Howard W. Keenan

Howard W. Keenan, 92, of Pittsburgh, died Thursday, January 12, 2012, in HRC Manor Care-Greentree, following a lengthy illness. He was born April 12, 1919, in Washington, a son of Thomas James Keenan Sr. and Zetta Nebling Keenan. He attended Washington schools. Mr. Keenan started flying planes in 1938 and was a crewmember on the “Spirit of Freedom” for the Berlin Air Lift Foundation. He founded the Washington Flyers Club and served as its president for many years. In addition to being owner/operator of Keenan Auto Body, which he founded in 1944, he owned Keenan Mobile Homes and worked as an agent for Western-Southern Life Insurance Co and CRU. Mr. Keenan was a member of St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church. His faith is what kept him strong throughout his life. He was also a member of the Washington Elks, the Arms Club, the Eagles, the Moose, APO and American Legion Edwin Scott Linton Post 175. His hobbies included flying, hunting, boating, writing poetry, singing and riding his Goldwing motorcycle. In 1938, he married Cecelia A. Schaffer, who is deceased. On April 30, 1996, he married Dorothy Symosko, who survives. Also surviving are two sons, Howard J. Keenan (Jackie) of Geneva, Ohio and Edward T. Keenan (Susan) of Angier, North Carolina; a daughter, Joyce A. Fletcher of Washington; two stepdaughters, Janet Cirezo (George) of Greentree and Pam Andrukitas (Joe) of State College; grandchildren, Katheren Molloy, Chris Keenan, Kevin Keenan, Nichole Keenan, Edward Keenan Jr., Jason Keenan, Candice Keenan, Cortney Keenan, Adrian Fletcher, Debora Gilbert, Jerry Sumney, and J.D. Sumney; two step grandsons, Justin and Jason Sveizkas; great-grandchildren, Cecelia Joy Wise, Joseph Gilbert, Samantha Gilbert, Preston Fletcher, Camdem Fletcher, Robbie Ferri (who was his hunting buddy and friend), Erin Keenan, Jamie Keenan, Elizabeth Keenan, Mike Keenan, Thomas Keenan, Katey Keenan, Loran Keenan, Abagale Keenan, Jack Keenan, and Kennedy Keenan. Deceased are a sister, Mildred Krevas; a brother, Thomas J. “Bud” Keenan, Jr.; half brothers, Kenneth and Everette Keenan; a grandson; and a granddaughter. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends as well as his two dogs, Pearl and Keeta. Friends will be received Sunday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. in William G. Neal Funeral Homes, Ltd., 395 East Maiden Street, Washington. Additional visitation will be held in the funeral home from Noon to 1 p.m., the time of service, Monday, January 16th, with Pastor Bruce Nordeen officiating. Burial will follow in Washington Cemetery.