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Henry E. “Hank” Keeley, 86, of Belleville, Ill., died on Oct. 24, 2021, at Memorial Hospital in Belleville.
Hank was born on Oct. 31, 1934, to John L. and Viola C., nee Pettersson, Keeley, in East St. Louis. He was married to Patricia “Paddy” Moore Keeley for 23 years. He married the former Susan M. Stolze in 1981 and they were together 40 years, until her death on June 2, 2021.
He attended St. Phillip Grade School in East St. Louis, Maur Hill-Mount Academy in Atchison, Kansas, and Saint Louis University.
An avid sports enthusiast, he played baseball, basketball, and football in high school and baseball in the Municipal League. He also coached youth football teams at St. Phillip’s.
He first became a businessman at retail shops in the Loisel Village Shopping Center, which his family built, managing a florist shop, Le Petit Fleur, and later opened a men’s clothing store that when sold, became Arnold’s Slack Shack.
Joining his brothers John L. Keeley Jr. and Patrick J. “PJ” Keeley in the family’s construction business, Keeley & Sons Inc., in East St. Louis, founded by his father John L. Keeley Sr., in 1947, he became secretary-treasurer and worked there for over 50 years. The general contractor first built homes and later specialized in highways, roads, and bridges work, mostly in Southern Illinois.
He is survived by his four children: Linda (Dan) Shine of Bridgeton, Mo.; Eugene “Geno” (Anne) Keeley of Smithton, Ill.; Susan Keeley of Belleville; and Christopher Keeley of Belleville; a stepdaughter, Andrea (Joe) Bommarito of St. Louis; five grandchildren Michael Shine of Maryland Heights, Mo.; Matthew (Jennifer) Shine of Bridgeton, Mo.; Patricia (Cody) Hawthorne of Overland, Mo.; Bridget (Brian) Tait of St. Louis; and Katie (fiancé David) Keeley of Chicago; four great-grandchildren Samantha Shine, Lorraine Hawthorne, Isaac Hawthorne and Harriet “Hattie” Tait; sister-in-law Virginia Keeley; and many nephews, nieces and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents and wife Susan; son Henry E. Keeley Jr.; and brothers John L. Keeley Jr. and Patrick J. Keeley.
A larger-than-life personality, Hank was cheerful, outgoing, and philanthropic. A loyal friend who enjoyed spending time with his family, he delighted in making people laugh and hosting social gatherings.
Cooking was a favorite pastime, whether grilling his famous barbecued ribs at a tailgate or preparing his special bouillabaisse at home. He always enjoyed feeding people.
He and his wife Susan enjoyed their timeshare in Kailua-Kona (The Big Island) in Hawaii for a month every February, often inviting family and friends along to join them.
A devoted golfer, he organized a popular benefit tournament for SAVE (St. Clair Associated Vocational Enterprises Inc.) annually for more than 30 years.
He was a dedicated fan of the St. Louis Cardinals baseball team, skipping school in 1944 to see his favorite player, Stan Musial, win the World Series. He also supported the St. Louis Blues, Big Red (St. Louis Cardinals football team) and the Fighting Irish of the University of Notre Dame.
Active in church, fraternal, labor, and non-profit organizations, he served on the SAVE board of directors for 20 years. Along with other parents, he raised funds for the special education program at St. Phillip Grade School by organizing an annual fish fry. He served as president of the St. Jude Society and supported other charitable causes, including Easter Seals and the American Heart Association.
Visitation will take place from 4 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 28, at Kassly Mortuary, 9900 St Clair Avenue, Fairview Heights, Ill.
A funeral Mass is set for 11 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 29, at the Cathedral of Saint Peter in Belleville, Ill., with Msgr. John T. Myler officiating. Burial will follow at Mt. Carmel Cemetery, 10101 W. Main St., Belleville, Ill.
Memorial contributions may be given to SAVE (St. Clair Associated Vocational Enterprises), 3001 Save Road, Belleville, IL 62221.
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St. Clair Associated Vocational Enterprises (SAVE)