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Bruce Keener Obituary
Rear Admiral, USN (Ret.)
Of Jacksonville, FL, died on November 17, 2002following a stroke. Admiral Keener graduated from the Naval Academy, class of 1948A, and received a Masters of Science in Electrical Engineering from the Naval Post Graduate School in 1956. He was stationed in the Washington area at the Pentagon from 1966-1969 and as Commander of Military Sealift Command from 1979-1981. Admiral Keener is survived by his wife of 55 years, Kay; his son, Bruce "Chip" Keener IV; daughter, Kathy Lafferty; and four grandchildren, Bruk, Trevor, Kathryn and Brendan Keener. A memorial service will be held at Christ Episcopal Church, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL at 11 a.m., Friday, November 22. Memorials may be sent to Christ Episcopal Church, 400 San Juan Dr., Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082 or to the Jacksonville Humane Society, 8464 Beach Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32216.
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Memories and Condolences
for Bruce Keener
6 Entries
Paul Joseph Hilchey
May 8, 2025
In 1964/5 I served on the USS Joseph Strauss (DDG16) which was then commanded by Bruce Keener. He was a natural leader and the Very Best Ship´s Captain that I ever served under during my seven (7) years in the US Navy. I ran into him several years later in Portsmouth, VA and told him exactly what I have just written; We parted with my saying to him that I expected him to make Admiral before he retired. I just learned about his death in 2002. Please accept my condolences and thanks for having the opportunity to have met and worked for him. He was the Very Best! - Paul Joseph Hilchey, Former FTM1 on the USS Joseph Strauss - Now age 81in Durham, NC.
MARY BETH AND JACK LYNCH
November 23, 2002
DEAR KEENER FAMILY,
WE'RE SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS. THE ADMIRAL WAS A LOVELY MAN AND WILL BE MISSED GREATLY. LOVE TO ALL AND GOD BLESS.
MARY BETH AND JACK LYNCH AND FAMILY
YOUR OLD NEIGHBORS ON MARIA PLACE
Nancy Cox
November 21, 2002
Dear Mrs. Keener and family,
Sincerest sympathy on your loss. He was an outstanding gentleman.
Nancy Cox
Hugo's Interiors
Harriet and Frank Kurzweg
November 20, 2002
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this sad time. We share in your loss.
Love, Harriet and Frank
Mr. & Mrs. Bill Simpson
November 19, 2002
Kay, we love you. We are always reminded of your servant's heart as every Christmas you would spend endless hours in the kitchen creating endless gifts of sweets & desserts for your family and friends. Each one a memory of love to those who received the gift. As your roofing contractor for many, many years, we count it an honor to call you friends. It was always a pleasure. Admiral Keener will long be remembered. Our thoughts & prayers are with your family.
Jan De Muynk
November 19, 2002
We will miss Bruce Keener with his positive outlook on life, his honesty and straightforward attitude, and above all his friendship. Bruce was an asset to our community at Cypress Village.
Signed: J.A.T.(Jan) and Anne de Muynk
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