Robert Emmit Mckeen

Obituary for Dr. Robert Emmit McKeen Age 74 of Wellington, FL passed away February 20, 2015. Robert was born on November 2nd 1942 in Port Chester NY and spent his youth in Greenwich Connecticut. He attended Greenwich High & graduated after joining the US Navy & traveling the world on the Essex Aircraft Carrier. After graduating from Greenwich High, Robert attended Norwalk Community College & received an Associate's degree. During this time Robert met and fell in love with a beautiful young lady, Jean Alison Katzman sleigh riding at Byram Shore Park. They were wed on April the 24th of 1971 in Yonkers NY at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church Robert pursued his Bachelor's degree at the University of Bridgeport while launching his first entrepreneurial venture the "1776 Store" where he produced hand crafted wood furniture period pieces on Greenwich Avenue in Greenwich Connecticut. Fortifying his pursuit of continued education while securing his first profession role in Education as a procurement associate at Scarsdale Central School District in Scarsdale NY. His career accelerated while attending CW Post on Long Island receiving his Master's degree and employed as a Business Administrator for Hicksville school district. Robert passion to succeed in the field of Education crescendos with his proudest moment graduating with honors from Columbia University with a Doctoral Degree in Education and while elevating his career to Assistant Superintendent of Harborfields School District. Upon retirement Robert relocated to Wellington, Florida with his wife & youngest son Thomas; where he enjoyed cultivating his property & tree farm. He was a long time member & benefactor of St Therese de Lisieux Catholic Church. He also served as a member of the Knights of Columbus for many years; lead his fellows as the Grand Knight from 2010 to 2013; the longest standing period of influence for council 12873. He was a good and kind Christian man who loved his family. A family member recently said, "Robert was always understanding, sincere, accepting and inquisitive, a god father" Those very sentiments are felt by so many. Robert was the son of the late Robert J and Anna Guzinski McKeen. Robert was predeceased by Jean of more than 45 years. He is survived by 3 children: Sean McKeen (Melanie Sanz) of Miami Fl, Terrence M McKeen (Elizabeth Borough's) of South Hampton NY, and Thomas P McKeen of Wellington; sister, Maureen McKeen Kelly (Edward); 3 grandchildren, Brooke, Pietra, & Declan McKeen. A viewing will be held at 5 PM - 8 PM on Thursday, February 26, 2015 at Palm West Funeral Home. On Friday, February 27, 2015, a service will be held at St Therese Roman Catholic Church at 11 AM followed by Robert joining his compatriots at South Florida National Cemetery in Lake Worth where he will be laid to rest with Navy Honors at 1 PM. .