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Robert O'Keeffe Obituary
Pearl River - Robert Terrence "Terry" O'Keeffe of Pearl River, NY passed away peacefully on Feb. 5, 2020 at the age of 75. He was born in Baltimore, MD on November 19, 1944 to John and Margaret (Sullivan) O'Keeffe. Terry graduated from St. Mark's Grammar School in Catonsville MD, moving onto and graduating from Mt. St. Joseph HS in Baltimore. He then attended and ran track at Princeton University, Class of 1966. He served in the military for three years; in Vietnam from '68-69, working in U.S. Army intelligence. He returned to Princeton and graduated with a degree in Art History in 1971. After graduate studies in anthropology at Rutgers University, he worked as a research scientist at the Nathan S. Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research in Orangeburg NY, until his retirement in 2009. Terry was involved as a volunteer with Orangetown Little League baseball. He was also an avid reader, classical music enthusiast, and later a writer.
Terry is survived by his loving family including his wife of 49 years, Joanne (Bonsall); his daughter, Catherine A. (Molly) Purvis and her husband, William; his two sons, Timothy J. and Michael T.; his brother, Timothy O'Keeffe and his wife, Wanda, and nephew Nathaniel O'Keeffe.
Visitation will be on Sunday Feb. 9th from 4-7pm, at Wyman-Fisher Funeral Home Inc. A Mass of Christian burial will be held Monday, Feb. 10th, 11am at St. Margaret of Antioch Church, 115 W. Central Ave. Pearl River, NY 10965.
In lieu of flowers, donations to honor Terry's memory can be made to: The Little Sisters of the Poor, 601 Maiden Choice Lane, Catonsville, MD 21228.
Wyman-Fisher Funeral Home Inc.
100 Franklin Avenue
Pearl River, NY 10965
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Memories and Condolences
for Robert O'Keeffe
Sponsored by Wyman-Fisher Funeral Home Inc. - Pearl River.
Mike Witte
February 9, 2020
Terry and I were 66 classmates at Princeton. I have always felt a kinship with him, both of us having distinguished ourselves by leaving the university in our senior years (I returned in 68, Terry in 71). We both wound up in Rockland County but, to my great regret, pursuit of family and other obsessive interests limited our time together to occasional random encounters. Sad then and especially now because I have always had the greatest respect for Terrys unique intellect, personality and joy for life.
In my freshman year, I was on the Princeton track team attempting to throw a javelin (poorly). My awkward attempts to retain a minimal identity as an athlete produced an unexpected benefit: the privilege of watching Terry run; although there were many fine athletes at Princeton at the time, Terrys athleticism was, in my opinion, the most impressive that I witnessed. It was simply a joy to watch him.
My deepest condolences to all of his family and many friends.
Mike Witte 66
Kate and Sallie Holden
February 8, 2020
Joanne Molly Mike and Tim
Mom and I are sending our deepest condolences and prayers for you and for Terrry - he will be so missed- so sorry we cannot be with you - love Kate and Sallie
February 8, 2020
Saddened to hear of Terry's passing. We were classmates for 4 years at Mt. St. Joseph. Terry was a bright and interesting person. I had a great conversation with him a few years back at the only reunion we both attended. He was still as bright and interesting as I remembered him. He will surely be missed.
Bob Pullarn, class of '62
Russell Willis
February 8, 2020
If I weren't on the opposite side of the world, I'd come to the funeral. I had a great get together with Terry and Hugh Sweeny on each of my last two trips to the US. I'm one of many who will miss him.
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Erna Ostrom
February 7, 2020
We are so shocked to hear of the passing of Terry. We just saw him a few days ago. We are so so sorry for your loss and are thinking of you and your family. Erna and Walt
Keith Melia
February 6, 2020
So sorry for you loss, Terry was a great man
February 6, 2020
Joanne, Molly, Tim & Mike,
I was shocked to hear of Terry's passing. I am saddened for you. Terry was not only a co-worker but also a friend. He will be missed.
Art Fleischer
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Feb
9
Visitation
4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Wyman-Fisher Funeral Home Inc. - Pearl River100 Franklin Ave., Pearl River, NY 10965
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Wyman-Fisher Funeral Home Inc. - Pearl River100 Franklin Ave., Pearl River, NY 10965
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