Obituary of George Francis Keavney

George Francis Keavney, 86, of Jackson Township, formerly of Manalapan, died on August 5, 2017 at Bartley Healthcare Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Jackson Township. He was born in Queens, N.Y., spent his childhood in Brooklyn, and lived in Manalapan for 42 years before moving to Jackson ten years ago. George loved science fiction movies, cigars, chocolate cake, and his wife. Known also as “Pop Pop,” he was always happy, and enjoyed bad puns and other dad jokes. He really loved life and having fun, enjoyed music and dancing to Benny Goodman with Peggy. He was always up for a slice and a Pepsi. He was equally satisfied with a Ballantine or a Heineken, watching Phantom of the Opera or Disney’s Fantasia, listening to classical music or Sha Na Na (wearing his big headphones before they were cool). He will be missed very much. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1951 to 1955, on the USS Kenneth Whiting, sailing to Japan and Hawaii. He was a designer and draftsman before his retirement, after which he brightened customers’ days in the shoe section of Macy’s. He was such a character, people would remember him years later, even if they only met him once. Mr. Keavney was a communicant of St. Aloysius R.C. Church, Jackson and a former communicant of St. Thomas More R. C. Church, Manalapan. He was a member of Prince of Peace Council No. 5903, Knights of Columbus, Englishtown. He was predeceased by his brother, James Keavney of Norwalk, Connecticut. Surviving are his wife, Peggy; his son, William Keavney (Linda Mastandrea); two daughters, Margaret Keavney (Kevin Liebkemann) and Mary Behm (Jeff Behm); and four grandchildren, Matthew Behm, Michael Behm, Oliver Liebkemann, and Connor Behm. He also leaves behind his Siamese cat, Thai. The viewing will be held at the Higgins Memorial Home, 20 Center Street, Freehold on Thursday, August 10th from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. The Funeral Liturgy will be celebrated at Our Lady of Mercy R. C. Church, 58 Main Street in Englishtown, on Friday, August 11th at 10:00 a.m. followed by interment at Brigadier General William C. Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Arneytown. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the Alzheimer’s Association would be appreciated.