Michael Keane

Michael J. Keane, Colonie, 77, passed away on Saturday, October 22, 2005 at the Community Hospice of Albany at Saint Peter's Hospital after a courageous fight with cancer. At the time of passing, his family and friends surrounded him.
Born February 19, 1928 in Ballina, County Mayo, Ireland to the late Martin and MaryEllen Keane, Mike immigrated to the United States of America May 31, 1948. On September 7, 1960 he proudly became a citizen of the United States. He worked 37 years at Allegheny Ludlum Steel/AL Tech Specialty Steel in Watervliet before retiring in 1987.
Mike is survived by his loving wife of 42 years, Mary Eithne Keane. He is the beloved father to four sons, William of Guilderland, Joseph (Mary) of East Greenbush, John (Julie) of Manahawkin, New Jersey, and Michael (Kimberly) of Colonie; brother to Mary Jo Lenney of Cohoes; proud grandfather of Jared, Liam, Lauryn and Joshua. He is survived by sisters-in-law Barbara (Michael) Scanlon of Limerick, Ireland, Patricia (Eugene) Holdcroft of Queens, New York, Helen (Thomas) Gallagher of Dublin, Ireland, Elizabeth (Hodgson) Modengir of Covington, Louisiana and brother-in-law John Quaid of Adare, Ireland. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews, both in the United States and Ireland. His brothers William of Toronto, Canada and Patrick of Albany predeceased him. He was also predeceased by brother-in-law Joseph Quaid of the Channel Islands and sister-in-law Anna (Henry) Pellegrino of Las Vegas, Nevada.
Mike enjoyed hunting and trout fishing. In his more than 25 years of hunting the elusive whitetail deer, he never shot one or even at one. Many believe that was due to his love of animals and the outdoors. The hunting and fishing gave way to being a spectator at numerous little league games and other family commitments. He never missed one.
Mike was a member of the Herbert B. Kuhn Senior Citizens Center. Mike enjoyed traveling with friends and family, and enjoyed attending baseball games at Heritage Park to watch the Albany - Colonie A's, Yankees and Diamond Dogs for 20 seasons. Always a fan of the underdog, Mike was extremely pleased to watch the Boston Red Sox win the World Series last year.
He was also the local "handy-man." There was always some kind of building project or a repair being done around the house or for a neighbor. Mike spent numerous evenings and weekends remodeling his own home and passing that tradition on to his son's. No matter what he had going on he would always free up the time to help.
Mike will most be remembered by his positive outlook on life, he enjoyed each day to the fullest and always made sure that he, and the people around him, always had fun with whatever they were doing. This usually involved storytelling and joking. The stories did seem to get better and funnier each time they were retold.
The family would also wish to extend thanks to Dr. Duncan Savage and the staff of the St. Peter's Cancer Care Center for all their kindness.
Funeral services will be Wednesday morning at 8:45 at NewComer-Cannon Family Funeral Home, 343 New Karner Rd. Colonie (Rt. 155-south of Central Ave) then to Our Lady of Mercy Church at 9:30 where the Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Calling hours will be Tuesday from 3 to 7 pm at the funeral home. Interment will be in Our Lady of Angels Cemetery. In lieu of flowers and at the request of the family, memorial contributions may be made to Community Hospice of Albany, 445 New Karner Rd. Albany, NY 12205 or Mohawk & Hudson River Humane Society, 4 Oakland Ave. Menands, NY 12204.