“Beloved Husband, Father, and Friend”
Francis E. Keilty, 71, died peacefully after a long illness on December 6, 2023, in his Lowell home, surrounded by family. He was the devoted husband of Patricia Anne Kirwin-Keilty, with whom he celebrated their 37th wedding anniversary this past November.
Frank (Frankie) was born in Boston, Massachusetts to Thomas P. and Carolyn M. (Foley) Keilty on May 4, 1952, and was raised in Waltham. He graduated from UMass Boston and the Boston College Graduate School of Social Work where he earned membership in Alpha Sigma NU. He was deeply committed to his calling to help those in need and he did so throughout his 31 year career with the Department of Children and Families (DSS). Frank was an avid fan of the Red Sox, Celtics, and Patriots but most of all he loved to watch the Little League World Series. His 30 years as an ASA umpire, time playing in the EAA Softball League, and years coaching his daughter’s softball teams brought him great joy.
Frank had strong union values and proudly represented Local SEIU 509 as the Chief Steward for the Malden office of DCF, forever the union supporter. Frank had an unmatched love of music from his time as a teenager waiting all night to see his favorite bands, to playing records late into the night for his children. Every occasion had a playlist! His taste knew no bounds and spanned genres and decades. Frank was deeply proud of his Irish heritage and citizenship. He continued researching his family genealogy and enjoyed sharing his findings with others until his last day. Frank always had an ear and a kind word for anyone with whom he crossed paths. His family lovingly recognized his gift of gab, especially for the children and young adults in his life.
Frank is survived by his loving wife Patti and his children Courtney Brigid Keilty and her partner Daniel Fellman of Boston, Padraic J. Keilty and Conor F. Keilty of Lowell. His aunt Theresa Keilty Valiquette of Wrentham, sister-in-law Nancy Keilty of Natick, his nieces and nephew Christine (Keilty) Bilodeau (Stephen) of Milford, Donna (Keilty) Barker (Rick)of Southborough, and Thomas Keilty III of Natick, Sheryl Walsh and Heather Goulding, and his grandnieces Adriana Rosadio, Amanda Rosadio, Kaleigh Barker, and Leah Barker.
His brothers and sisters-in-law Marie (Kirwin) and Dr. William E. Sweeney of Tewksbury, William and Virginia Kirwin of Dracut, Agnes (Kirwin) Owens of Melbourne, FL, and Dorothy Kirwin (Manchester NH). Nieces and nephews William Sweeney of Lanesborough and Edward ‘Ted’ Sweeney of Longmeadow, Patricia Kirwin, Andrew Kirwin, and Kathleen Kirwin of Manchester, NH, Thomas Owens of NJ, Master Sgt. Nicholas Owens USAF of NC, Michael Owens and Kathryn Owens Closson of FL, his cousins Noel, Brendan, Christopher, and Angela Forde of County Mayo, Ireland whom he cherished, and Frank Skaggs, Frank Galligan, and Bill Condon his closest friends.
He was predeceased by his brothers Thomas P. Keilty of Natick and John P. Keilty of Waltham, his lifelong friend Thomas Gardner with whom he enjoyed decades of friendship, his mother-in-law and father-in-law Marie Deignan Kirwin and James J. Kirwin, Sr., his brothers-in-law James J. Kirwin of Manchester, NH and Thomas J. Owens of Melbourne, FL, aunts and uncles Roselle Foley, Isabelle Case, William Foley, George Foley, Ruth Delany, Tina Campbell, Dorothy Burkett, and Frank Foley, and James Keilty, Mary Daley, Marguerite J. Noe, and Francis Keilty. Lastly, Monsignor John P. Keilty, his beloved uncle and lifelong mentor who inspired him to become a social worker.
On Thursday, December 21, 2023, at the Immaculate Conception Church, 144 East Merrimack St., Lowell MA 01852, there will be a 10 am visitation followed by an 11 am Mass. Burial in St. Mary Cemetery, N. Tewksbury MA.
Contributions may be made in Frank’s memory to: Monastery of St. Clare, 445 River Road, Andover, MA 01810-4213 or to: Regina Cleri Residence, 60 William Cardinal O'Connell Way Boston MA 02114.
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