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Eugene Keller Obituary
February 11, 1938 - December 25, 2019
Gene died peacefully in his sleep on Christmas evening after suffering a stroke. He was preceded in death by his parents, Gene and Joan (Lyons) Keller. He is survived by his adored wife and best friend, Sherry, his beloved daughters, Erin Keller Lynch (Neil) of San Francisco and Kerry Keller-Ash (Keith) of Seattle, his grandchildren, Gerald (Kim) and Ryan Lynch and Siobhan and Taig Ash. He also leaves his dear sister, Judi Rosen, his niece Alison Rosen O'Herlihy and her daughter Roisin. Gene will be missed by his many relatives and dear friends and also by Archie the Greyhound, worthy successor to Max and Otto.Gene was a 1956 graduate of St. Ignatius High School. He attended City College of San Francisco and completed his education at San Francisco State. After a long career in private industry, he joined the SF Muni, retiring as a General Foreman. AirTrain at SFO lured him back into the work force as a Senior Operations Manager, where he worked until completion of that project.
Gene was a true Renaissance man – broad in his range of knowledge and in his choices of friendships, valuing each person's contributions and breadth of ideas. He had a quick wit and was the first to laugh at himself. Gene loved cars and motorcycles, particularly British ones, good books, Cazadero weekends, electrical theory, the Boston Celtics, travel (most recently to Buenos Aires), and long talks over cold beers. Most of all he loved being with his family. Gene was a kind and honorable man whose love and spirit will live in our hearts forever.
A vigil will be held Thursday, Jan 9th from 4:00 -7:00 PM with prayers offered at 6:00 pm at McAvoy O'Hara Co Evergreen Mortuary, Geary Blvd at 10th Ave. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, Jan 10th 2PM at Star of the Sea Church, Geary at 8th Ave. San Francisco.
The family wishes to thank the staff of UCSF for their care and kindness. If you like, donations may be made in Gene's memory to Greyhound Friends for Life (gffl.org), Best Friends Animal Society or the charity of your choice.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Eugene Keller
Sponsored by McAvoy O'Hara The Evergreen Mortuary.
Julie Burns
December 29, 2023
So difficult to believe that it's already been so long since we lost Gene. I can still hear his voice and vision. David and I miss evenings with him, hearing his tales of a vanishing San Francisco.
Julie
December 29, 2022
We still recall Gene's great stories. It's as if they still live in our memory,
January 14, 2020
Sad to hear of Gene's death. Have many happy memories of times spent with Gene and Sherry and Mervyn. Sincere condolences to Sherry and all of Gene's family.
Anna Lloyd, Dublin.
Anna Grajeda
January 10, 2020
Sherry I just found out about Gene. My sincere condolences. He was such a wonderful guy and you were the lucky lady to have him. May he Rest In Peace. Anna Grajeda and Pat Moran
Sally Cocannon Hoskins
January 9, 2020
I attended Alamo School with Eugene...back in the 40's. I remember him as a funny and cheerful friend. After reading his obituary it seems as if I'm not alone in my memories of Eugene. It's so nice to hear he had a good life, surrounded by a loving family and friends. May you all take comfort in the memories he has left with you.
January 8, 2020
Erin & Kerry, I just read the "Irish Sporting Green" and came upon your Dad's passing....He was one of a kind....my favorite remembrance of him was the VIP t-shirt you gave to him, Vincent In Pieces, he was always tinkering on those motorcycles.
Fondly, Ray Scarabosio
Ann Simon
January 6, 2020
Cousin's are special friends. Losing Gene, even though years have gone by without seeing one another, feels like losing a bit of childhood. I'll miss him.
Annie
Nels Johnson
January 6, 2020
Gene was a good friend with a vast knowledge of San Francisco (and world-wide) history and culture. He was a fixture in our neighborhood and I will always think of him when I walk by his hangouts.
Nels Johnson
Julie Burns
January 5, 2020
David and I mourn Gene's loss. He was a huge presence -- his voice echoes in our memory, with yet another great story or compelling observation. He will live on in our hearts.
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Memorial Events
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Jan
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