James J. Keelty

JAMES J. KEELTY James Joseph Keelty, 77, of Wilmington, died Tuesday, December 24, 2013, at Lower Cape Fear Hospice and LifeCareCenter. Mr. Keelty was born on February 2, 1936 in the town of Baileboro, County Cavan, Ireland, son of the late Martin and Mary Ellen McDonald Keelty. He immigrated to the United States, became a citizen of the United States and served honorably in the United States Army. After his military service in Germany, he began work for the Manhattan and Bronx Surface Transportation Operating Authority (MaBSTOA). Upon retiring from MaBSTOA, he and his wife, Elizabeth, relocated from New City, in Rockland County, NY, to Wilmington, NC. In his retirement, Mr. Keelty began a new career as a business owner enjoying many years as the proprietor of a food distributorship in New Hanover County. For over 20 years, Mr. Keelty happily played golf on the links and fairways of New Hanover and surrounding counties. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Elizabeth Keelty; four children, Barbara Caldwell (Donald) of Charlotte, NC, James Keelty (Patricia) of Suffern, NY, Kieran Keelty ( Sally) of Virginia, and Monica Quarleno (Peter) of New City, NY; twelve grandchildren; sister, Bridie Keelty, and brothers, Paddy Keelty and Martin Keelty. A Funeral Mass will be held at 2pm Monday, December 30, 2013, at St. Mark Catholic Church with Msgr. Stephen Worsley officiating. The family will greet friends following the service. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to St. Mark Catholic Church Music Program, 1011 Eastwood Road, Wilmington, NC 28403. Condolences to the family at www.andrewsmortuary.com Andrews Market Street Chapel