12/22/1942 – 2/11/2023
Bert Francis Keene was born in New York City on December 22, 1942 and grew up in and around Westchester County, where he met his wife, Evelyn, of 39 years. After marrying Evelyn at St. Casimir Catholic Church in Yonkers, NY, Bert and Evelyn raised their two sons, Jim and Dennis, in Mahopac, NY, where he loved participating in his sons’ sports and scouting activities.
An avid practicing Catholic, Bert was very active in the churches he attended including St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Mahopac, St. Anne’s Catholic Church in Richmond Hill, GA, and St. Frances Cabrini in Savannah, GA. He worked for nearly thirty years in Tarrytown, New York, before moving to Savannah, Georgia, following retirement and the passing of his wife, Evelyn. While living the last 17 years in Savannah, Bert combined his passion for fishing with a second career working in the fishing department of Bass Pro Shops/Outdoor World. He enjoyed the leisurely work and helping fellow fishermen. Bert was also a Fourth Degree in the Knights of Columbus with Council 631 in Savannah and Council 10866 in Richmond Hill, Georgia. One of his greatest pleasures was marching in Savannah’s renowned St. Patrick’s Day Parade as a flag bearer with the Knights. He routinely volunteered at local hospitals and always helped neighbors and friends with projects. He was well-known for being able to bring a smile to everyone he knew.
Bert succumbed to issues related to Parkinson’s disease and spent his final year under the care of the wonderful staff at his memory care unit at The Social in Savannah.
He is predeceased by his loving wife, and is survived by his two sons, daughters-in-law Leeann Keene and Leslie Keene, and his four grandchildren, Michael, Erin, Emily and Veronica.
Visitation will take place on Friday, February 17, 2023 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Cargain Funeral Home, 418 Route 6, Mahopac, NY 10541
A Mass of Christian Rite to honor Bert’s life will take place at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, February 18, 2023 at St. John the Evangelist Church, 221 East Lake Boulevard, Mahopac, NY.
Following the Mass, Bert will be escorted to his final resting place at Raymond Hill Cemetery in Carmel, NY.
In lieu of flowers, Bert requested a donation be made to St. Anne’s Catholic Church or St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church