Cornelius "Neil" Keane, a lifelong Charlestown resident, died on Monday June 30, 2008 at his home in Charlestown following an extended illness. He was 61 years old.
Neil was born in Boston and grew up in Charlestown where he attended Boston Public Schools. Neil joined the Boston Fire Department in 1971. He was assigned to Engine Company 5 throughout the 1980's and 90's. His other assignements included Ladder # 4, Engine # 33, Rescue # 1, Tower Ladder # 3, Engine # 50 and was also a Deputy Chief's Aide. Neil was a member of The Boston Firefighters Union Local # 718. He was very active as a fund raiser and supporter of The Muscular Distrophy Association. Neil recently was cited by The Muscular Distrophy Association and presented with The Kevin Williams Award.
Neil is the beloved husband of 43 years to Irene E. (McCaffrey) Keane. He is the devoted father of Mass. Port Firefighter Neil Keane and his wife Beth, Debbie Mulry, Paula Conner and her husband Joe and Theresa Ellis and her husband John. He is the loving grandfather of Renee, Kylie, Caitlin, Kristina, Bridget, Lauren, Ryan, John, Jessica, Sabrina and Madison. He is the beloved brother of Mary Naugle, Ellen Burrill, Catherine Keane, Nancy Sullivan, Patrick and John Keane and the late Daniel Keane.
Neil's Funeral will be held on Saturday, July 5, 2008 at 9 a.m. from The Carr Funeral Home, 220 Bunker Hill St. Charlestown followed by his Funeral Mass in St. Francis De Sales Church, 313 Bunker Hill St. Charlestown at 10 a.m. Relatives and friends are invited. Visiting hours will be held on Thursday July 3, 2008 from 4 to 8 p.m. (DUE TO JULY 4, HOLIDAY) Entombment will take place at Holy Cross Cemetery, Mausoleum.
In lieu of flowers, kindly make memorial donations in Neil's name to The Muscular Distrophy Association, 31 Milk St. Suite 920, Boston, Mass. 02109.