Obituary of Thomas Keyes

Thomas Keyes Sr., 95 of Durham, formerly East Haven, passed away February 10, 2015 at home. He was born July 8, 1919 in New Haven to Michael and Mary (Moriarity) Keyes. He is preceded in death by parents, wife Irene (Gange) Keyes, son, Kevin Keyes, sisters, Mary Grudzinski, Rose Jones, Rita Swanson, Anna Martin, Therese Keyes; brothers, Joseph, John, Michael and Bernard Keyes. Thomas is survived by two children, daughter, Kathleen Keyes of Haddam and son, Thomas Keyes Jr., (Nancy) of Killingworth. He is also survived by three grandchildren; Jennifer Smith (William), Aimee Slocombe (Dan), Michael Keyes (Nicole), six great grandchildren; Emily Smith, Caroline Smith, Maxwell Slocombe, Norah Slocombe, Violet Keyes, Desmond Keyes, sister, Helen Carey and numerous nieces and nephews. Hailing from Fair Haven, Thomas served in the US Army in the South Pacific during WWII and later served as a Drill Instructor at the Goffe Street Armory. He and his wife, Irene enjoyed a fruitful and loving 64 year marriage. Most of his life was lived in East Haven, employed by King Real Estate and the East Haven Board of Education Maintenance Department, retiring in 1984. He moved to Durham 15 years ago where he has spent the remainder of his years. He has maintained a strong faith in Christ and has been a wonderful father and a very involved grandfather and great-grandfather. We will all miss his unforgettable presence in our lives. Family will receive friends from 5 to 8 PM Friday, February 13, 2015 at the Clancy Funeral Home, 43 Kirkham Ave., East Haven. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday at 10 AM in St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, Taylor Ave, East Haven. Funeral procession will leave Clancy Funeral Home on Saturday at 9:40 AM. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, please make donation to American Cancer Society, 825 Brook Str., I-91 TECH Center, Rocky Hill CT 06067 in memory of Thomas Keyes Sr.