Daniel Francis O'Keefe Jr.

Dan was born in Belmont, Massachusetts and, after his family moved to the DC area, he graduated from Georgetown Prep in 1953. He graduated from the University of Virginia, where he was member of Sigma Chi, in 1957; the University of Virginia Law School, where he was a member of the Virginia Law Review, in 1960; and Harvard Business School in 1963.

Dan began his legal career with the Department of Commerce where he received the Silver Medal Award in 1966 for his work in creating the Department of Transportation.

When he became president of The Food and Drug Law Institute, he found his real talent helping companies navigate the complex world of food and drug law. His testimony as an expert before Congress in 1982 on tamper resistant drug packaging contributed to the passing of "the Tylenol bill." He continued his food and drug law career as partner in the law firm of Wald, Harkrader & Ross and at the Consumer Health Products Association. He retired from the Consumer Health Products Association as Senior Vice President and General Council in 1998. One of Dan’s great pleasures was mentoring and offering advice to younger business associates as they progressed in their own careers.

Dan’s unique ability to bring people with diverse and strong views to consensus for common goals made his volunteer work invaluable. He served on the Board of Advisors at the National Bank of Washington and the Board of the Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Shop, and was a treasurer of The Little Theatre of Alexandria for several years. He was a member of the DC and Virginia Bar Associations and the Bar of the U.S. Supreme Court.

He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Sandra Smith O’Keefe; children Vicki E. O’Keefe (Gordon Ivins), Timothy J. O’Keefe (Marianna); 5 grandchildren Meghan O’Keefe, Timothy Colin O’Keefe (Amy), Erin O’Keefe, Kelly Ivins-O’Keefe and Delaney Ivins-O’Keefe (John Dudley); and his sister, Patricia Neibel.

His children are thankful for his sage advice and guidance throughout the years. His family will cherish many fond memories of him and will miss his sunshine grin that lit up the world for all of us.

The family would like to honor and thank the care partners at Goodwin House, Alexandria for the love and help they gave him these last few years.