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NORWALK, Conn. – Jim Keavney, of Norwalk, died Sunday, May 22. He was 87.
He was born in Flushing, New York, to the late James Joseph and Mary (Miller) Keavney. Reared in Brooklyn, he graduated from Fordham University, where he earned a doctorate in chemistry. While at Fordham, he met the love of his life, Constance Costich, a fellow graduate student in chemistry. After graduation, he had a long and productive career working as a research chemist with American Cyanamid Co., where he worked on rocket fuels, paper chemicals and refinery catalysts. He and Connie married Aug. 20, 1955, and moved to Norwalk, where they raised six children.
He served as Scoutmaster for Troop 44, of which his four sons were members. He and Connie took their whole family on camping trips every summer. At their 60th wedding anniversary last summer, they celebrated with friends and family, both speaking of their long and loving marriage and their six children as the finest joys of their lives.
He was an active member of St. Philip Roman Catholic Church. His Catholic faith led to his decades-long involvement at St. Philip, both as a volunteer and paid staff. In retirement, he managed the St. Philip Church computer system. He and his wife also enjoyed traveling, with visits to Ireland, Russia, France, Switzerland, Peru, and many states, including Alaska and Hawaii. He enjoyed books on tape, which he loved to discuss with his children and friends.
In addition to Connie, he is survived by children, Eileen (Stephen) Lonce, Chris (Janice Fuquay), Martha (Scott Harbison), Thomas (Elizabeth Taliaferro), David (Kristin Cotts) and Mark (Mia Ringbom); grandchildren, Cindy, Rosa and Noah; brother George (Peggy); and a host of nieces and nephews.
Calling hours will be from 5-8 p.m. Friday at St. Philip Roman Catholic Church, 25 France St., Norwalk. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at St. Philip, with burial to follow in St. John Cemetery, 225 Richards Ave., Norwalk.
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