Daniel John Kehoe

Dan was born on a farm in Castlecomer, Co. Kilkenny, Ireland, on February 5, 1934, the seventh of eleven children. At the age of 24, he immigrated to New York, where he laid down roots and proceeded to achieve the American dream. Soon after arriving in the U.S., he met the love of his life, Frances Swan of Co. Carlow, Ireland. Although she had planned to return to Ireland, Frances stayed after meeting Dan. They married and made their home in Middle Village, Queens, N.Y.

Intelligent, diligent, and gifted with an uncommon ability to manage people and navigate all situations, Dan secured a job with the New York City Board of Education. He quickly rose through the ranks to become Head Custodian Engineer at several of the city's most prominent schools, including the High School of Music and Art. Dan earned an extraordinary reputation for his fairness and firmness in running his schools.

Dan was active in New York’s Irish community and he was well known for helping young people find jobs and housing when they arrived in the city. He proudly marched in the New York City St. Patrick’s Day Parade and once served as Laois Grand Marshal.

In the early 1970s, Dan and Frances moved with their three children from Queens to the countryside of Mahopac, N.Y. There, Dan enjoyed time with his family and became an avid runner with the Taconic Road Runners Club. Over the years, he completed 62 marathons around the world—most in under three hours. His personal best was an impressive 2 hours and 47 minutes in the New York City Marathon -- at the age of 52!

After their children were grown, Dan and Frances moved back to New York city. In later years, Dan enjoyed golf, delighted in sharing funny stories, and was always ready for a game of cards. Throughout his life, he was known for his immense kindness, generosity, wit, and adventurous spirit.

Dan was predeceased by his sisters Elsie Kehoe, Jenny Walsh, and Delia Brennan, and by his brothers Jim, Patrick, Myles, and Leo Kehoe. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Frances; his sons Myles (Jeanne Marie) and Edward (Anastasia) Kehoe; and his daughter Lesley (Bill) Traver. His amazing legacy also continues to live on through his grandchildren: Chris and Brian Kehoe; Francesca, John, Daniella, and Carina Kehoe; and Will (Leor), Jennifer, and Elizabeth Traver. Dan is survived by his sisters Nano Braid and Gemma Lynch, and his brother Vincent Kehoe.

Dan will be remembered with extraordinary love and deep gratitude by all who were blessed to know him.

A memorial Mass will be held on Tuesday, July 8, at 10 am at St. Thomas More Catholic Church, 65 East 89th Street, NY, NY, followed by a lunch reception. The family will have a private burial.