Paul Michael Keane
8/10/2017


Paul Michael Keane

Paul was born on January 5, 1951 in Dorchester, MA, the fourth and youngest child of Dorothy and Lawrence Keane. A graduate of Saint Margaret’s Grammar School, Boston College High School, Boston College (Bachelor of Arts in Psychology), and Syracuse University (Master of Public Administration), he also earned a certificate in accountancy from Bentley University. He worked primarily in the field of finance and accountancy, first at the Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, then at DRI (a subsidiary of McGraw-Hill) in Lexington, and finally at Regan Communications in Boston, where he was the Chief Financial Officer.

Paul travelled widely in the United States and Europe and often took to the sea either aboard his sailboat or numerous cruise ships. He enjoyed playing hockey and golf throughout his life. And for many years he delighted in volunteering to coach Little League baseball and to work with the Boston College Marching Band, thereby earning the nickname “Tennessee” for his remarkable altruism. (Tennessee became known as “The Volunteer State” after it supplied troops to aid federal forces in the Battle of New Orleans in 1812.)


Even in his illness Paul bravely volunteered to be a test subject for many clinical trials of new cancer drugs in an effort to help others suffering from the same disease. Quoted in a newsletter from the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in December, 2007, Paul remarked that he hoped that participating in such trials would prolong his life or find a cure. Moreover, he took comfort in knowing that his efforts would help others no matter his outcome. Ultimately Paul participated in the trials of thirteen new drugs which are now authorized for use in the treatment of cancer patients.

From his childhood he was a voracious reader especially of history, and he could easily recall many of the details of what he had read. He possessed a sharp memory and a very quick wit which included the gift of imitating the personalities of others which brought frequent laughter to his family and friends.


Paul will always be remembered as an exceptionally devoted and loving uncle to his nieces and nephews and to the children of some of his closest friends. He relished the opportunity of visiting with them often, treating them to a meal, and providing transportation to and from college whenever needed. He was a faithful friend, a thoughtful neighbor and one who was generous to a fault, deriving tremendous joy in bringing happiness to others.

For a man who treasured his time alone reading, sailing, driving to L. L. Bean in Freeport, Maine or engaging in photography, he had a circle of friends that was indeed very wide and deep. He enjoyed spending time with them and the spirited conversations they often shared. Paul was a man of many interests and surprises.

He lived with multiple myeloma for fourteen years before passing away on August 10, 2017.

Paul was the devoted son of the late Lawrence J. and Dorothy M. (Reynolds) Keane and a beloved brother of Patricia A. Kennedy and her husband, Dr. John J. of Harwich, Andrea M. Burke and her husband Dr. John P. of Salt Lake City, and Rev. Robert L. Keane, S.J of Boston College. Loving uncle of Paul C., Edward R. and his wife Kimberly G., Erin K., and Bonnie J., the wife of the late Dr. Matthew P. Burke. Great uncle of Anna, Matthew, Samuel and Ada.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in Saint Agatha Church, Adams Street at Brook Road, Milton, on Wednesday, August 16th at 10:30 AM. Relatives and friends invited. Visiting hours at the Alfred D. Thomas Funeral Home, 326 Granite Avenue, East Milton will be Tuesday, August 15th from 4-8 PM. Interment at the Milton Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Post Office Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284-9168 or to the German Centre, Deutsches Altenheim Foundation, 2222 Centre Street, W. Roxbury, MA 02132-4097.

The family extends their deep gratitude to the staff members of the Dana Farber Cancer Institute, the Brigham and Women’s Hospital and the German Centre of West Roxbury for the compassionate care which they provided to Paul throughout his illness.

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Alfred D. Thomas Funeral Home
326 Granite Avenue
Milton, MA USA 02186
617-696-4200