Obituary of Ernest C. Keahey

ERNEST C. KEAHEY, of Hackensack, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Thursday, July 17, 2014, at the age of 80 years. He was a graduate of Boys Town in 1953 and proudly served his country during the Korean War being honorably discharged from the United States Marines. Prior to retiring, he was a firefighter for the City of Hackensack for 28 years and was one of the pioneers of the fire department's paramedic program for the State of New Jersey. He was a life member of the NJ State Firemen's Association, an Officer and member of the Firemen's Relief and Exempt Association, and a member of I.A.F.F. Local 2081. He also was Past Commander and member of the American Legion Harry B. Doremus Post # 55 of Hackensack, Past Exalted Ruler and member of the Hackensack Elks Lodge # 658. Past Grand Knight and member of the Knights of Columbus, Trinity Council # 747 of Hackensack and member of Bishop O'Connor General Assembly Fourth Degree. He was a parishioner of Holy Trinity R. C. Church of Hackensack and was a Scout Master for Boy Scout Troop # 5. Beloved husband for 59 years of Octavia M. (nee Magarelli). Devoted father of Cathy Puglisi and her husband Fred of Old Tappan, Donna Carlson and her husband Brian of Sparta, Ronald Keahey of Hackensack, Douglas Keahey and his wife Sandra of Hasbrouck Heights, and the late Ernest Keahey Jr. Cherished grandfather of Freddy, Jen, Scott, Brandon, Meghan, Brendan and Katie. Dearest brother of the late Julie Richards, John Keahey and Frank Keahey. The funeral on Tuesday, July 22nd, at 9:45 AM from the G. Thomas Gentile Funeral Home, 397 Union Street, Hackensack. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 AM at Holy Trinity R. C. Church, 34 Maple Avenue, Hackensack, with entombment following at St. Joseph's Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Monday from 2 - 4 and 7 - 9 PM.