJ, passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 9, 2025, in New Ringgold, PA surrounded by his family at his home, where he resided with his daughter, son-in-law, brother, and grandchildren for the past twenty-one years.

Born in Cranford on May 22, 1936, to the late Philip George and Anna (Kelly) Keenan, Franko was a proud graduate of Cranford High School, where he excelled at track. Representing victorious Cranford High, he competed in the Penn Relays of 1955. As he awaited the second leg of mile relay, a photographer captured the handsome runner and his photo appeared in Sports Illustrated Magazine, a proud moment for him and a story he shared with all.

Before being drafted, he worked as a warehouseman. He served his country honorably in the United States Army and worked in a chemical plant upon his return. He eventually established his own business, F&V Food Service, where he purveyed breakfast and lunch to friends and employees of Allstate. He built a beautiful life in New Jersey with his wife and three adored children, where you could often find him putzing around the pool, drinking a beer in the yard or entertaining family during “coffee and”.

Franko found joy in life's simple pleasures: a competitive game of golf or tennis, a quiet glass of red wine on the deck overlooking the valley, and a few rounds of solitaire, followed by a well-deserved nap. He was always serenading people with a song; in a store, elevator, doctor’s office or simply around the house. Proud of his Irish heritage, he shared a shot of Jameson with all who entered his home. He famously rooted for any NFL team playing against the New York Giants and was a devoted St. Louis Cardinals fan.

Above all else, was his deep love for his family. He was his grandchildren’s number one fan, who more lovingly referred to him as “Pop.” He was a familiar face at dance recitals or on the sidelines of every baseball, basketball, softball, and soccer games, where he proudly yelled “Way to Go!” and was well adored by his community. Franko was the life of every party and celebration, in which he always shared laughs and smiles with his family and friends. He found joy spending summers on Long Beach Island with his family - where he built memories that span generations. In his later years there, he could be found singing and people watching on the front porch, with a happy hour drink in hand. He lived a full life surrounded by those he loved - but perhaps his most special honor was his fierce protectiveness and guardianship of his dear brother, Donny, of whom he took care of for 62 years. Franko’s love was deeply profound and will be missed and cherished by all who knew him.

He has been reunited in death with his beloved wife, Vivian (David) Keenan; his sisters Annamay Evans and Patricia Pullich; and his brothers, William and Philip Keenan. His memory will be treasured by his daughters, Valerie K. Reinhardt (Scott) and Lisa Mancini (Bob); his son, David B. Keenan (Beth); and his brother, Joseph "Donny" Keenan. He was the doting grandfather of Caroline, Madeline, Aislinn, Coll, Trevor, Troy, Juliette, and Baylee, and a loving uncle to his many nieces and nephews.

A visitation for family and friends will be held at the Dooley Funeral Home, 218 North Ave. West, Cranford, New Jersey 07016, on Tuesday, October 14, 2025 from 5:00-8:00 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Michael's Roman Catholic Church, 40 Alden Street, Cranford, New Jersey, on Wednesday, October 15, 2025 at 10:00 AM followed by interment with military honors at Fairview Cemetery, 1100 East Broad Street, Westfield, New Jersey 07090.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Francis’s name to Melmark Adult Programs, 2600 Wayland Rd., Berwyn, PA 19312 or Pennsylvania Youth Theatre, 2020 Worthington Avenue, Bethlehem, PA 18017.

Local arrangements in care of Robert S. Nester Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc New Ringgold, Pennsylvania 17960

Online condolences or a fond memory of Franko can be expressed by visiting www.griffithsfuneralhomes.com