James T. Keefe, 81, died Jan. 11, 2011, after a period of failing health.
He was born Sept. 5, 1929, in Lowell, Mass., to Thomas Keefe and Josephine (Manning) Keefe. He was raised in Lowell and was a graduate of Keith Academy and of Merrimack College, where he received a bachelor's degree in political science.
His professional career included service as administrative assistant (chief of staff) to U.S. Sen. Thomas J. McIntyre (D-NH) and as Deputy Comptroller of the Currency in Washington, D.C. During his years in the United States Senate, he was actively involved in the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and other historic legislation.
He was the Democratic nominee for U.S. Congress in New Hampshire's First Congressional District in 1968, and was actively involved in Democratic politics, including the presidential campaigns of John F. Kennedy, Lyndon Johnson, Robert F. Kennedy, Hubert Humphrey and Edmund Muskie.
His career also included service as director of the U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Agency for the State of New Hampshire and as director of the New Hampshire Housing Finance Authority. He also spent many years as a real estate professional, including work for Dunfey Real Estate in Hampton, and as principal of Mahoney, Keefe & Morrison in Salem.
He was predeceased by his brother, Joseph F. Keefe, and by his sister, Mary C. Keefe.
He is survived by his brother, Edward Keefe, CFX, of Danvers, Mass.; eight children, Joseph F. Keefe of New Castle, Quentin W. Keefe of Manchester, James T. Keefe Jr. of Boston, Thomas W. Keefe of Manchester, Paul M. Keefe of Goffstown, Anne O'Neil Farley of Manchester, Maura L. Keefe of Washington, D.C. and Patrick M. Keefe of Manchester; 'daughters-in-law, Maryjane Keefe, Cara McCarthy and Karen Keefe; son-in-law, James Farley; and by grandchildren Carah Kiley, Devin Keefe, Patrick Keefe, Conor O'Neil, Molly O'Neil, Olivia Keefe, Camilla McCarthy, Jack Farley, Cassidy Keefe and Gabriel Keefe.
A memorial service was held on Tuesday, January 18, 2011 at St. Catherine Church, Webster Street, Manchester.
Donations may be made to , PO Box 11454, Alexandria VA 22312.