Frank P. Keenan

Frank Patrick Keenan, 78, of Highlands, died peacefully at home on Monday November 10, 2025 surrounded by family and his loving wife of 55 years. Born in South Amboy to the late Joseph Lawrence and Frances Delaney Keenan, Frank was named for his uncle, First Lieutenant, Walter Frank Keenan, 507th Parachute Infantry Regiment, who was killed in action during the D-Day invasion of Normandy.

Frank earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Mount St. Mary’s College in 1968, where he was recognized for his leadership on campus and listed in “Who’s Who in American Universities and Colleges.” He would later go on to earn a Masters Degree in Guidance and Counseling at the College of New Jersey under the GI Bill.

Upon graduation, Frank enlisted in the United States Naval Aviation Officer Candidate School. He was commissioned as an Ensign Aviation Officer during the Vietnam War, and stationed at Naval Air Base, Pensacola, Florida.

Frank was employed by Bell Labs as a systems engineer and technical writer and moved through the many incarnations of the telecommunications industry from AT&T, Lucent, Alcatel, Nokia, and beyond. He was also employed as an English Writing and Composition Professor at Brookdale Community College and Kean University. A job he kept into his “retirement” years.  

Frank was devoted to his family. To all who met him, he was a source of wisdom, always ready with a story that carried both humor and heart.  He was an avid hunter and fisherman who loved music and the outdoors. He was a member of the Trailblazers Bow and Gun Club near the Delaware Water Gap. He was a coach and mentor to many during his years with the Atlantic Highlands-Highlands Tigers Pop Warner Football Program. Frank enjoyed farming and could be found plowing the fields with his Farmall-A tractor at Caramore Farm, where he was instrumental in supporting the mission of the Sisters of the Good Shepherd to help those with food insecurity. With the help of volunteers, he grew and donated thousands of pounds of organic produce to Fulfill Monmouth/Ocean County Food Bank.

Frank and Sherri lived along the Jersey shore for many years before settling in Highlands 40 years ago.  Frank is predeceased by his brother Larry; and is survived by his wife Sherri Chevalier Keenan; his sons Daniel Delaney Keenan and his wife Michelle; Travis Bowie Keenan and his partner Marianna; and Justin Patrick Keenan and his wife Kristy; his siblings George Delaney, John Joseph and David Lawrence Keenan and Louise Keenan Ellvinger; and his grandchildren Lilly Margaret, Finnian Patrick, Bronte Chevalier and Thea Louise Keenan; and many beloved cousins, nieces and nephews.

Cremation was private under the direction of The Gundrum Service “Home For Funerals” 237 Bordentown Avenue, South Amboy. A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Friday November 21, 2025 at 10am at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, 141 Navesink Avenue, Highlands, NJ 07732. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Highlands First Aid Squad.

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