FRANCIS O'KEEFE

1925 - 2015

O’KEEFE, FRANCIS In New Haven, September 12, 2015 Francis O’Keefe, 90, of Hamden. Husband of the late Ellen “Lena” Carey O’Keefe. Loving father of Julia DeCola of Hamden, Nora O’Keefe of Hamden, Theresa O’Keefe of West Lebanon, NH, Frances Holzbar of Hamden and Annmarie Satterfield (Robert) of Telford, PA., brother of John O’Keefe of East Haven, Maurice O’Keeffe of Kiskeam, Ireland, Martin Scott of Boston, Ma. and Julia Mullane of England. Also survived by his cherished grandchildren, Robert Bellucci (Tracy), Andrew Barkalow, Justin Barkalow, Shannon Furnari (William), Ashley Barkalow, LCPL, USMC Sean O’Keefe, two step-grandchildren, Robert Satterfield (Amanda), David Satterfield (Tabitha), his great-grandchildren, Audrianna Bellucci, Mason Reese and James Bellucci, and his devoted K9 companion R.J. Predeceased by brothers, Paddy O’Keeffe, Jeremiah O’Keeffe, sisters, Eileen Manning, Nora Hennessy, Breda Hill, Kathleen Hickey, Maureen Dempsey and sons-in-law, Dominic A. DeCola, Jr. and Jeffrey C. Holzbar. Mr. O’Keefe was born August 26, 1925 in Kiskeam, County Cork, Ireland, son of the late Francis and Molly O’Connell O’Keeffe. Prior to his retirement, he was a bricklayer for Robert S. Fers Construction in North Haven. Francis was a member of the Irish American Community Center and, in 1989, received Irish Man of the Year award; in 2006, he received the St. Joseph Medal of Appreciation for service to St. Rita Church; in 2008, he received the IACC Sports and Cultural Award for his work with the Festival. He was a very active parishioner of St. Rita Church and an avid Boston Red Sox Fan. His funeral will leave Sisk Brothers Funeral Home 3105 Whitney Ave. Hamden, Thursday at 9.a.m., Mass of Christian Burial at 9:30 a.m. in St. Rita Church. Burial in All Saints Cemetery. Calling hours are Wednesday from 4 - 8 p.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions to St. Rita Church 1620 Whitney Ave. Hamden, 06517 or to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105. To leave an online condolence, please visit www.siskbrothers.com