Stanley John Keeney

Stanley John Keeney, a longtime resident of Calverton, died Dec. 20 at East End Hospice Kanas Center for Hospice Care. He was 78.  His wife of 53 years, Susan (Syrewicz) Keeney, was by his side.

Stanley was born March 7, 1940, in Southampton to Irene M. (Lukaszczyk) and Theodore Wells. He was adopted at a young age by Joseph Keeney of Calverton.

Stanley grew up in Calverton, attended Calverton Elementary School and graduated from Riverhead High School.

He worked as a mechanic at Hackels Garage for many years before the property was taken to build the Long Island Expressway. Sound Avenue Equipment in Aquebogue was his next mechanic job. After some time, he left there to work for the county of Suffolk at the county center in Riverhead. He was promoted several times and took over at Yaphank as maintenance manager of Suffolk County Department of Public Works. He retired after over 35 years of service.

He was a devoted member of St. John the Evangelist R.C. Church and was an usher at the 7 a.m. Sunday Mass. Stanley was a former member of the East Quogue Good Ground Rod and Gun Club, a life member of the Riverhead Loyal Order of the Moose and also a life member of the NRA.

Stanley enjoyed riding his Harley, fishing, hunting, traveling, camping and old cars. He was known as the “Duck Man” throughout town because he spoke like Donald Duck to the children. Even adults smiled and enjoyed their time with him.

Stanley loved life and people and was a wonderful family man and friend. He helped anyone in need and will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

Surviving him are his wife, Susan (Syrewicz) Keeney; his daughter, Christine M. (Mark) Keeney Nielsen; his three grandchildren, Christopher M. and Frankie Yorrie and Joseph Henry Fetkovich III; his half brother, Theodore Wells; his half sisters Janet (Wells) Howard and Maryanne (Wells) Hopingarner; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his stepbrother, Eugene (Claire) Keeney; half brothers David Wells, William (Joan) Wells and James R. (Nancy) Wells; his half sister, Shelia (Wells) McKinnon; and his nephew, James R. Wells Jr.

The family received visitors Dec. 29 at McLaughlin-Heppner Funeral Home in Riverhead with a memorial prayer service officiated by Father Larry Duncklee, pastor of St. John the Evangelist R.C. Church. Interment will take place at a later date. Memorial donations may be made to East End Hospice Kanas Center for Hospice Care.

This is a paid notice.