Francis Xavier O'Keefe

SALEM – Mr. Francis “Frank” Xavier O’Keefe 65 of Salem, died peacefully, Wednesday, October 25th, 2023 at Salem Hospital with his loving family by his side.

Born in Salem, he was the son of Camille (White) O’Keefe and the late long-time member of the Salem City Council and former Massachusetts State Fire Marshal, Joseph A. O’Keefe Sr. Frank was raised and educated in Salem and was a graduate of Salem High School, class of 1976. Frank excelled on the football grid iron. He played on the Witches 1975 super bowl appearing team and was a key cog in the success of the program. He was recruited to continue his football career as a Post Graduate student attending Maine Central Institute in Pittsfield. He continued his education and football career at University of Massachusetts, Amherst.

Mr. O’Keefe began his professional career with the CO-OP in Harvard Square, as a member of the Security Department. More recently, he had been employed for many years as a Fire Alarm and Emergency Personnel Dispatcher for the City of Salem until the time of his retirement.

Well known and well liked, Frank was a good man. Quick to smile, with a wry Irish grin, he made friends easily. He was a deeply passionate Boston sports fan, supporting his home town teams with great vigor. Frank was tremendously knowledgeable about all of the Boston teams; his mental catalog of statistics was truly impressive. If classic rock was playing on the speakers and he was surrounded by his family and friends, Frank was content.

A lifelong resident of the City of Salem, Frank was extremely proud of his family’s heritage and devotion to the city. His love and devotion to his parents and care for them will be his true life’s hallmark. Uncle Frank to his many nieces and nephews was a moniker he wore proudly. He supported those he loved with all his being and will be forever missed.

Frank is survived by his beloved mother, Camille (White) O’Keefe of Salem, his siblings, Jane O’Keefe of Salem, Mary Sullivan and her husband, Robert of Beverly, Joseph O’Keefe Jr. and his wife, Diane of Salem, Edward O’Keefe and his wife, Lisa of Salem, Kathleen O’Keefe and her partner, Debbie Williams of Boston and Kevin O’Keefe of Ipswich, his 15 nieces and nephews, Shannon, Kelly, Jillian, Alyssa, Amy, Ashley, Madison, Kylie and Kiera, William, Cameron, Cullen, Shawn and Joseph and Shalon, his 4 great nieces and nephews, Damon, Zoey, Nathan and Naya and several aunts, uncles and cousins whom he loved dearly. He was the loving brother of the late Shawn O’Keefe and Ann Greenleaf.

ARRANGEMENTS: His funeral service will be held at O’Donnell Cremations – Funerals – Celebrations, 84 Washington Sq., (at Salem Common) SALEM, Wednesday, November 1st, at 12:30 P.M. Relatives and friends invited. Burial in Greenlawn Cemetery, Salem. Visiting hours prior to the service from 10 A.M. to 12 Noon. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Frank’s memory to the Witch City VFW, Post 1524, 95 Derby St., Salem, MA 01970. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit ww.odonnellfuenralservice.com

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