Richard P. Keenan

Richard Peter Keenan, 86, passed away peacefully on Friday,  July 17, 2026, after a long battle with dementia. He spent his final days surrounded by the love of his daughters.

Richard was born on June 8, 1940, in Queens, New York, to John A. Keenan and Margaret Paterson Keenan. After graduating from high school, he worked for the United States Postal Service before joining the New York City Fire Department in the late 1960s. He proudly served as an FDNY firefighter for 28 years before retiring. He cherished his career, the camaraderie of the fire service, and the lifelong friendships he made along the way.

Richard lived an active and fulfilling life before suffering a stroke in 2012. In his younger years, he enjoyed playing tennis and ice hockey, and throughout his life he had a deep love of golf. Whether on the ice, or tennis court, or golf course, he appreciated every opportunity to stay active and enjoy the company of family and friends.  He also found great joy in art and music. He especially loved attending live performances at Saratoga Springs or Woodstock NY, and he looked forward each year to the Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival. In quieter moments, he enjoyed sketching, watercolor painting, wood carving, and reading a good book. 

In the early 2000s, Richard moved to Windham, New York, in the Catskill Mountains—a place he affectionately called his "enchanted mountains." He treasured his years there and remained in the home he loved until his dementia made independent living no longer possible.

A proud member of the Knights of Columbus and the Ancient Order of Hibernians, Richard will be remembered for his generosity, kindness, and willingness to help others. Whether through charitable giving or lending his time and support, he was always ready to help anyone in need. Those who knew him often said he would give you his time, his money, or the shirt off his back without hesitation. 

He was preceded in death by his parents and his siblings, Joan Bartscher, John Keenan, Bernadette Rippe, Kevin Keenan, and Thomas Keenan.

Richard is survived by his siblings, Edward Keenan, Florence Stedman, and Margaret Bisby; his children, John, Michael (Laura), Joan (Robert) Hargrave, and Eileen; his stepson, Peter Cosgrove; his grandchildren, Michael, Casey, Taylor, Emma, Keenan, and Molly, who affectionately knew him as GPK; his step-granddaughter, Veronica Cosgrove; his great-grandson, Logan; his cousin, PJ Keenan, with whom he shared a close, lifelong bond; and many beloved nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends who will miss him greatly.

Richard's kindness, quiet strength, and generous spirit will remain in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

A funeral mass will be offered on Friday, August 7th at 2pm at St. Theresa's Church in Windham. 

Condolences may be left at http://Www.deckerfh.com