Senate Resolution No. 1853

BY: Senator KENNEDY

MOURNING the death of James P. Keane,
quintessential Irish politician, former Deputy
County Executive and devoted member of his community

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to publicly mourn
the death of cherished citizens of the State of New York who
distinguished themselves in their profession and in service to their
community; and

WHEREAS, With deep regret this Legislative Body records the passing
of James P. Keane, known affectionately to many as Jim, on December 19,
2016, at the age of 70, noting the loss of a citizen whose purposeful
life and endeavors contributed so much to the quality of life in his
community; and

WHEREAS, James Keane was a lifelong native of South Buffalo, growing
up on Kingston Place, the Keane home was always filled with joy and
laughter; and

WHEREAS, James Keane was one of 16 children born to the late Richard
and Kate McKenzie Keane; after high school, he proudly served his
country as a member of the United States Air Force in Thailand during
the Vietnam War; and

WHEREAS, After his discharge, James Keane returned to Buffalo and
married his wife, the former Margaret Whalen in 1969; together, the
couple happily raised their four wonderful children, Sean, Katie, Jimmy
and Meg; and

WHEREAS, James Keane worked at a bank while putting himself through
Canisius College; after graduation, he joined his four brothers in the
Buffalo Fire Department; and

WHEREAS, In 1977, James Keane was elected to the Buffalo Common
Council representing the South District; for 10 years, he dedicated his
days to making Buffalo a better place for working men and women; and

WHEREAS, After a decade of distinguished service to the City of
Buffalo, James Keane ventured into county government, holding the title
of Erie County Commissioner of Emergency Services; he was then promoted
to the position of Deputy County Executive, where he directed Erie
County operations for five years; and

WHEREAS, Throughout his tenure, James Keane diligently worked to
improve and enhance the quality of life for the residents in Erie
County; many of the great successes of Erie County are a reflection of
his work and commitment throughout his many decades of public service;
and

WHEREAS, In 2000, James Keane was asked by former United States
Senator Hillary Clinton to serve as her Western New York Director; in
this capacity, he advised her on both economic and regional issues; and

WHEREAS, In addition to his role as a devoted public servant, James
Keane was a vital member of the American Legion Post No. 721, B.F.D.
Union Local No. 282 and the Ticket Takers Union Local No. 235; and

WHEREAS, James Keane will fondly be remembered as a man of the
people, always happy and always smiling; he was the go-to guy who always
stepped up for the cause with boundless energy and palpable enthusiasm;
and

WHEREAS, James Keane could often be found singing Irish songs;
deeply proud of his Irish heritage and his community, he considered
anyone not born in Buffalo to be unlucky; and

WHEREAS, James Keane's life was devoted to helping people, he had a
true gift for storytelling and an undeniable ability to connect with
anyone, often turning the staunchest opponents into friends; and

WHEREAS, The deep roots of James Keane and his entire family make
his loss a true tragedy for the entire community; his impact on Western
New York is truly incalculable and his work has inspired generations of
dedicated public servants in South Buffalo and across Erie county; and

WHEREAS, Predeceased by his parents, brother, Richard (Mary) Keane,
and brother-in-law, Raymond "RJ" Whalen, James P. Keane is survived by
his wife, Margaret (Whalen) Keane; four children, Sean (Lisa) Keane,
Katie (Ross Wickenhiser) Keane, Jimmy (Barbara) Keane, and Meg Keane;
seven treasured grandchildren, Connall, Carrie, Peter, John, Seamus,
Joseph and William; seven sisters, Connie Smith, Nancy Lafferty, Mary
Alice (late Joseph) O'Neil, Sally (late James) Trevean, Catherine,
Margaret "Mickey" (William) Ray, Maureen (Michael) Sullivan; seven
brothers, Daniel, Michael (Marie), Cornelius (Ellen), Peter, William
(late Nancy), Thomas (Marion), and Joseph Keane; father-in-law, Gerald
J. (late Helen) Whalen; two brothers-in-law, Gerald (Nora) Whalen,
Timothy (Cindy) Whalen; three sisters-in-law, Annmarie (Kevin) Kelley,
Susan (James "Red") Kelleher, Casey (Jack) Kelley, and several nieces
and nephews, as well as numerous friends and neighbors from South
Buffalo; and

WHEREAS, Buffalo has lost a great man who deeply loved his family,
his city and its people; a devoted husband, father, grandfather and
friend, respected as a pillar of the Keane family, James Keane's name is
synonymous with character, dignity, intellect, depth, and humor,
qualities evident to his family and to all those who were fortunate
enough to have known him; he will be deeply missed and truly merits the
grateful tribute of this Legislative Body; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
pay tribute to the memory of James P. Keane, to celebrate his life, and
honor his accomplishments; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of James P. Keane.