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Andrew O'Keefe Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Andrew O'Keefe
Melissa Dulinsky
January 6, 2008
Dear O'Keefe Family,
There are times when you wish you could say all the right words to make something better, but this is one of those sour moments in life, where no words can express your thoughts to make a moment seem better. It is like "putting whipcream on an onion" as I once heard said.
I often think of Andy and what a wonderful person he was not only to his wife and his family, but to his friends, co workers and even strangers. He was always welcoming and willing to include you. I can remember the first time I met Andy. I was down on my luck, needed a job desperately, and well a little bit flaky at the time trying to figure out where I was going in life. He interviewed me for a job at Alexanders Pizza, and even though he didn't really need another "pizza delivery person" he hired me. I can only imagine my first impression as overly bubbly with really big, blonde hair. Yet he gave me a chance, one that in the end gave me so much.
It gave me a tight knit group of friends that 15 years later still love, laugh, play and talk to each other even though we have all gone in different directions. It helped me to developed friendships with my 3 best friends Stacy, Tara and Angie. He helped me to learn to be responsible, and ultimalety that I can have anything I wanted if I was willing to work for it. (Uhm, I can say that he never really got the being on time thing nailed down with me, but....I did hear him say it.)
If it had not been for that one day so many years ago, who knows where I would be today, or where my life would have gone. I am truly blessed to have had Andy as my freind for the last 15 years. A blessing I will cherish for the rest of my life.
I am deeply sorry for all of you. If there were only the right words to say to take away your pain I would do it in a heartbeat, just as I beleive he would have done in return. I truly miss both my friends, Andy and Tara. If there was a phone in heaven . . . it would be busy right now as I miss talking to them both.
Poor Booger, she now has to deal with my endless conversations.
If there is ever anything I can do for your family, please know I am here. I do beleive with ALL my HEART that Andy is at peace. And while we all will miss him so much here on earth, he is looking down at us smiling because he is free to be with the women he loved so much. He is wrapped in the most glorious glow that the world knows. The love of his Wife and his Mother.
Oh and one more thing.....
WHOODEY!
Michele O'Keefe Ilg
December 31, 2007
It has almost been a month and I do not know what to say. So, I am just going to say, I love you and will miss you very much. One more Who Day! and Go Reds! from me to you. Love your Cincy family.
December 27, 2007
Andy,
I can't keep thinking of our final kiss goodbye. GOD must of needed a beautiful red head to take you so soon. Do you know it rained for a week after your funeral? Tears, from Tara, Aunt Ann, Grandma Knothead and baby TimO for joining them to soon. Your at peace.
I'll love you forever.
Kelly
Darcey Harbaugh
December 25, 2007
MERRY CHRISTMAS
Andy, words can't say how i feel about the loss of you, so soon after my sister tara, i thought you would still be here for years to come. but i now know that was'nt to be you will always hold a place in my heart, just for all the kind things you did. i will never forget you and just like i said in to my sister, i always keep my cards and here is what your card said.
WHEN SANTA WORKS HIS MAGIC,
THE FUN CAN REALLY START... FOR WHEN WE WAKE UP CHRISTMAS MORNING
WE'ER ALL YOUNG AT HEART.
WE LOVE YOU ANDY,TARA & BOOGER
I'll keep that card forever. now you have eternity with my sister.
we love you and will never forget you.
LOVE YOU ALWAYS
DARCEY
TO THE O'KEEFE FAMILY MY HEART IS WITH YOU ALL.
Bill Huepenbecker
December 20, 2007
I was shocked and saddened to hear of Andy's passing. I really enjoyed having you in classes at Byrnedale and Bowsher, you definitely made the classroom less boring. Deepest sympathies to the family and close friends who survive... but Andy will be with you always.
Amy (Rogers) Burk
December 16, 2007
Andy,
I hope you are at peace with your wife and your mom.
I'll never forget you.
You were one of the most important people to me in Junior High and High School, when we were just kids.
I'm so glad you were happy for so long with Tara.
You have forever now.
Amy
mike irmen
December 14, 2007
Well it has been over a week and i think it is finally sinking in for me and i just can't beleive you are gone.I admired you so much in your relationship with my sister and the love you had for her and i used that with my own relationship with my Tara and when you find that kind of love you do whatever you can to hang onto it and cherish it and that is what i have done.I will miss our latenight talks and are early saturday morning debates on how Ohio State sucks and you telling me that Michigan sucks.You being here made it easier to deal with the lost of my sister and spending time with you after she passed was a great time for me i got a chance to meet alot of people at the block party and me and Tara found a new love Corn Hole and i will cherish those memories forever.I hope you are up there with my sister and you two are together again.I love you and i will miss you very much.
Megan McCormick
December 10, 2007
To the O'Keefe Family, I am very sorry for the loss of your brother/son and my brother-in-law, Andy. I didn't know Andy as well as I probably should have.
The one thing I do know about Andy is that he loved my sister very much. It makes me sad to know that two people who were so young are now gone forever. I do believe that Tara and Andy have been reunited in Heaven and will be waiting patiently for the rest of us to join them someday. Always remember to speak the love you all feel for each other because it is the love we hold back that we take with us when we go.
Tammy Way'Russo
December 10, 2007
My Deepest Sympathy to the family of Andy O'Keefe.
Tricia Steinwagner
December 10, 2007
Okeefe and McCormick Family,
I am so sorry for your loss and I know words can not take the pain away but I am here if you need me. I am a Friend of Tara's I grew up with her and I never got the pleasure to meet Andy. I know that there is always the saying True Love can never keep a couple apart and that is Andy and Tara for you cause they could'nt stand to be another day away from each other just hold on to your memories cause they last a lifetime I know I have mine of Tara and me growing up.
Love to all
Trica
Roseanne Firdous
December 10, 2007
Dearest brother Andy,
I am saddened that I will not be there when you are laid to rest, but I am also comforted in knowing that you and your beautiful wife are in each others arms once again. Loving each other for all eternity. I must say that this year will be a year for all to remember. I know that I will never forget your wonderful laugh Andy, the kind of laugh that sticks with you, I can still hear it in my head. You and Tara were meant to be together I'm so glad you two found each other to love. You will be missed from now till the end of my days. May peace come to the O'keefe family, you all are in my loving prayers. Find comfort in the Lord for he is always with you. The Lord has promised to prepare, a place in heaven above, a home where we will always be-with Him and those we love. God bless you all! I love you Andy and Tara.
In my heart, Rosie
Adrianne Rickenberg
December 10, 2007
What sad news for friends and family. Andy seemed to me to be a very kind man. My prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Marcia Perna
December 10, 2007
Tim
My thoughts and prayers and tears are with you and your family as I have just received word of Andy's passing. May the love that surrounds you from friends and family give you some comfort right now. Peace and Love, Marcia
Brian Hochmuth
December 9, 2007
My deepest sympathy goes out to the O'Keefe family at this time of tremendous loss.
darcy (Earle) suwinski
December 9, 2007
Tim and family and friends,
I have wonderful and funny memories from Andy from our Little Caesars days. I have been fortunate to see him over the last few years as well and he always greeted me with that wonderful Andy smile when we talked and shared memories. Our loss here on earth is Heavens' gain!
God Bless you all in this time and in the years to come.
Mike Michalkiewicz
December 9, 2007
I am saddened and shocked by the sudden loss of Andy. I was just informed of this sad news by Kim Walsh (Reed) via e-mail.
I, like Terry Thetford, share many of the same memories with Tim and Andy (playing baseball, Euchre nights, goofing around at Byrnedale and Bowsher High Scshool, etc.) I hope the O'keefe family is comforted that Andy is now at peace with his wife in God's grace.
Peace to all of you.
Judy Moores
December 8, 2007
Kathy - Just a note to let you know that I'm thinking of you and
my prayers are with you and your
family at this sad and difficult time. Judy Moores (Messiah)
Richelle Burkey
December 8, 2007
Tim, I am So Very sorry to hear about the loss of your brother. My thoughts are with you and your family. Take care,
Terry Thetford
December 8, 2007
Bill, Tim & Kathy,
I am writing in this Guest Book with a heavy heart. I have so many memories of all of us in the younger years. Remember them and cherish them.
I have reflected quite a bit over the past week and wanted to share. Baseball at Heatherdowns Park, baseball at the Lucas County Recreation Center, football for the Hornets, football with the French boys in front of the house, the paper route and riding to the paper station, Euchre at the kitchen table, Catching Crayfish at the creek (Andy was always burning something with that magnifying glass). Playing basketball on the driveway with that 6’6” rim, (none of the 3 of us could even touch the rim). These are only few. Keep thinking of all of the wonderful memories we all had with Andy. They can never be taken away. Andy is in a better place with his Mom and Tara and I am sure he has found peace.
My thoughts and payers are with all of you.
Neuro ICU, Toledo Hospital
December 8, 2007
We are so sorry for your loss and continue to pray for your family.
With Deepest sympathy
susan post
December 8, 2007
i didnt know you that well but you were my moms favorie cousin you ment alot to her and our family. you will be greatly missed <3
Portia Garza
December 8, 2007
Who had a greater love for each other than Tara and Andy. What mixed emotions we all share. To lose them both to soon in our earthy lives but to know they are sharing a heavenly life with out pain or loss but with each other for eternity
Daniel Maier
December 8, 2007
My condolence to the O`Keefe family
suzanne russell
December 8, 2007
I'm so sorry, Kathy.
Suzanne (Bissonnette)Russell
Dan Blodgett
December 8, 2007
Tim, I am so sorry for your lost.May you find comfort in your memories of him. My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family.
Jodi Kirkpatrick
December 8, 2007
Tim, I am so sad to hear about your brother. I haven't seen either of you in a long time but I only have fond memories. My thoughts will be with you and your family during this difficult time.
Tara Chapman
December 7, 2007
To the O'Keefe family and Those closest to their hearts,
I am so sincerely sorry for the loss of Andy. There are some people in this world that you meet and know instantly that they will be a life long friend. I feel that way about about Andy. I loved grocery shopping in Toledo with him, hanging out in the basement at Bob and Kathy's, getting to be the guinea pig for all his father's wonderful recipes, cooking Andy and Mike italian food and making them try Beer bread from That Little Czech Bakery in Texas. Andy made great runny eggs for breakfast and he liked the same movies that I like. He could do the whole Fresh Prince Of Bel Aire rap with me and loved to play games but hated to lose. He never failed to mention Tara in every conversation, and put his family above his own problems when we would talk on the phone. I will miss hearing Andy's voice on the answering machine every time his teams played well. He was so fun loving. It is hard to understand why gentle, fun loving and good people like Tara and Andy arent allowed more time with us. Their very presence made the world seem more inviting. Sometimes I think that the point in life isnt who gets to live the longest, but who lives the fullest. Andy really enjoyed his life with his wife. He traveled and did the things he wanted to do that made him happiest. He loved his sister Kathy like she was a serrogate momma. He mentioned several times that Kathy was the nurturer of the family. It was really wonderful to get to be a part of your lives and know all of you. I am so sorry that I could not be there during this difficult time to give you a hug, but I will keep you in my prayers and in my heart.
Love,
Tara Chapman
Randy Britton
December 7, 2007
I know how it feels to lose a sibling...too soon. My heart feels your deep pain and I understand your sorrow. Please know that my thoughts and love are with you....!
Whatever you need...Randy Britton
Shannon Zeller
December 7, 2007
Dear Andy:
I'm so glad you and I grew closer after Tara passed away. Your funny laughter echos in my head and heart, and will stay there forever. Now, you and my funny sister can sit up in heaven and laugh at all of us.
I'm picturing you and Tara sitting on a cloud in matching recliners and matching Bulls hats, and matching remote controls. You two were like Romeo and Juliet. You were meant for each other.
I"m just going to miss the laughter, the wit, the care, the hugs, the stories, the love, you two had for each other and for everyone around you.
To the O'keefe family: stick close to one another and try to feel the love of Tara and Andy, it will comfort all of you.
You both were the best. I love you both, Shannon
Kim (Reed) Walsh
December 7, 2007
Wish to express our greatest sympathy to the entire O'Keefe Family. I graduated with Tim and have known him since middle school. Have seen the laughter, smiles, playfulness, friendship and love that you all have! Hold those memories of Andy close to your heart and know that you are in our thoughts and prayers each and every day!
Kathy Berlin
December 7, 2007
Andy will be greatly missed. It's difficult to understand the why's. Keep in mind the good memories to help you through this sad time. I'm glad I had the pleasure of knowing Andy. My sincerest condolences to all of you.
Rhonda Wodtke-Birr
December 7, 2007
I graduated with Andy from Bowsher in 1986 & wanted to express my deepest sympathy to Andy's family at this time. I remember fondly the fun we had in Choir. Andy was always full of energy & always made us laugh. These are memories that will never be forgotten.
God Bless you all!
December 7, 2007
O'Keefe
It's a name that speaks for itself. Its qualities are buried deep in all of you. Friendship, kinship, comradeship, passionate, strong willed, determined, full of laughter. jokes, stories, cartoons, singing, simple frivolity. But most of all love. It will always be there in all of you. We were all blessed to have known Andy. We love you all.
Please know that our thoughts are with you.
Jeff and Tracy
JACK & NANCY O'KEEFE
December 7, 2007
DREW'you will be greatly missed You were part of the sunshine of the O"Keefe family.
Cindy (Lee) Gurkin
December 7, 2007
Andrew,
I am so glad I had the opportunity to speak with you last month after so many years. May you and Tara enjoy your life together in heaven.
Heather Latham Miller
December 7, 2007
I heard of Andy’s passing last evening from a mutual friend, and was saddened by the loss. I first met Andy in the mid 1990’s when I worked with him and Tara at Alexander’s Pizza. Years later, I spent time with them at Dominic’s, shooting pool and sharing memories.
To an outsider, Andy seemed quiet and somewhat reserved, but to those who knew him, he was friendly, helpful, kind, and had a great sense of humor. I hardly ever remember seeing him without Tara, so my hope is that they have finally found a restful and endless peace together. My thought and prayers are with his loved ones. May they find comfort in the joy he was to others.
Jeff Keim
December 7, 2007
Andy: I knew you like a brother and hated to see you in pain. Go in peace and rest. You will be missed and loved. To the O'Keefe family, our deepest condolences as you endure this most difficult time and year. May God bring peace to your lives.
Karensue Draheim Sapp
December 7, 2007
I can not believe that I am doing this. As I wrote to you at the time of Tara's death YOU were one of the people I wanted to see at the 20th reunion. So many memories Drew. 34 years Andrew William O'Keefe. 34 yrs ago we started kindergarten together at Heatherdowns, then Byrnedale Junior High and finally BHS. A lot of years. Bugles Drew. Every time I see bugles I have always remembered you. You always had them in your lunch at Heatherdowns. Driving through the neighborhood selling pumpkins out of the back of your Mom's station wagon. My Mom taking us to Ohio Skate-couples skate. Your siamese cats. My first boyfriend my first kiss you have always had a special place in my heart. Good friends always do.
I should have thanked you a long time ago for my friendship with Amy. You are the first thing that we "shared" and because of you her and I have one of the greatest friendships anyone could ask for. Calling her to tell her about you was one of the hardest calls I have had to make. I think it may have been harder than when I had to call her about my Mom's death.
I pray that you are at peace. That your Mom and Tara welcomed you with open arms. That your heart is whole again and you got to celebrate Tara's birthday with her.
Mr. O, Tim and Kathy, I really don't know where to start. I am so sorry for your loss. Andy was a great person and friend. He will be missed by many and thought of often. I hope that the memories of Andy will help you and the love of family and friends will get you through this.
Peace and love to you All.
Dave & Nancy Moellman (Trzcinski)
December 7, 2007
Our Deepest Sympathy to the family of Andy.
May knowing others care help you through this troubled time. Your in every thought and every prayer.
Margie
December 7, 2007
Andy......we will ALL miss you very, very much. You and Tara can now spend eternity together.
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