Thomas E. Keane, loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and uncle, 83, of Bradford, passed away, Monday, July 13, 2015 after a lengthy illness.
Born April 13, 1932 in Wellsville NY, he was a son of the late Edward and Mabel (Arnold) Keane.
On February 3, 1996 in Limestone, he married Ann E. (Roemer) Keane who survives.
Mr. Keane was a 1950 graduate of Bradford High School where he excelled in baseball, football and basketball. He received All State Recognition in football and basketball. After high school he played professional baseball in the Philadelphia Phillies farm system from 1950 -1952.
On December 16, 1952 in Buffalo NY, he enlisted in the United States Army and served during the Korean War. He was awarded the Korean Service Medal with 1 Bronze Star and the United Nations Service Medal. On December 9, 1954 at Camp Kilmer in New Jersey he was honorably discharged. After the service he returned to professional baseball.
In 1961 he began his career as a Fire Fighter with the City of Bradford Fire Department and retired as Captain in 1996. During that time he worked construction for S. M. Gleason and also at Bottle of Beer Distributors. After his professional baseball career, he played in the fast pitch softball league in Olean at Marcus Park for the Mini Bar during the 60's and 70's.
He was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed hunting, fishing, golfing and spending winters with his wife in Florida.
In addition to his wife he is survived by two daughters, Kelly (George) Walter, of Jacksonville, NC, and Jill Keane, of Bradford, one son, Patrick (Shelly) Keane, of Limestone, two step sons, Pasquale (Jessica) Vigliotta, of Bradford and Joseph (Ara) Vigliotta, of Liberty Lake, WA, one sister, Judy McDowell, of Sherman Oaks, CA, 3 grandchildren, Zach Walter, Josh Walter, and Pressley Keane, 6 step grandchildren, Vincenzo Vigliotta, Vataliana Vigliotta, Jaxon Faes, Jack Vigliotta, Joe Vigliotta and Nicholas Vigliotta, and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, Jack Keane, one brother in law, James McDowell and one step grandson, Zachary P. "Zach" Vigliotta.
Family will be receiving friends on Thursday, July 16, 2015, from 5:00 to 8:00pm. in the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes, Inc., 372 East Main St. where funeral and services will be held at 10:00am on Friday, July 17, 2015, with Rev. Raymond Gramata, pastor of St. Bernard Church, officiating. Committal services and Military Honors will be accorded in Willow Dale Cemetery.
Memorials, if desired, may be made to the Zachary P. Vigliotta Scholarship Fund, PO Box 434 Bradford or the McKean County SPCA, PO Box 113 Bradford or the charity of the donors choice.
On line condolences may be made at www.hollenbeckcahill.com