Obituary: Veteran William A. “Bill” Kean, 78

From the Lynch-Cantillan Funeral Home:

William A. “Bill” Keane passed away after being stricken at his home on Monday, August 19th. The beloved husband of Carolyn M. (Burke) Keane, he was seventy eight years of age.

Born in Medford, he was the son of the late Thomas and Anna (Lincoln) Keane. Being one of seven children, he was brought up and educated in Medford, graduating with the Class of 1953. 

While in high school he met the girl of his dreams, Carolyn Burke. The following year after high school they married and have dedicated themselves to each other and their children for the last fifty nine years.

Over the years the Keane’s enjoyed spending time with their children and later grandchildren at the lake house in New Hampshire. Skiing, snowmobiling, swimming and boating were the sports of choice that the entire family enjoyed doing together.

Mr Keane had secured a position at HP Hood where he remained for thirty years.

In 1967 Mr. Keane was recalled to active duty in the United States Navy, where he served his country proudly as a Seabee during the Vietnam War. He returned to his position at Hood, where he finished out his thirty six years.

In the late eighties he began working for the Woburn Public School System for the Maintenance Department , where he remained for the next thirteen years. Upon his retirement he and Mrs Keane joined the ranks of “snowbirds” spending their winters in Florida, which they thoroughly enjoyed. They took great pleasure in having the children and grandchildren visit during that time. 

Mr. Keane was a member of the Woburn Elks and the Veterans of Foreign Wars both here in Woburn.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Keane was predeceased by his siblings Phyllis Downey, Stephen, Russell, Robert and Donald Keane.

He is lovingly survived by his beloved wife of fifty nine years Carolyn, his children Daniel E. Keane of Needham, Thomas W. Keane of Woburn, Deborah A. Brogna of Tewksbury and William A. Keane also of Tewksbury, his sister Barbara Ciullo of ME, dear grandchildren Jacquelyn MacKinnon, Joseph T., Thomas J., Lindsey, and Ryan Keane, Katie and Stephen Brogna along with great grandchildren John and Owen MacKinnon and Audrey Keane.

A Funeral will be held from the Lynch-Cantillon Funeral Home,263 Main Street, Woburn on Saturday, August 24th at 9 a.m. followed by a Funeral Mass in St. Charles Church, 280 Main Street, Woburn at 10. Interment in Woodbrook Cemetery, Woburn. Relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend calling hours Friday 4-8p.m. Remembrances may be made in Mr. Keane’s memory to the American Diabetes Association, 330 Congress Street, #501, Boston, MA 02110.