William Keane Obituary

Bill was without a doubt the most generous and caring man whom I have ever worked with. He was a great mentor to me and an inspiration to me in my early years at UPS. Rest in peace Bill Keane!

The day I found out our son was going to be a priest the only one as happy as our family was Bill. He was very supportive throughout my career and was at our son's ordination with that famous smile He was always there for you, personally and professionally. He will be missed.

I’ve been lucky enough to be a part of the Keane family for the past 15+ years. Many of Mary Pat’s siblings chided me in the early years about getting better care from Bill and Mary than they did. I got fabulous meals every summer weekend when I would visit Mary Pat while I was at Marquette. I even think Tim got kicked out of his room a few times so I could have bed (or at least share a bed with Alex). Mary Pat always joked I got better treatment than even she did when I lived at the Keane house in Wheaton for a month in between job changes. That’s what it was like to be a part of this Keane family.

I’m so fortunate to have in-laws like Bill and Mary Keane. These were two extraordinary people who opened their hearts to many.
Life won’t be the same with them both gone, but their lives will live on in our memories, and the memories of all the grandchildren. I’m just sorry that our triplets won’t have the chance to really remember their Grandpa Bill.

Thumbs up to you Grandpa Bill for a life lived wonderfully. We’ll miss you forever.

The greatest way I can think to honor the life of my Uncle Bill is to live my life in the way he lived his. By appreciating family above everything else, by greeting strangers with a smile, by finding reasons to be happy and by loving unconditionally. Maybe I'll even honor him by learning to fold up money and secretly slip it to my favorite nieces with a handshake.
Thanks for all of the lessons you've taught me, Uncle Bill. You've changed us all. And don't worry, I've long forgiven you for the time you nearly detached my arm with that crazy handshake of yours!

Love and thoughts are with everyone who knew him. All our hearts are aching.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Bill and his family. Everyone loved Bill.

To our neighbor Bill, Always a smile and wave for us. Watched our family grow up and loved to know what was going on with our children. He made a point to come and watch their games! We will miss you friend.

Dear Family:
What is a brother. One who is kind, loving and understanding. When you need him he is always there. One I could always count on to be there when I need him. That was my brother Bill. So many times I was lost and he would tell me that I was't alone. He was there when I needed him. He wasn't to go before me. I always told every one that he was older than me. He was always my big brother. How I loved him. He used to say if my arms were long enough I would hug you. How I wish I could hear those words now. You were such a wonderful brother. I pray that you will always be with me. I loved you so much. And you will always be with me My Big Brother.
You will always be in my heart.
I love you.
Your little sister
Gerry

We will always remember the man with the huge smile and even bigger heart who always welcomed the kids in the neighborhood to sit on his swing and look at his fish. My family and I are so proud and honored to have known such an amazing man. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family!

Bill was the quintessential gentleman whether it be in his personal or business lives, and which somehow whether it was by design (I doubt it) or default (more like his unassuming friendly nature), neither of them ever seemed to differentiate themselve's as it was apparent it was just Bill being Bill. His consistent chiding whenever we would meet after our retirements, about how my Irish rose Patti got stuck with me never got boring, it just opened the door for more good natured ribbing and laughter. I learned from him the art and characteristic of resiliency. He will sorely be missed by his UPS brethren as I am sure doubly so to his limitless stable of family and friends. We apologize for not making the visitation/mass as I just returned from Vancouver this Saturday morning. God Bless and we will meet again in the afterlife.
Patti and Mitch White

To the family of Bill Keane,
I would like to offer my sincere sympathy. I read the obituary in the Chicago Tribune and was very shocked. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Eileen (Sharkey) Doyle

Bill,
What a great guy,Irishman,friend,father and fun to be with. We worked together and played together. My prayers go out to Mary and their children and grandchilden. Bill, remember to save me a spot in Heaven.

Mary Pat and family,

Sorry to hear about your loss. Our prayers are with you at this time.

The Marzillo Family

When our daughter married into the Keane family she couldn't stop talking about all the wonderful inlaws she was getting. Uncle Bill was a favorite, and when we had the opportunity to meet you all he became a favorite of ours also. What a kind a loving man, he will be missed by everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. Our deepest sympathy to the entire familoy.

Dear Keane Family:
Russ & I and all the McVittie family are deeply sorry for your
loss. Bill touched so many lives.
Like your father Willy and mother
Ann, he was someone to know and I
am thankful to have had the privilege.

Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to the Keane family. He was "one of a kind", always there for anyone & everyone. He will be missed.
Sincerely,

My thoughts and prayers are with the Keane family. Accept my sincere sympathy on Bill's passing.

You are in our thoughts and prayers.

We once described him as a "rose," the logic being that when he opened up, he could really dazzle ya. What a wonderful guy.
We'll miss him.

Bill was a much loved cousin to his English Connection (as he called us) cousins, the Cosgrove family. We kept in touch over the years, and despite the ocean between us, remained very close, We will miss you Bill, you were a lovely man.

Carol & I were fortunate in knowing Bill since the mid 70's when Bill came to Wis. for UPS. I had the good fortune of working with Bill for a lot of years and you couldn't find a better partner, coach, leader or friend. His laugh and smile were contagious. God Bless Mary & family.

I never met a man that was so quick to extend a hand and a smile without asking questions. Bill was a true inspiration and role model of what it is to be a "people person". He will be sorely missed.

As a long standing member of the Trinity Irish Dancing familiy you could always count on Mr. Keane being one of your greatest fans.
Having stood a head over the croud you could always count on Mr. Keane standing center stage with his grin from ear to ear. When you finished way above his head was his signature thumbs up.
Even at my wedding as I was leaving church, I got the thumbs up.
Growing up I had a special bond with the Keane family, I know the rest of us are lucky for we now have one more angle watching over us giving us thumbs up as we face each of our daily challenges.
My prayers go out to each and every member of the Keane family.

He was easy to like, quick with a smile & will be long remembered.

I am so sorry to hear of the unexpected passing of Mr. Keane. The others who have put in this guest book how warm and kind he was to everyone he met have it exactly right. He had an open and caring character that made everyone around him feel special. He will be deeply missed and my thoughts are with his family.

Bill was as kind and sincere a gentleman as they come. I always enjoyed his company and respected his counsel in my early years at UPS. He will be missed. My sincere condolences to his family and loved ones.

To the Keane Family,
I was so sorry to learn that your Dad passed away.
I grew up Irish dancing with Laurie and Mary Pat. Mr. Keane was always there with a big smile and his signature thumps up sign, which you could always spot from the stage. I will always remember his kindness and encouragement!
I am sorry for your loss.

My deepest sympathy to Bill's family and friends. Bill was an absolute wonderful mentor, friend, and guiding spirit thoughout my career at UPS. He will always be in my heart and thoughts.

Our first child was born on Monday within mere moments of Bill's passing. We both said how we hoped our child would grow to be as kind and sweet a person as Bill was. He will be remembered fondly by us both. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife and family.

To the family of Bill Keane,
On the day I learned of Bill's passing, I had to travel to downstate Illinois. As I rode along, I reflected on a time I was on a special assignment for UPS. Bill was in the passenger seat next to me. He wanted to attend a meeting I had scheduled for 3:00 a.m. in the morning. As we traveled along this same route, I remember him saying to me, "heck of a way to make a living, isn't it." We laughed. That thought, brought a tear to my eye, but also a smile. Bill was an exceptional leader, mentor and business partner in the UPS spirit. I am grateful for the opportunity to have worked with him and for him. He will be missed.

Mr. Keane was a wonderful man who took the time to really smile as he spoke to you. He was so pleasant and inspirational in his life and love of his family. I appreciate the time and kindness he shared with me. Mr. Keane you will be missed. You are an inspirational model. Thank you for the kind words at our wedding and in the times that we shared.

Those of us down here in Sunnybrook will all miss seeing his smiling face and sense of humor while visiting his sister Gerry. We all think of him as a friend that we enjoyed being with.
Again, we will dearly miss Bill.

We will always remember Bill and his kind and loving ways. He endeared himself to many and we are sorry to see him leave us. Our prayers go to his great family that they might be comforted and given strength at this difficult time.

My
sincere condolences to the Keane family. I had the privledge to meet
both your mother and father through the Leahy family. What a wonderful
family and know how much they live on through the love and kindness
that they have taught you and shared with their children and
grandchildren. Your family has been truely blessed with such loving and
gracious parents. Cathy Forde Schurz High School

We knew Bill for only a short time, but his spirited hello was so welcome to hear. He never hesitated to stop and say hello when we saw him. We will never forget his help when we needed it. I think my fondest memory will always be seeing him driving the golf cart with Mary as his passenger back from the lake. Their fondness for each other was heart warming. We will keep Bill in our thoughts and prayers as he will be missed by us and all who knew him. Good-by Bill, and may God Bless and keep you, and we thank you for your visits.

Bill was a special person and good friend. He helped me with several decisions when we worked at UPS....as I'm sure he did with thousands of others. We became golf buddies after we retired. Mostly at charitable outings sponsered by other retired UPSers.
He was my fishing partner in Canada. We shared the same room and boat while fishing with other UPSers "Fathers Day Week" each year. Our lies about the fish we caught, measured, and released were the best in the lodge. Bill was a true friend and he will be missed. We will meet again someday.

Our sincere sympathy to all the family of Bill Keane. It was always a pleasure to be in his company with his great smile and warmth. His special kindnesses will be remembered.

Keane family and Dolphin family
May the memories you shared with William be etched in your hearts forever. My sympathies are with you all.

Keane & Dolphin family
My prayers are with you all.

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life’s routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

Bill was a treasure to all who knew
him. His kind and gentle ways embraced everyone. We have been blessed to have him as friend and family. He is surely welcomed in
the house of the Lord.

Ann and Leo Latz

Mr Keane will always be strong in the thousands of lives he has touched over the years. I thank god that I was lucky enough to have known him and loved him. I am sure that he is sitting around a kitchen table with Mary, Mary Lou, Larry and Gail right now laughing and telling stories. Thank you to all of the Keanes for being here with our family during the last couple of years. You father taught every one he met that family is not just your blood, but also every single one of your fellow man. There have not been many that could come close to his size in life and in heart. We will miss him greatly.

Having grown up with Bill and his family and having lost our sister Pat at thanksgiving we know the great loss your family is feeling. Bill and I send our sympathy and love. Bill&Katie Foley

We are so sorry about your loss. Mr. Keane was such a kind, loving, and caring man that touched so many lives. He surely will be missed.

With deepest sympathy,

The Satohs

Bill was a kind and gentle soul who always brought out the best in difficult situations. His humor was always light hearted. We shall miss him dearly. He watches us from above with that special smile. God rest his soul.

My "big brother" was the rock for his "little sister" my entire life. He was the most caring, loving person I have ever met and his devotion to family was surpassed by no one. He was an immediate friend to everyone he met and our lives are so much better for knowing him, but having him as a brother was a true gift from God. He was proud of all his children and was a special Uncle to all his nieces and nephews. I know he is enjoying the fruits of his labor here on earth and is making friends with everyone he meets in heaven.

My memory of Bill will always be that we was a warm, loving person who cared deeply about everyone he dealt with. I feel lucky to have known him. My deepest sympathy to his family.

My wife Andie and I send our most heartfelt sympathy. We only had the pleasure of meeting Bill once but, as has been noted previously, that is all it took. After 27 years with UPS myself, I can spot a great partner with ease and Bill was a great partner and, obviously, a great man. The world needs more like him. He will be missed.
Alan & Andie McDaniel
Loganville, Georgia

I will personally truly miss Bill. He was the Human Resources Manager when I started my career at UPS. Bill was always there for me and always had a smile on his face & kind words to say. Any time I'd run into him at Irish Fest in Milwaukee he would have that grin on his face & a hug to boot. It was so nice to see Bill & Mary at the UPS Centennial Celebration in Elm Grove on 07/07/2007.
Bill will always be in my thoughts & my heart.

Dear Keane Family,

We offer our deepest sympathies on the loss of Bill. Our prayers are with you during this difficult time.

Mr. Keane will be missed greatly. He was an inspiration to us all and a great man. My days as a Trinity Dancer were a significant part of my life and having met Mr. Keane, during this time, made it that more of a joy. My prayers and thoughts are with you.

I know my Dad is already up in heaven, on bended knee and in awe of meeting the good Lord that he served so well by being the most kind, gentle and loving man while with us here on Earth. He was a true friend to so many! There are so many awesome memories of Dad that I will cherish greatly and I am thankful for the memories he created for my children as well.

My deepest sympathy to your family.
Bill was always a very gracious person trying to find the best in everyone.