Desmond W. O'Keeffe

Obituary for CSM Desmond W. O’Keeffe (Ret.) Desmond W. O’Keeffe, of Westampton, NJ, passed away early Tuesday morning, February 7, 2017 at Samaritan Hospice in Mt. Holly surrounded by his family. He was 78. He was born in Dublin, Ireland; the son of the late Joseph (Jack) and Josephine (Josie) O’Keeffe. He served three years in the Irish Army before immigrating to the United States in 1958. In 1959 he enlisted in the U.S. Army and retired in 1988 after 29.5 years of service as an E-9, Command Sergeant Major. He served with the 320th FAR, 101st Airborne Division in Vietnam, 1968-1969, earning a Bronze Star Medal during the Tet Offensive. Service to country, dedication to duty, and care of his soldiers were paramount throughout his entire career. He was a devoted family man who always put his family before himself. Even when facing the end of his journey on earth, his focus and concern was not himself, but expressing concern and love for his family to include grandchildren, siblings, nieces, nephews and other extended family members. He never wavered in his love and he was the “Rock” and foundation of family. He often reflected and spoke of his experiences in the military and wore his Vietnam Veteran hat with great pride. He touched so many lives and will be missed dearly, but eternally remembered. He is survived by his beloved wife of 47 years, Theresa; 3 children, Janet O’Keeffe; Maureen Anderson; and John (Stephanie) O’Keeffe; 7 grandchildren, Faith Hernandez, Grace Hernandez, Giana Anderson, Kain Anderson, Olivia Anderson, John O’Keeffe, Jr., and Aaron O’Keeffe; a brother, Gerard O’Keeffe, sisters Eileen Kealy, Breda Wellman, Patty Rigney, Jennifer O’Brien, and Olive Mc Clusky, goddaughter Bernadette Byrne, whom he never failed to send her a birthday and Christmas card for over fifty years, numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. He is preceded in death by his parents Joseph (Jack) and Josephine (Josie) O’Keeffe, brother, John O’Keeffe, sister Maureen Byrne. Relatives and friends may visit with the family on Tuesday, February 14 from 8:30 to 10:30 AM at Perinchief Chapels, 438 High Street, Mount Holly, NJ. Funeral services will be held immediately after at 11:00 AM at Our Lady Queen of Peace in Hainesport, NJ. Burial will take place at the Brig. Gen. Wm. C. Doyle Veterans Cemetery, 350 Province Line Road, Wrightstown, NJ. Arrangements are under the direction of Perinchief Chapels, Mt. Holly, NJ. www.perinchief.com In lieu of flowers, please make donations in his honor to these two organizations: -DAV (Disabled Veterans), https://www.dav.org/ -Casey Doolin Memorial Fund (CDMF) Donations can be sent payable to the Casey Doolin Memorial Fund (CDMF), mailed to Jim Doolin at 5724 Ricky Ridge Trail, Orefield, PA 18069. The CDMF and the Philadelphia FBI provides assistance to law enforcement families whose loved ones are receiving medical treatment in the Philadelphia area. www.caseydoolinfoundation.org The family would like to thank Samaritan Healthcare & Hospice for their consistent wonderful care.

Desmond W. O'Keeffe

April 4, 1938 - February 7, 2017