Donald Patrick Keenan

Donald Patrick Keenan of Exeter, PA passed away Thursday morning at Celtic Hospice in Wilkes-Barre after an illness.

Don was born in Scranton in August 1944.  He was a graduate of the Scranton Central High School and in 1966 earned a degree in English from the University of Scranton.  Don’s artistic talent afforded him a long career as an illustrator and graphic artist.  He began his career at The Scranton Dry Goods Store doing hand-drawn newspaper advertisements.  He worked for Sugarman’s Eynon Drug Store, Jewelcor and Service Merchandise producing art for catalogs.  Adding CAD to his cache of skills presented Don his favorite work experience with the former Fleet Decal and Graphics; from which he retired after more than 20 years of employment.  

Don’s oil portraits were often awarded first prize at regional shows and he was active in the art community for many years. A highlight of his career was having two of his illustrations  published in the New Yorker Magazine.  Don enjoyed theater and opera and his daily walks at the dike. He was a friend of Bill W. for 26 years.

Don was preceded in death by his parents Joseph and Mildred Pabst Keenan; sisters Alice Keenan, Helen Keenan Burke and Claire Keenan Delaney. He is survived by brothers Joseph Keenan and wife Shirley of Madisonville, James Keenan and wife MaryAnn of Scranton; 3 generations of nieces and nephews, cousins and dear friends.

The family extends appreciation to the nurses and staff of Celtic Hospice as well as the ICU team at Geisinger Wyoming Valley for the dedicated, compassionate and professional care given to Don.

Friends may call Tuesday from 4-7pm in the Vanston and James Funeral Home; 1401 Ash St., Scranton.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Reverend Joseph F. Sica, Wednesday at 10am in the Immaculate Conception Church, 801 Taylor Ave, Scranton.  All attending the Mass are requested to go directly to the church.

In lieu of flowers the family encourages memorial contributions be made in Don’s honor to Smile Train 41 Madison Ave. 28th FL. New York, NY 10010 or to Little Sisters of the Poor 2500 Adams Ave. Scranton, PA.18510.

The family invites you to share your remembrances of Don at www.vanstonandjames.com

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4 Comments

  1. JoanneB

    2012 was the year I met Don…He came up to me after the MTG and thanked me for what I had said…I didn’t understand but what I did understand was his kindness and the look in his eyes telling me silently that just don’t give up everything will be ok.Don made it a point to come up to me Everytime he saw me with more kindness and encouragement. I will never forget what he gave me…..Hope. Thank you Don and save me a seat in the big MTG in the sky!! Fly high my friend!!

  2. Micky Nieman

    So sorry that Don has passed. He was a lovely person.

  3. tom nardone

    Don always extended his hand to me with his warm smile. He was always there to chat or to listen regardless of what challenges he had going on.Don lived life to the fullest and conveyed gratitude to everyone he met. RIP my friend

  4. Denise Martin

    I am so sorry for your loss. Don was a special guy; always welcoming with a hug. He was such a joy and a great listener. He will surely be missed.
    Heaven has certainly found a new angel. Peace my friend.

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