Obituary of Dennis P. O'Keefe

Dennis P. O'Keefe, 57, of Deep River, passed away suddenly on July 28, 2013 at the Shoreline Clinic in Essex. Beloved husband of Patty (O'Neal) O'Keefe and devoted and loving father of Matthew O'Keefe. Dennis was born in Hartford, son of Angela (Begley) O'Keefe of Wethersfield and the late John J. O'Keefe. He grew up in Wethersfield and was a graduate of Wethersfield High School, Class of 1973. He was a member of the Wethersfield Volunteer Ambulance for 5 years before moving to Deep River many years ago. Dennis was the owner of Dennis P. O'Keefe LLC as a skilled craftsman specializing in home improvements, prior to this he was the director of plant operations at Essex Meadows in Essex for over 23 years. As fond as Dennis was of the residents they in turn had the same affection for him. Dennis was very active in the Deep River community serving on the Deep River Town Hall Expansion Committee and the WPCA commission, he was also active in Sea Scouts, was an avid sailor, fisherman and camper as well as coaching Matthew's basketball team. Dennis leaves behind a large and close family; sisters, Ann Marie, and her husband Stephen Mulready, Kathleen, and her husband Sebastian Puglisi, a brother, Brendan, and his wife Anne O'Keefe, sister-in-law Nancy O'Keefe all of Wethersfield, sister, Maureen, and her husband David Paquette and a brother, John and his wife Eileen O'Keefe, both of Rocky Hill, as well as his mother-in-law Margaret O'Neal of Deep River, 13 nieces and nephews and 5 great nieces and nephews. Dennis was predeceased by his brother Kevin O'Keefe. Visiting hours will be held on Wednesday, July 31st from 5-7pm at Robinson, Wright & Weymer Funeral Home, 34 Main St. Centerbrook. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow on Thursday, August 1st at St. Joseph's Church, Middlesex Turnpike in Chester at 11am. Interment will be private. Donations in Dennis's memory may be made to either Boy Scout Troop #13, Box 65, Chester, CT 06412 or to the Essex Fire Engine Co.#1 Box 911, Essex, CT 06426.