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Rev. William Francis O'Keefe
Rev. William Francis O’Keefe, of Enfield, entered into eternal life at St. Joseph Residence, Enfield CT. “Father Bill”, as he was affectionately known, was born January 30, 1935 in Brooklyn, the son of the late James J. and Harriet C. (Daley) O'Keefe. He began his Catholic education at an early age, first studying at Our Lady of Lourdes School in Queens Village, New York, and then moving to Saint Peter’s School in New Haven and Notre Dame High School in West Haven. A standout athlete at Notre Dame High School, he decided to enter the Catholic priesthood. Father Bill began his priestly studies at St. Thomas Seminary in Bloomfield, and completed them at the Theological College of Catholic University in Washington, D.C. Ordained in 1960 in the Hartford Diocese, Father Bill had a passion for education, and worked for many years in Catholic education, including over 10 years as principal of Northwest Catholic High School, and subsequently at South Catholic High School. Father Bill’s other passions included traveling and singing, and he was known for his stirring renditions of “The Impossible Dream” and “Danny Boy”, which he performed the world over. In his later years, Father Bill served as pastor at St. Bernard’s parish in Enfield, and St. Thomas Church in Thomaston before retiring in 2010 to St. Thomas Seminary in Bloomfield. He is survived by a brother and sister-in-law, Dr. Raymond E. and Susan O'Keefe of Elk Park, North Carolina; and by nieces and nephews, Lynn and Paul Juliano; Gail O’Keefe and Doug Melton; Jim and Heather O'Keefe; Erin and Gary Kania; Stephen O'Keefe; Holly O’Keefe; Krista and Chip Holmes; and Gregory O'Keefe. He is also survived by nine grand nieces and nephews. He will be missed by friends, relatives, former students and parishioners who will remember his boundless enthusiasm, his infectious laughter, his intelligence, and his compassion. Funeral services will be held in St. Joseph's Chapel, 1365 Enfield St., Enfield, though restricted to those in the Residence due to the pandemic. Burial will be in Mount Saint Benedict's Cemetery, Bloomfield. Donations in Father Bill’s memory may be made to Little Sisters of the Poor, c/o St. Joseph's Residence, 1365 Enfield St., Enfield, CT 06082.January 30, 1935 - December 21, 202001/30/193512/21/2020
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Rev. William Francis O'Keefe
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