Gerald Francis Keane

Gerald Francis Keane, or Gerry as everyone knew him, was a first generation son of Irish parents who came over to the United States in the early 20th Century. Born on December 18, 1923 to Patrick Keane and Susan Brew of County Clare, Ireland, Gerry was brother to eight other siblings, all born in Manhattan on the upper Eastside of New York City.



World War II was a defining moment in Gerry's life, as he and four of his siblings joined the military in 1942. Gerry opted for the Navy where he spent the next thirteen years as an Underwater Demolition Team Diver (UDT Diver), a Master Diver, and trainer to the forerunners of the Navy Seals. The Navy was transitioning from hard hat diving to the aqualung as invented by Jacques Cousteau, and these "frogmen" were a vital aspect of the modernization for naval warfare. These highly trained divers handled some of the Navy's more treacherous missions, from mining and de-mining ships and harbors to pilot recovery when planes were shot down over the sea. The Navy also sent him and his crew inland, up the Yangtze River when China was in the midst of a civil war.



Amid this military service, on October 25, 1952, Gerry married the love of his life, Gina Maria Laudonio of Queens, New York. Devoted to Gina, he knew it would not be possible to have a normal family life and remain a naval diver. Although an opportunity with Cousteau might have become possible, Gerry knew that his naval career needed to wind down once he became a father to young children. After concluding his long and distinguished career, he and Gina settled in Valley Stream, New York, to raise their family. Gerry began working on Wall Street for some of the largest brokerage firms of that time and retired in 1987.



In 1976, Gerry and Gina pulled up stakes in New York and put down roots in Mendham, New Jersey, which remained their home for over 35 years. They were faithful parishioners of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Mendham, and then in later years members of St. Luke's Catholic Church in Long Valley. Two years ago, another change was made when Gerry and Gina decided it was time to move closer to family and arrived in Johns Creek, Georgia in 2011.



One month shy of his 90th birthday, Gerald Keane died after a long battle with prostate cancer. He is survived by his wife Gina of 61 years, their three children Susan (Keane) Haggerty of Atlanta, Patrick Keane of Chicago, Peter Keane of Seattle and eight grandchildren, Kate Haggerty Feltgen, Amelia Haggerty Langseth, Megan Keane, Kristen Keane, Jonathan Keane, Lisa Keane, Michael Keane and Anna Keane. He also leaves three siblings, Walter Keane of Massachusetts, Helen Keane of Virginia, and Harold Keane of Florida. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Longleaf HOSPICE, 2712 Lawrenceville Highway, Suite 200, Decatur, GA 30033. Visitation will be Monday, November 25, 2:00 - 5:00 pm and 6:00