John Wayne

Keelty

-We bid farewell to our father, John "Wayne" Keelty,  who peacefully departed from this world on November 16, 2024 at the age of 83. He passed away in the home he shared with his son James Keelty, daughter in law Paula and Grandson Dylan, under the care of Hospice surrounded by family and friends. Wayne was a pillar of strength and a beacon of love, with an immeasurable will to live.  He deeply cherished his family, most especially all his grandchildren.   His absence leaves a void in our hearts.

Son of Irene and Vincent Keelty, he was born in The French Hospital of Manhattan, New York,  on March 18, 1941 .

Wayne possessed a deep intrinsic desire to acquire new knowledge and skills, finding enjoyment in the process of learning itself. He was often driven by curiosity and a passion to expand his understanding of the world, even when faced with challenges;  not just about acquiring information but actively engaging with it and seeking out new learning opportunities.   After retirement , his love of learning motivated him to pursue many paths of interests through the OLLI classes at Stony Brook University. Another passion was sailing, Wayne felt deeply connected to the wind and water.  He deeply resonated with the peace and solitude he found in the long island waters.

He graduated from Levittown Memorial High School in 1958, then went on to earn his  bachelor's in Engineering and Psychology from Dowling College in 1979 , then going on study Nuclear Engineering at Poly Institute of New York.

Extremely proud of his work history, he worked over two decades for LILCO as a control operator, then Shoreham Nuclear Power Plant as Head Watch Engineer.

Everyone who knew him in later years marveled at his strong will to persevere despite the challenges of his disabilities.   In his younger years, when speaking was easier for him, he loved telling jokes.

Wayne was an active member of Unitarian Universalist Fellowship at Stony Brook since 1983, where he was very much respected and cherished  for his intelligent contributions and kind sociability.

Wayne is survived by his 3 children with former spouse Antonina Meehan; Steven (Kelly, Paige 23, Liam 17) Keelty in Lockport, NY; James (Paula, Dylan 22) Keelty in Lake Grove, NY; Christine (Dave, Julia 22, Olivia 20) Terranova in Mendham, NJ; and his sister Maureen Keelty.

To commemorate his remarkable life and the memories we cherish, a service will be held at Yardley & Pino Funeral Home 91 Hampton Street, Sag Harbor NY 11963 (631) 725-0251 on Tuesday 11/19 @ 12:00 pm to 2:00 We welcome all who knew him to join us in celebrating the life of a man who was loved deeply and will be missed. In lieu of flowers , contributions can be made to Hospice Foundation of America.