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William O'Keefe Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for William O'Keefe
Liz Okeefe
April 14, 2019
Forever in our hearts
Joe Hubicki
April 14, 2019
Bill, I remember you with such fond memories every time I stop by Redding Roasters or see your beautiful daughter. I miss you every time. Carry on. Best, Joe
Susan Tomanio
May 4, 2012
This is shocking and sad news. My heart is heavy for someone I knew through his great love of coffee which he shared with me and the world. With sympathy...
Mark Gilbert
May 4, 2012
What a loss to our world here in the Bethel area. A truly nice man.
I just met him as a customer but always enjoyed our chats
May 4, 2012
Been 2 weeks and I am obviously not good with acceptance;miss ya Bill
Miriam Strouse
May 3, 2012
My deepest sympathy to Kate and the family. Bill's warmth, generosity, and wisdom shone through every conversation. I'd look forward to seeing him when I came to CT to see family.
Michael Taylor
May 1, 2012
Bill was a great guy and he took the time to ask me about my travels every time I visited the shop. I'm just shocked at his passing. Even though I was an infrequent customer, I will miss him a great deal.
Steven Burbank
April 28, 2012
Well its been a week now and I stop cant believe it I never new how many people you help our and touched there lives I may not of seen you as much as I could of and I'm sorry I will always love you uncle bill an every time I see a nice black bike go by or drink my coffee ill always think of you
Ron van Oostendorp, Redding Fire
April 26, 2012
Words cannot express how sad I was to hear of the sudden passing of Bill O'Keefe. He brought a spark of delightful flavor to Bethel with his coffees and teas. A wealth of knowledge and a knack of matching personal tastes with the right blend. He always had time to discuss the art of coffee growing, world markets, roasting and flavors. I would bump into him in all sorts of places around the area; he on his motorcycle and me on my bicycle. Always a smile, his eyes lit up when we talked about what was going on in the world. He will be sorely missed by all. To his daughter, granddaughter and their family I offer my most sincere condolences.
Barbara Templeton
April 25, 2012
My friend, Pete Latshaw recommended Redding Roasters to me. I was struck by Bill's kindness, generosity and warmth. I am so sorry that you have experienced such a sudden and devastating loss. May you find peace.
Bill & Holly Kendrick
April 24, 2012
To Bill's family and friends,
Bill was such a kind and gentle man, his coffee was great, but the best part was spending time with Bill when we went in. He always talked about his family & his dog. He will truly be missed, we are so sad for your loss and our prayers are with all of you.
Pete Latshaw
April 24, 2012
My deepest sympathies to the family, I'm so sorry to hear about this. I will miss him. I've visited Redding Roasters every week for years now--I call the place "Bill's." Occasionally my 6 year old son would ride along with me. Two years ago we stopped by Bill's, and we got to talking about model trains, which my son loved. Bill happened to have a model train engine in the back closet, and he brought it out to show us. On the way out he gave my son some train magazines. That about sums it up for me with Bill--always thoughtful, always had time to talk...just a warm, good person. I will greatly miss him. I imagine he's sipping a nice Ethiopian Yirgacheffe up in heaven right now.
M K
April 23, 2012
Bill was a wonderfully warm, honest and big-hearted person. I met him only a year ago and always looked forward to the coffee chats and his ready smile. What a great guy - he will be missed by many. Sincere condolences to his family.
Barbara Bennette
April 23, 2012
We were so saddened to hear about Bill's sudden passing. I always looked forward to my Saturday stop for coffee (dark roast!) and a chat with Bill about coffee, dogs, cats, grandkids and life in Bethel. He was such a pleasure to do business with. He will be very much missed in our town. My deepest sympathy to his family.
Christine Marsh-Rijssenbeek
April 23, 2012
Bill's absence will be felt sorely in Bethel by all his friends and family. His death has been a terrible shock. We were just customers, but always looked forward to our special visits to Redding Roasters, a welcoming smile and chat with Bill. He was a warm, generous, funny and modest person, we are very sad that an era has ended.
Renee Royal
April 23, 2012
Dear Kathy and Kevin, Oh my God,I am in shock. A flood of memories I'm sure we share come to mind. I remember all the good times we had growing up across the street from you guys, camping in the back yard, pool hopping at night, Fourth of July bash in the middle of the street, Billy took us to the last time we ever went to Mountain Park, I remember it was so foggy coming home over the trail Billy had to drive with his door open so he could see the yellow line on the road. Good times. It was a sad day for me when you guys all left, now it is made even sadder. We lived in this neighborhood when neighbors were also best friends.You guys will always have a special place in the little box of memories I keep in my heart.God Bless you.
Renee(Parisien)Royal
William Jones
April 23, 2012
My deepest sympathy to all Bill's family and friends. I was truly shocked when I read of his passing in the paper. I have know Bill through the printing community for 20 years. We both loved to ride our Harley's and had that in common. I will miss stopping in, talking, and picking up that fine coffee he roasted and brewed. He had developed such a passion for that work and the Bethel community. He will be missed by many.
This has reminded me again. We should all be sure to cherish those closest to us, and never take their presence for granted.
Kristen Backus
April 23, 2012
Bill, you will be missed dearly. You touched so many people's lives. Thank you for always looking out for me, and being the best neighbor someone could hope for.
bruce felix
April 23, 2012
i worked with Bill many years ago with his father he was always fun to be around we had great times. My prayers go out to his family God bless.
kevin okeefe
April 22, 2012
Thank you to all of you that passed you wishes along.It means a lot to myself and my family.I was very proud that my brother effected so many lives as proven by the tremendous turnout at Sundays service.Again from my sister Kathy and myself I would like to pass along our heartfelt thanks.
Francine D. Woof
April 22, 2012
Dear Bill,
It was a joy to pick up Shorty for his walks and when we both had time, to exchange quick pleasantries or more serious and longer conversations. I would always leave with a lighter heart because you knew how to lift someone's spirits with true words and authentic humor.
See you later.
Katie Haggerty
April 22, 2012
I am shocked and so sad about Bill's passing. We've been neighbors for the past several years and I always looked forward to his afternoon walks with Shorty when he'd stop and chat awhile. Bill was a very kind person and a wonderful neighbor. We will miss him. My deepest sympathies to his family at this difficult time.
gary mcconnell
April 22, 2012
so sorry for your loss he was always a good hearted person
Michael Andros
April 22, 2012
Bill you will surely be missed. You were a wise man and I want to thank you for the times we spoke. I was glad to have known you. I admired your recovery.
michael andros jr
April 22, 2012
Bill you were like a dad to me and you played a big part in my life for years when I was growing up I love you and I will miss you no matter how much of a grumpy old man you were you had a heart of gold
Jim Murray
April 22, 2012
The simplest ritual - stop by for a 1lb. of ground coffee, while enjoying a cup, and then punch my Redding Roasters ticket. Always made time to show kids how he roasted beans and developed blends. We often discussed fund raising and he showed me labels he produced for such occasions. A truly generous man. I'll miss Bill and our informal chats.
Jason Arcamone
April 22, 2012
Bill you were such a great dude. You always made me laugh. Peace be with you. May your family find strength and live with you always in there hearts. My heart goes out to you all.
Patricia C.
April 22, 2012
Deepest sympathy to the family. I saw Bill just a week ago Friday and chatted with him as I usually do when I go in, which is at least once a month and sometimes more often. I had messaged back & forth with him just the day before, which was why I couldn't believe what I was hearing. He was a wonderful, wonderful person, a kind, generous, and thoughtful person. He is greatly missed. So very sad.
Jim Mangi
April 22, 2012
With Bill, there was never such a thing as a quick stop to pick up coffee. He always had time for conversation. In my years of buying coffee from him, he had become a fixture of downtown Bethel. I will always remember the many thank you letters posted on the wall in the shop from all the organizations he had helped over the years. We'll miss you Bill.
Keith Vosburgh
April 22, 2012
To my dear friend Bill...we had some really great times way back when. I was lucky to know and share time with you. This world was a better place with your human compassion and gentle spirit. You will be greatly missed.
I share my condolences and prayers of support for your family and friends, now and going forward. Peace.
Ed Dzubak
April 22, 2012
This is very sad. When Bill first opened, I'd buy my coffee directly from him in his shop - he was always generous with his time and loved to talk about the craft of roasting.
Later, I'd buy RR coffee from distributors in town, I wished I had stopped in more often.
April 22, 2012
It was so very sad to hear the tragic news. Even though we personally did not know Bill the stories told by Rachael clearly showed he was a wonderful man. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family. God Bless. Jerry (Jeff's Dad) and Nancy
American Heart Association
April 21, 2012
May your memories of the wonderful times you shared with your loved one comfort you and your family, today and always.
Marc Hufschmied
April 21, 2012
All the lives of all the people Bill helped will never be the same again. He was an extraordinary man, and his patience, wisdom, and compassion made the world a better place for all of us lucky enough to call Bill a friend. He was like a brother to me and I will miss him forever.
April 21, 2012
I will miss our talks together as you would take walks with your pal. Mya will never forget her friendship with you.... You are truly a great friend. We will see you in the next life Bill..and we will miss you forever..love to your family and prayers and thoughts to Kandance
Dawn Ramadon
April 21, 2012
God blessed you and I with a beautiful daughter together. You will always be in my heart. You were the best Dad to Kaitlyn and the best PopPop to Kadence. My heart aches. Thank you for being you.
Nicole Hensley
April 21, 2012
Mr. O'keefe,
U were like another father to me. I miss stamping paper bags at redding roasters. I took it really hard when i heard that u passed away. I hope ur happy where u are now and watch over ur loved ones. We will all miss u.
Joseph Hubicki
April 21, 2012
I will miss our long talks and your ready smiles. Coffee will never be the same without you. Farewell my friend, you left us all too soon.
April 21, 2012
I barely knew you personally Bill...but I bought and drank coffee with you almost every Saturday morning. We chatted. We laughed.
I was stunned this morning when I went in and you were "gone".
I sat in my car for 10 minutes outside...just not sure what to say or do.
May you be with the Lord.
Anthony Tufariello
April 21, 2012
All who knew Bill mourn his passing and feel a great loss. Our prayers and condolences go to his loving family. May we all continue to cherish our fond memories of this wonderful gentleman!
Bobbi Anders
April 21, 2012
Frank and I were in his shop on Wednesday. We chatted with Bill for 20 minutes. Our condolences to all his family. We will miss his ready smile and genuine true humanness that shone through his eyes.
Susan & MIchael Josephs
April 21, 2012
Bill was a great asset to the Bethel community. I saw him every week when I got my wonderful coffee from him. Our deepest condolences to his family. Bill will be greatly missed.
Liz Okeefe
April 21, 2012
To my husband and my sister-in-law, and to all the rest of my family I love you all and we don't say it to each other enough. We will miss you Bill.
Nancy Bullett
April 21, 2012
Dear Kevin and Kathy,
I am saddened to learn of your brother's passing. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely,
Nancy (Parisien) Bullett
Diane Moy
April 20, 2012
My sincere sympathy to the family of Bill. A kind man, gentle spirit and dear friend from long ago until today.
He was a very special person who will remain in the hearts of those who knew him.
Deborah Bergeron
April 20, 2012
Kaitlyn, Kathy, Kevin and families my sincerest sympathy for the loss of your great and wonderful brother Billy. He was a great guy, I feel honored and blessed to have known him. God Bless Debbie
April 20, 2012
Edward and Helen Bergeron offer our sincere sympathy to all members of the O'keefe family. Bill was one great guy, he will surely be missed by all.
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