Vincent Charles O'Keeffe

Dr. Vincent C. O’Keeffe of Grand Blanc, peacefully passed away at his home on May 4, 2019. A celebration of life service will be held 11 am Tuesday, May 21, 2019 at Warwick Hills Golf and Country Club, 9057 South Saginaw Street, Grand Blanc, Michigan. The family will receive friends from 10 am Tuesday until time of services. Vince was born on October 10, 1928 to David and Frances (Dolan) O’Keeffe in Manchester, New Hampshire. Dr. O’Keeffe began his career as a professional musician at age 15 and continued to perform for over 60 years, most notably with The New Reformation Jazz Band, a nationally recognized classical jazz band based in Michigan. He received his Bachelor’s degree from Boston University’s College of Music and his Master’s and Doctoral degrees from Teacher’s College, Columbia University. Vince moved to Michigan in 1975 to become part of the music faculty of the University of Michigan at the Flint campus. In addition to his life-long involvement with music, Vince had several interests. He was an accomplished amateur radio operator. As W1IDL, he made many friends and liked traveling to various countries to meet his HAM radio friends. Vince also enjoyed sailing and long-distance bicycling. Vince is survived by his wife, Peggy; children Patricia (Mickey) Gingras of Florida and Jim (Christine) O’Keeffe of California, 6 grandchildren, 3 great grandchildren, 2 great great grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Founding Faculty Music Scholarship at the University of Michigan-Flint, the Golden Retriever Foundation, or the charity of your choice.