Dr. William Joseph Keane

Dr. William (Liam) Joseph Keane

Canaan, NH - Dr William (Liam) Joseph Keane, who died peacefully in Canaan, New Hampshire on 2 January 2026 after an illness, lived a life marked by intellectual curiosity, sporting excellence, entrepreneurial spirit and deep loyalty to family and friends on both sides of the Atlantic.

Raised in Ireland between Oranmore, County Galway and Doonbeg, County Clare, Liam attended primary school in both communities before going on to St Mary's College, Galway, Ireland. From an early age he displayed a sharp academic mind and a strong commitment to sport. He later attended the University of Galway, where he graduated with an honors degree in Science.

A gifted sportsman, Liam was a dedicated and accomplished hurler. He represented his university in Fitzgibbon Cup inter-varsity competition and was a committed member of the Oranmore/Maree senior hurling team. Hurling remained a lifelong passion and a strong connection to home.

Following university, Liam emigrated to the United States, where he met the love of his life, Jill Romanoke, and where he would build an exceptional academic and professional career. Settling initially in Boston, he attended Northeastern University, earning a PhD in Chemistry. His academic career included a period lecturing at Yale University, reflecting both his expertise and his natural ability as a teacher and communicator.

Never content to stand still, Liam later attended Harvard University, where he completed postgraduate qualifications in Occupational Health - a field that would define the next and most impactful phase of his professional life.

During his years in Boston, Liam also demonstrated a flair for business and community-building as the owner and operator of the highly successful Irish pub, The Plough and Stars, a much-loved gathering place that reflected his warmth, humor and pride in his Irish heritage.

Liam's career later took him to Washington DC. While Liam and Jill settled in McLean, VA, they retained a strong connection to Jill's New Hampshire roots.

He founded and led Envirodynamics, a company specializing in occupational health and safety. Through this work, he traveled extensively and provided services to a number of major international institutions, including the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund, earning wide respect for his professionalism, integrity and expertise.

Throughout his life abroad, Liam remained deeply connected to Ireland, to Oranmore, County Galway and Doonbeg, County Clare, and to his extended family. He was a beloved husband to Jill, a devoted brother and brother-in-law, a proud uncle and grand-uncle, and a loyal friend whose generosity of spirit and keen intellect left a lasting impression on all who knew him.

Liam will be remembered for his sharp mind, his sense of humor, his quiet determination, his love of all things Irish, and his ability to move with ease between academia, business and family life.

He is survived by his wife Jill and his sister Maeve Moloney, and he will be greatly missed by his loving family and wide circle of friends.

May he rest in peace.

An online guest book is available to leave Liam's family a message of condolence by visiting www.rickerfuneralhome.com