Dermot O'Keeffe

Mr. Dermot O'Keeffe, of Bay City, Michigan, passed away Tuesday, February 25, 2014 at Bay Shores Nursing Home at the age of 90 years. The son of the late Timothy and Mary O'Sullivan was born September 4, 1923 in Limerick, Ireland. He was a W.W. II Veteran of the Irish Army and served on the Dublin Police Department, prior to immigrating to Toledo, Ohio. Mr. O'Keeffe retired from Prestolite Corp as a time study manager. Dermot was an active member of St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, providing his services to multiple committees over the past 39 years. He took great satisfaction with his involvement in the St. Vincent de Paul Society, where he served as the secretary for 20 years. He was a life-time member of the K of C #414 3rd Degree. He proudly served as secretary/ treasurer of the Ancient Order of the Hibernians, for Mr. O'Keeffe was a member of the St. Patrick's parade association, was a past president and led the parade one week late, due to the blizzard in 1973. He was an active volunteer for the American Heart Association and received many honorable awards, including state volunteer of the year for his contributions to promoting ethnic diversity education. He received a key to the City of Bay City for his volunteerism in such community group as the local American Heart Association, for which he served as treasurer and president; participating on the Board of Directors for the United Way for Bay County as well as driving innumerable miles to escort patients to their appointments for the Cancer Society. Left behind to cherish his memory are daughter and son-in-law; Kathleen and Jerome Mostek, one son; John O'Keeffe, all of Bay City, four grandchildren; Molly Cooper ( Larry,) Amanda Mostek, Alisha O'Keeffe and Aaron O'Keeffe his great grandsons; Eric O'Keeffe, Aaron Cooper and Jarred Cooper, one brother; Denis O'Keeffe of Ireland, one brother-in-law; James Kaltenbach of Toledo, Ohio, In addition to his parents he was also preceded in death by his wife; the former Joanne M. Kaltenbach whom he married on October 1, 1949 and one sister; Joan O'Keeffe. Dermot was beloved by all that came to know his unique charm and wit. He was the official photographer of our life events. Many know the joy it was to receive an unexpected surprise "yellow" envelope. The family would like to express their gratitude to McLaren Bay Hospice, in particular Michelle and Carlene and the staff of Bay Shores for their kindness and loving care extended to Dermot. The Memorial Service and Rite of Committal will take place Monday, March 3, 2014 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church. Presiding over the Funeral Rites will be Deacon James Fitzpatrick and Sister Virginia Scally SNDdeN with private entombment in St. Patrick's Mausoleum. Friends may call at the Gephart Funeral Home, Inc. on Sunday from 2:00 to 8:00 p.m. On Sunday, The Ancient Order of Hibernian's Ritual will take place at 6:50 p.m., followed by the Vigil Service at 7:00 p.m. and the K of C #414 Bible Presentation. Mr. O'Keeffe will be taken to the church on Monday to lie in state from 9:00 a.m. and until the time of service. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider donations to St. Vincent de Paul Society. www.gephartfuneralhome.com