Joseph Michael Keenan, 57, of Port St. Lucie, Florida and formerly of Scranton, Pennsylvania, passed away Tuesday after being stricken ill at home. He was the son of James and MaryAnn Wasco Keenan of Scranton, Pennsylvania.
Born November 17, 1966, and was raised in East Scranton, attending Mulenberg and Prescott Elementary schools. He enjoyed playing baseball with the East Scranton Little League, football with the East Scranton Apollos, and basketball at the Central Boys and Girls Club. He continued playing football at Scranton Central High School, graduating class of 1984. He starred as a collegiate football athlete at East Stroudsburg University, graduating class of 1988.
He moved to Florida and started his teaching career at St. Joseph’s Catholic School and then to neighboring St. Michael’s School in Stuart, Florida as a Physical Education teacher. He then moved to the Pine School in Hobe Sound, Florida where he flourished as a PE teacher and the passion to coach girls volleyball. He fine tuned his coaching duties in volleyball and became managing director of the successful Shamrocks Volleyball Club. For the last couple of years, he continued as Physical Education Instructor and Athletic Coordinator at St. Andrew’s Academy in Fort Pierce, Florida.
He loved his job as an educator with students, young and old. He was so glad to teach his players “The Game” and took pride in treating them as family, helping them to work out everyday problems. The School posted…, “It just isn’t summer unless Coach Keenan is holding one of his famous volleyball camps.” He made a lasting impression on the Treasure Coast of Florida as many of his players went on to star as collegiate athletes in volleyball.
He attended St. Lucie Catholic Church, Port St. Lucie, Florida and as a boy went to Immaculate Conception Church, Scranton, Pennsylvania where he served as an altar boy. He loved his two great dane dogs, assisted his neighbors, and was an organ donor.
Joe is survived by his parents, James and MaryAnn Keenan, sisters Debra Ann Cowher of Scranton, AnnMarie Thomas and husband, Chris of Knightdale, North Carolina and brother James Matthew Keenan and wife, Julia of Vero Beach, Florida. Nieces and nephews, Erin and Seamus Keenan, Kathleen Forst, Jennifer Warner, CJ Cowher, Christopher, Justin and Katelyn Thomas, as well as great-nieces and nephews. Joe is preceded in death by his grandparents, Joseph and Mildred Keenan and Michael and Anna Wasco and several aunts and uncles.
A funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, August 7th beginning at 10am at Immaculate Conception Church, 801 Taylor Avenue, Scranton, Pennsylvania 18510.
Friends may call Wednesday morning from 9am until time of Mass at the church.
An interment will follow at Cathedral Cemetery, Scranton, Pennsylvania.
In Lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to your local animal rescue in memory of Joseph M. Keenan.
Nicole cappellino
Thank you for all the memories coach keenan
Kevin Conroy
I will never forget the fun we had at ESU and the great times after in Florida. You were a special person and I will never forget you. Who would have thought the toughest inside linebacker I ever played with would have so much success as a girls volleyball coach. Just goes to show what a great person you were.
Kretsch Family
So sorry for your loss. Prayers to the entire family
Kandis Torchia
Coach Keenan always had a smile on his face. He mentored many children/teens throughout his physical education career and with coaching volleyball. Also, Joe loved his Great Danes. Joe will be greatly missed and will live forever in our hearts. Rest in Peace Joe.
Maria and Steve Orzel
Dear Jim and MaryAnn,
Sending our heartfelt sympathy to you and your family on the loss of your son. May your cherished memories with him bring you comfort in the days ahead. May he rest in peace. Know you’re all in our thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely,
Maria and Steve Orzel
Debbie Donovan
I’m so sorry for your loss. Prayers to your family.
Susan G McDermott
Jim, MaryAnn and Family,
I am so sorry to hear of the unexpected loss of Joe. My memories of Joe go back to East Scranton Little League, Apollos football and Central football. It didn’t surprise me to read of his success as a phys ed teacher and coach. May the special memories you made together help you through this difficult time. Thoughts and prayers to the entire family.
MaryOlivia Preate
Our deepest sympathy on a handsome young man taken too soon you’re in our thoughts and prayers . Sorry we weren’t able to attend. We were out of town.???? Mary, Olivia, John, and Madeline WASCO