Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Thomas KEAN Obituary
Thomas A. Kean, 88, of Boynton Beach, FL, formerly of Little Falls, NJ, and Chugiak, AK, went home to be with the Lord on April 7, 2013. A former World War II veteran, he served in Underwater Demolition in the Pacific Theatre. A graduate of Montclair State University, Tom was head of the science department at Passaic Valley High School, Little Falls, and later served as a guidance counselor. He retired in 1990 after 42 years as an educator. He was a leader with the Boy Scouts of America, a member of the American Red Cross as a water safety instructor for many years, the Totowa Borough Rescue Squad, the Totowa Borough Board of Health, as well as the Little Falls Republican Club and the Little Falls Historical Society. Tom and his wife divided their retirement between Alaska and Florida watching their grandchildren grow up in Alaska. He leaves his wife, Joanne, nee Aylsworth, his two sons, Bob and Roy, his daughter-in-law, Electa, his two grandchildren, Kelly and Kevin, two great-grandchildren, Roman and Briana, as well as many precious friends. A graveside service will be held at the South Florida National Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to the First United Methodist Church, 101 N. Seacrest Blvd, Boynton Beach, FL 33435.
To express condolences and/or make donations: Visit PalmBeachPost.com/obituaries
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Thomas KEAN
Sponsored by His loving son.
Susan Partridge Grenville
August 18, 2013
My condolences to your family. Mr. Kean was my teacher at PV in the early 60's. I remember him as a teacher I admired.
Susan Partridge Grenville, Class of 1963
July 23, 2013
My husband ,Tom (Class'57)and I (Class '56) both were fortunate enough to have Mr. Kean as a biology teacher.
Our heartfelt sympathies are directed at his family and their loss.
Lynda Mayer Fenwick
Mark & Marita Smith
May 10, 2013
We are very saddened to hear of Tom's passing. Our thoughts are with Joanne and family.
mario rosellini
May 8, 2013
I was sorry to hear of Tom's passing.I was in the PVHS Class of 56 and I always considered him to be of my best teachers and one of the nicest.
Fred Pregger
April 30, 2013
Condolences to Joanne and all of Tom's family. Tom was one of my best friends in college and beyond, fraternity brother and fellow Mason. He was an outstanding biologist and his thousands of students were fortunate to have the benefit of his teaching and counsel during his many years at Passaic Valley Regional High School. We shall all miss him very much.
Richard Rombough
April 22, 2013
Very sorry to hear of Mr. Kean's passing. He was my homeroom teacher from 1954-1958 at PV as well as my Biology teacher. A wonderful man, very fair and a great teacher with a great sense of humor and very even demeanor. Miss Aylsworth aka Mrs. Kean was my Freshman English teacher and I fondly remember especially her Shakespeare discussions. I know they were both dedicated Christians and very good role models for students.
Bob Coyle
April 21, 2013
Bobby and Family- Very sorry for your loss- he was a man who made a positive difference in the community and was able to teach and inspire others- p.s.- we did have some good times running the track and slipping out on the perimeter rwc
Joe Walker
April 19, 2013
My biology teacher , also. Everybody liked Mr. Kean . Great role model.
DONNA CAMPANELLA MAJERUS
April 17, 2013
I WAS SADDENED BY THE NEWS OF TOMS PASSING, HE WAS A VERY GOOD FRIEND OF THE FAMILY, MY DAD & MOM ALWAYS TALKED SO HIGHLY OF HIM. I PARKED MY CAR AT HIS HOUSE MY JR. YEAR OF HIGH SCHOOL, HE ALWAYS MADE ME FEEL SPECIAL. YOU WILL BE MISSED UNCLE TOM
April 15, 2013
Mr. Kean was my sister's and my biology teacher. He was wonderful and one of my favorite teachers at PV.
Ed Schopperth
April 11, 2013
I'm sorry for your loss. Mr. Kean was a great role model all the PV Family.
Louise Dibble-Trezza
April 11, 2013
Mr. Kean was a wonderful husband, father and educator. My sincerest condolences to his wife, an incredible woman and my favorite teacher, and his entire family.
Cheryl Gramp
April 10, 2013
TK, you and Aunt Joey have not only taught thousands of young minds, but touched so many lives. Thank you for being such a positive role model. You will be missed.
Charleen Ward-Scully
April 10, 2013
Mr. Kean was one of the best teachers at P.V. He had such a kind and gentle yet firm way about him. The world and the walls of P.V. were a better place because of him. May God rest his soul. My thoughts and prayers are with Mrs.Kean, Bobby and Roy.
Mary Lou Berner
April 10, 2013
I consider both of you dear friends.Lovely memories of many Thursday night dinners.You were so kind to include me.He will be missed.My thoughts and prayers are with you
Politz Family
April 10, 2013
We are sorry for your loss. Mr. Kean was a great role model for all of us.
Joey Neapolitan
April 10, 2013
What can I say about Mr. Kean which hasn't been said already. he was one of my scout leaders when Bobby, Roy and I were members of Troop 14, He was my canoe mate when we went down the Delaware during Summer Camp and he tolerated my dad's "wood badge coffee". My deepest sympathies go out to Mrs. Kean, Bob and his family and Roy. Just know that he and my dad,"GIHIM", which is a OA indian name, are together again and planning a camping trip.
Glen Flannagan
April 10, 2013
Learning of your loss brings many happy memories of you both and your family. Thanks for all you both meant to me. God bless and comfort you and keep you will. Love, Glen
William DeGroot
April 10, 2013
Sorry to hear of Toms passing. I lost a fellow educator and dear friend. I miss you Tom and send my deepest condolences to his wife and entire Family
Rick Ritacco
April 10, 2013
He will be missed...a great man. May his family find peace in this difficult time.
David Tosi
April 10, 2013
Mr. Kean was a great example to a generation of students. He instilled in me a lifelong ininterest in science, scouting and the outdoors. A legacy of inspiration to the next generation that should be emulated.
Charles Paolino
April 10, 2013
My classmates (PVHS '60) and I often talk about how fortunate we were to have grown up where and when we did. Tom and Joanne Kean were examples of the quality of life that we enjoyed. They were both fine teachers who gave us just the combination of focus, patience, and good humor we needed. One of my fond memories of Mr. Kean was a chance meeting in 1957 at the Plaza Theater on Union Avenue in Paterson, where he, Lou Caruso, and I watched "The Bridge on the River Kwai" -- twice in one sitting! To whatever extent we turned out to be good people, Mr. and Mrs. Kean share in the credit.
Fr. Eric G. Tosi
April 10, 2013
He and his wife were incredible inspirations to me and instilled in me the love of learning. He will be greatly missed and May His Memory Be Eternal!
Robert Barbieri
April 10, 2013
Sad to hear of Tom's passing. I knew Tom, not only as a teacher at PV, but also as a fellow member of the Totowa First Aid Squad. I remember always a friendly, caring attitude. He and my Dad (Gabe) were good friends.
Peter Tantillo
April 10, 2013
May God Hold Him in the Hollow of his Hand. He will be missed.
Nancy Campbell Dore
April 10, 2013
Our families shared many happy times together and the friendship between Tom and my Dad Les was precious..so many happy memories. Love and prayers to all the family at the loss of a beloved and great man.
LYNDA FENWICK
April 9, 2013
My husband , Tom Fenwick (Class or '57) and I, Lynda Mayer Fenwick (Class of '56)
BOTH HAD THE PLEASURE OF MR. KEAN'S UNIQUE APPROACH TO MAKING SCIENCE UNDERSTANDABLE. REST IN PEACE, MR. KEAN
Eugene Krom
April 9, 2013
Mr Kean was one of the pillars that made Passaic Valley High School a great institution of education.
My condolences to his very lucky family for sharing a great man and educator with us.
Dawn Terrizzi
April 9, 2013
Tom always had a smile for everyone. Will miss him here, yet I rejoice because he is home with the Lord where we will meet again. Keeping Joanne and family in prayer.
Lois Brown (Struck)
April 9, 2013
Mr. Kean was my most favorite teacher when I attended Passaic Valley High School from 1949 to 1953. He had a wonderful personal personality that I have always remembered.
April 9, 2013
Thanks to all his family and friends for sharing him with us. To everyone, he WAS Passaic Valley Regional High School. Dear man and great friend who will be missed.
Rona (Cahill) Malewit
April 9, 2013
Thank you for all you have taught us over the years. We will miss you! Heaven is a brighter place with you there.
((((Hugs, UT!))))
Love and prayers, Rona
Showing 1 - 32 of 32 results
Make a Donation
in Thomas KEAN's name
Memorial Events
for Thomas KEAN
How to support Thomas's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Thomas KEAN's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
