Local News from Marbletown, Rochester, & Rosendale
Joseph Christopher Keefe, 98, died peacefully at home on July 2, 2025.
A lifelong resident of Woodstock, he was born November 11, 1926, in Albany, NY, son of the late Joseph Francis Keefe and Mary Rose Ford.
Joseph was predeceased by his loving wife of 43 years, Jane Neher Keefe, and sisters Mary Casazza and Ann Walsh.
He is survived by his daughters Jody Ford (Mark), Karen Collins (Dennis), and Michelle O’Halloran (Tom) and son Tad Earley (Jackie) as well as five grandchildren and two great grandchildren.
A lifelong educator, Joe was the first person in the family to attend college, receiving his Bachelor's degree from SUNY Albany, his Masters from the University of Iowa, and his Doctorate from Syracuse University. He taught Literature at Ulster County Community College for 31 years, retiring in 1994, and served as editor of the Byrdcliffe Writers, eventually publishing three volumes of prose.
Joe deeply appreciated a good museum, a fine meal, and beautiful music.
He waltzed out of his life, dreaming of dancing with his beloved Jane, with perfect posture and hearing, in perfect step, as they had done on so many evenings in their charming Woodstock home.
Joe’s family and many friends will miss his twinkle, playful wit and gift for storytelling.
Cremation arrangements are under the guidance of the Joseph V. Leahy Funeral Home, Inc. 27 Smith Avenue, Kingston. www.jvleahyfh.com Internment will take place privately at a later date at the Woodstock Cemetery.
The family wishes to express their gratitude to Hudson Valley Hospice for their outstanding care in the last months of Joe’s life. In lieu of flowers, donations in Joe’s honor may be sent to Hudson Valley Hospice, 374 Violet Ave, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601, or the Woodstock Fire Company #1 or Woodstock Fire Company #5, Rescue Squad, 242 Tinker Street, Woodstock N.Y. 12498.
