Robert Brooks Keens

Keens, Robert Brooks
DELMAR - Robert (Bob) Brooks Keens passed away peacefully at home on August 28, 2025, at the age of 86.
Bob was born in Albany, N.Y., on December 21, 1938, to William George Keens Jr. and Helen Marie Brooks Keens. He was the second oldest of seven children. He attended The Albany Academy and Phillip Schuyler High School, earned a Bachelors Degree from Ithaca College, and a Masters degree from SUNY Albany. He was a very distinguished athlete in high school and in college in many different sports, and was an All-American Swimmer (butterfly). His career was spent as a teacher, administrator and coach in the South Colonie School district, much of it spent at The Shaker Road Elementary School. He met and married the love of his life, Marcy, in April of 1966, and they were together for just shy of 57 years. He coached boys soccer and tennis for Colonie High School, and was a long-time boys swimming and diving coach for Bethlehem Central High School, with a final few years spent as a diving coach at RPI. His summers were spent as the Camp Director for The Albany Academy's day camp for many years.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents William and Helen Keens; his loving wife, Martha Keens; brothers, William C. (Spouse Nettie, Lewis D. and William R.), Charles R. (Lynette), James A., John D.; and sister, Jane E. Connolly; Sister & Brother in-law (Rose & Richard Tice, niece Karen Boughton).
He is survived by his son, Robert D. Keens (spouse Kellie, Nick and Cara, and Jake), and his daughter, Elizabeth Keens Parent (spouse Jeff, Renee, Stephen and Natalie); Brother, Joel T. Keens (spouse Anne), Joel (Theresa), Sharron and Eric; Brother-in-law, Stephen Ruzzi (spouse Donna), Sarah (Shaun) and Lisa (Alan); Sister-in-law ,Elaine Whitaker (spouse Fred), Maggie and Andy (Christina); nephew, Richard Tice, nieces, Stephanie Heslin, Shari and Melissa Connolly; as well as many grandnieces, grandnephews and cousins.
Bob loved to play golf and was a very active and devoted member of St. Thomas The Apostle Church in Delmar, N.Y., where he resided with his wife for nearly 60 years. He was very blessed to have many wonderful friends and neighbors in the community.
The family will receive visitors on Friday, September 5, from 4 to 7 p.m., at Applebee Funeral Home, 403 Kenwood Ave., Delmar. A funeral mass will take place on Saturday, September 6, at 12:30 p.m., at St. Thomas The Apostle Church, 35 Adams Pl., Delmar. Contributions in Bob's memory may be made to St. Thomas the Apostle School, 42 Adams Pl., Delmar, N.Y. 12054.