Daniel G. Keenan

ALBANY- Daniel G. Keenan passed away peacefully at home June 3, 2024.  He was 90 years old.  An Albany native through and through, Dan was the son of Daniel A. and Josephine O’Donohoe Keenan.  He was a graduate of St. Teresa of Avila Grammar School, Christian Brothers Academy class of ’51 and the Simmons School of Embalming and Restorative Arts.  Dan spent two years in the Army with the 25th Infantry Division during the Korean War. He returned to Albany in 1955 and fulfilled his ambition to take control of the family funeral business started by his father in 1923.  Dan was proud to celebrate the100th year of the Daniel Keenan Funeral Home in 2023, with his daughter Marie as the third generation.

In 1957, Dan married Theresa Joyce Dembski and together they worked and supported each other for 67 years.  He was predeceased by his dear sister, MaryJo (George) Rutnik.  In addition to his wife Joyce, he is survived by his daughters Terri (Joe) DeMaria and Marie Keenan; his four grandchildren, Dan and Tedi DeMaria, Liam and Aine Keenan Tobin; nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

From an early age, Dan viewed being a funeral director as a vocation and a call to service. He demonstrated compassion and care for the families he met and felt privileged to serve them.  Dan was a role model to his family as well as other members of the funeral profession for his compassion, honesty, sensitivity and kindness.  He was committed to serving the Daughters of Charity and supported their mission. As a longtime Communicant of the former St. James Church, now Saint Francis of Assisi Parish, he served as a trustee for over 35 years and was a continuing supporter and former council president of the St. Vincent de Paul Society.  In 2004, Dan was recognized by The St. Peter’s Hospital Foundation with the Catherine McAuley Award in honor of his vision, guidance and support which has served to strengthen the mission of St. Peter’s Hospital and the work of the Sisters of Mercy.  Dan was a member of the New York State Funeral Directors Association, the National Funeral Directors Association, the Knights of Columbus, Council 173, the Sheehy-Palmer Veterans Post 6776, the Normanside Country Club, and the Helderberg Lake Community Association.

Dan was a passionate Notre Dame Football fan and loved listening to classic jazz music.  We know where he is now, his favorite jazz tunes will be playing, and the Fighting Irish will be winning the game.  He was a devoted son and brother, a cherished husband, a loving father, treasured grandfather, and a dear friend. Our family will be forever grateful to his life-long friend and Army buddy Jack King.  Dan will be deeply missed. Saint John the Baptist de La Salle pray for us.

Visitation will be held Friday, June 7, from 4-7 pm at the Daniel Keenan Funeral Home, 490 Delaware Avenue, Albany, NY 12209.  His funeral Mass will be celebrated Saturday, June 8 at 9:30am in St. Francis of Assisi Church, 391 Delaware Ave. Interment will follow in St. Agnes Cemetery, Menands.   For those who wish, memorial contributions to benefit Saint Catherine’s Center for Children Foundation Endowment in memory of Daniel Keenan, may be made to SCCC Foundation Endowment,  40 N. Main Ave., Albany, NY 12203 c/o Michele O’Hare, or to St. James Food Pantry, 391 Delaware Ave. Albany, NY 12209. Online condolences may be offered at www.danielkeenanfuneralhome.com.