To the Family of Msgr. Keaveney, We were very sorry to hear about Msgr. Keaveney's death. We remember him from his days spent at St. Catharine's Church in Blauvelt and his association with the Knights of Columbus. We now know he is in a better place. Rosemarie and Frank Fornario, Blauvelt, New York

To Fr. Keaveney's Family and the Family of St. Mary's: I grieve with you on the death of your brother, former pastor, and my dear friend. "Goodbye, dear friend, today we cry; tomorrow we rejoice together". I am united with my dear friend in the celebration of the Mass. Fr. Joe Hennen ~ Fr. Joe Hennen, Hilo, Hawaii

We became good friends with Msgr Keaveney while living in Blauvelt and working with him in the parish. He was an inspiring spiritual leader and a true friend. We all lost a good man and priest Frank and Marie Michels (Weston, CT)

We were blessed to have Fr Keaveney baptise our daughter Kendall (now 4) and our thoughts and prayers are with the family during this time. ~ The Ingram Family, New Windsor, New York

To the Family of Msgr. Keaveney, From St. Peter & Paul's grade school through Cathedral Prep, and on a trip to Bermuda, Dusty and I remained in contact and we will miss our occasional visits with him. He and you will be in our prayers. Jim & Eileen Fitzpatrick ~ Jim & Eileen Fitzpatrick, St. Augustine, Florida

We were privileged to become friends with Father Keaveney during his tenure at St. Boniface and grew to love his total dedication to the ill, the distressed and anyone with a need for solace. We ourselves, were beneficiaries of his kindness and concern during a difficult period in our lives and we will always be grateful to him. In addition to his innate goodness, we remember his wit, intelligence, and ability to be silly at times (He was a minor character in every play performed by his parishioners while he was pastor), and these things made him beloved by many. The man and the priest will be greatly missed by us. Michelle and Paul Shinners

We remember Father Keaveney and all the wonderful times he gave us as pastor of St. Boniface Church in Wesley Hills. He is the priest who started me on my way towards diaconate, and for this I will always be grateful.  Nancy and I send our condolences to the family. God bless Msgr. John Keaveney. ~ Deacon Tom & Nancy Colton, Waterford, New York

We have lost a wonderful Priest . He was always there for us.  He will always be in our prayers as he was for us. Our Parish has suffered a great loss. ~ Dave & Anna Mae Quinn, Washingtonville, New York

Msgr. Keaveney always seemed to have the right words at the right time, whether it was during a homily, during reconciliation or simply in conversation. He is loved as dearly as any family member could be, because that is how we think of him. We are truly blessed to have known him. ~ Phyllis, Nick & Nicholas Rampulla, South Blooming Grove, New York

To Msgr. Keaveney's family, and the family of St. Mary's: A wise and holy man now rests with the Lord. 21 years ago Fr. Keaveney was the celebrant at our wedding, and was a dear friend and trusted advisor.  He was deeply loved, perhaps more than he knew. May he rest in peace. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. ~ Jeff & Elizabeth Fortunato, Pomona, New York

To the family of Mgsr. Keaveney, I was deeply sorrowed to hear of Mgsr. Keaveney's passing.  Father Keaveney was indeed a true example of a holy priest leading his flock. His love for God showed throughout masses that he offered and his wonderful homilies really hit my heart. I met him one time after Christmas Mass and asked if I could join the church at St. Mary's in Washingtonville. Mgsr. Keaveney was so welcoming, just like Jesus that I felt compelled to join his parish.  Mgsr. Keaveney will truly be missed. In deepest sympathy and love, Pamella Scotto, Warwick, NY

We are one of the many, many couples that Msgr Keaveney performed the ceremony of marriage for, nearly 14 years ago.  I (Brian) grew up with him as our parish priest - he was tough and also funny and kind. We will always have warm memories of him. Godspeed Fr K. ~ Brian and Randi Colton, Sloatsburg, New York

January 04, 2010

Dusty was my classmate for 8 years. I remember his great love for learning especially literature. He had a great respect for the written word and the nuances of language. He was a kind, gentle and devoted priest for 50 years and I'm sure he left his print on the hearts of the people he served. Rest in peace good friend and condolences to your family. ~ Dr. John Gill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina

Please accept our deepest sympathies. ~ Joan Bloodgood, Charleston, South Carolina

Heaven has received a giant of a man in so many ways. His love, care, and concern for people was simply the best. Fr Keaveney left an indelible mark on those he touched, and showed such courage, strength, and conviction during his illness. It was an honor and privilege to have known him over the past 20 plus years. Our thoughts and prayers with Jane, Ann, and all of Father's family. ~ Rob and Marcia Duffy, Garnerville, New York

There are no words to express my profound sadness at this time. Fr. Keaveney served the people of St. Mary's for twelve years. I had the privilege of working with him during his tenure in Washingtonville. His homilies were par excellance. His compassion beyond compare. His sense of humor dry. His love for his people and his God all encompassing. He has left an indelible mark on my heart that I share cherish all my days. My condolences to Ann and Janie and family. ~ Jeanne Versweyveld, Blooming Grove, New York

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. ~ MARIA, SCOTT AND AMANDA FOWLER, WASHINGTONVILLE, New York

Fr. Keaveney reminded me so much of Fr Sullivan who was our pastor at St Mary's in the 70's, both acted strict and tough but had hearts of gold and were always there for the people of the parish. When my dad got ill it was Fr Keaveney who came up from his vacation at the shore to be with my family during those final hours. Without him and his guidance I would have never made it through such a tough time. When mom got sick he was there again. My biggest regret is I didn't get to visit him before his passing, another lesson in never put off today what you really want to do because tomorrow may never come. You will be missed. ~ Mary Conway-Luciana, Chester, New York

January 05, 2010

St. Mary's and all who knew and loved Fr. Keaveney have suffered a great loss.  As a boss, Fr. Keaveney was wonderful. Personally, Fr. K was a source of strength when I endured several illnesses.  For my husband and myself, he always let us feel that it was his privilege to be the face of Christ.  He was/is a priest forever and will always hold a special place in my heart. ~ Sheila Glickman, Monroe, New York.

It is with gratitude to God that I had the opportunity to spend several hours with Monsignor Keaveney the day after Christmas at his last residence in Riverdale. We had a wonderful conversation reminiscing about our Catholic upbringing in the Bronx and the wonderful people here in Washingtonville and at St. Mary's Parish. He was very strong in his faith and in his service to his fellow man. He was not only my pastor but he was my friend. ~ Frank Kennedy, Rock Tavern, New York

Monsignor Keaveney, you will be sadly missed and although we know you are no longer suffering and in a better place, the memories you left behind will never be erased. May you rest in eternal peace. ~Mario, Patricia & Samantha Rivera~ ~New Windsor, New York~

Fr. Keaveney was a wonderful man who left so many of us from St. James Parish in Carmel with wonderful memories. ~ Jeanine Ricca-Greene, Carmel, New York

January 06, 2010

Monsignor Keaveney will be missed but his memories will last forever.While at St. James The Apostle one of his goals was to let the children understand that a priest was a man whose job was to do God's work and that he did.He let the kids sit in the priest chair to see what he saw when saying mass. To check the the Holy Water fonts and fill them if they needed it. It was important for him that they did not feel the church was a cold place but instead a warm loving house of God that will grow with them through life.Dusty, may the eternal peace of the lord be with you and may God's blessing be with your family today and always. ~ Helen S. Ricca, Carmel, New York.

Father Keaveney performed our second son's baptisim and both our boys first holy communions. I had the honor to see him at religious education classes each week. He was a stern man but had a quick wit. I know the children will surely miss him. Karen Bonomi ~ Karen Bonomi, Washingtonville, New York.

January 08, 2010

To the family of Msgr. Keaveney.  I knew Fr. Keaveney since 1962 and he was a good friend always. Words could never express the sorrow of losing him nor the joy of having had him in my life. May God bless you in this time of sorrow. ~ Jackie May, Huntersville, North Carolina.

January 11, 2010

I first met Father Keaveney back around 1998 during confession. Father called me in to hear my confession face to face. I was so embarassed but soon Father's humor made me feel a little more relaxed. My husband and I live in Walden and every Sunday and Holy Day we traveled to Washingtonville to hear "Father Professor" as we called him, give his wonderful sermon. He was brilliant. His sermons were usually told in a story so that everyone could understand him and his last sentence was usually the punch line. We will continue going to St. Marys because there is something very warm and friendly in our parish. Memories of Father will always be in our hearts and minds. ~ Barbara Brooks, Walden, New York

January 12, 2010

I attended the funeral of Dusty Keaveney on January 6th at St. Mary"s Church in Washingtonville, NY. It was a packed church with many parishioners from the parishes he served over the course of his 50 year career. Some from the "old Neighborhood" were there - Ann McDonagh, Barbara Brangan, Paddy McKenna and others whose names I unfortunately can't remember. It is a tribute to Dusty and to the Neighborhood that we can go back to our South Bronx origins and celebrate memories and lives lived well and completed.  John Manning,  Yonkers, New York

January 22, 2010

May you forever rest in peace & no pain.  I remember Fr. Keaveney at St, Mary's & I am proud that I was a member of SSPP too! May God Bless you & your family.   Irene Reynolds

May 29, 2010

For 35 years, I would go to wherever Fr. Keaveney was assigned to see him for reconciliation. In recent years, I would see him a few times a year. Realizing his health had failed and he was admitted to a nursing home, I phoned him last fall to plan a visit. Father said he would phone me to let me know when a good time to visit would be. I recently phoned St. Mary's to learn if he was receiving visitors and was shocked to learn he passed away January 2. Father Keaveney tremendously eased my life and his guidance has been and continues to be a blessing. Godspeed and Rest in Peace, good man. You have made a difference.   David Connors

BURIAL

Dusty Keaveney was waked at St. Mary's Church, Washingtonville, NY on Tuesday January 5, 2010 followed by a Mass Of Christ The High Priest concelebrated by Bishop Dominick Longenaro.   His funeral, the following day, was concelebrated by Archbishop Timothy Dolan, along with two additional bishops and approximately fifty priests. The church was packed for each celebration and both were absolutely spectacular.

The family of
Monsignor John J. "Dusty" Keaveney
is grateful to God
for his extraordinary life,
for your friendship
and for your kindness and prayers
during this very difficult time.
May God Bless You All
January 31, 2010

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