Tom Keegan
Francis Thomas "Tom" Keegan of Chattanooga, Tennessee, passed away on Monday, May 11, 2020 at his home after a long illness.
Tom was born in New York City on July 3, 1932, a son of the late Frank and Mary Ellen (Lundy) Keegan, and grew up in the Bronx. Graduating from Cardinal Hayes High School as a track star, Tom attended Fordham University on a track scholarship, and graduated with a BA in Business Administration. During his college years, Tom was part of a national champion two-mile relay team, winning awards at the Penn Relays and other renowned track meets. Valuing education, Tom later earned an M.A. in Business Administration from NYU.
Tom is survived by his loving wife of 35 years, Barbara Vaughn Keegan of Chattanooga, her daughter, Teri Grant and son, Donald Grant also of Chattanooga, as well as Tom’s children, Frances Kelly (Joe) of Saratoga Springs, NY, Thomas Keegan (Davidson) of Venice, CA, Mary Keegan-Dayton (H. Bliss) of Bradford, NH and Joseph Keegan (Mark) of Castleton, NY, 13 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren and his sister, Sister Jane Keegan of Mt. Vernon, NY, all of whom mourn him greatly. A son, Peter Keegan of New York City predeceased Tom.
After college, following a brief stint in sales with the Westinghouse Corporation in Pittsburgh, Tom became a vital member of the sales team at Mohawk Carpets in Schenectady, NY. His proficiency in the carpet industry eventually drew him to the South where he served many years at Daltonian Carpets in Dalton, GA, until his retirement as its Vice President.
He was a faithful member of First Centenary United Methodist Church often bringing Bible verses to life from the pulpit with his many voices. A valued player with Oak Street Playhouse Theatre and brought many puppets to life with voices and character created by Mr. Fred Arnold of FCUMC. He was active with the Ault Pacesetter Sunday School Class that he loved.
In addition to being a man of tremendous character and integrity, Tom loved to interact with people, asking probing questions, offering sound advice, especially financial, and timeless wisdom. He also loved to sing. For over 50 years he was an active member of SPEBSQSA (Society for the Preservation and Encouragement of Barber Shop Quartet Singing in America), harmonizing with the Chattanooga Choo Choo’s, a local barbershop quartet. Tom also loved to eat, but his happiest moments were spent when surrounded by his wife, his children, and his friends, creating harmony best with a glass of red wine in hand.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the recommended social distancing, a celebration of Tom’s life will be held at a later date to be announced by the family.
Arrangements are by the East Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, 404 South Moore Road, East Ridge, Tn. 37412.
Please share your thoughts and memories at www.ChattanoogaEastChapel.com.