Obituary of Curtis H. Keenan

Curtis H. Keenan, devoted husband, father, and grandfather, died on Friday, June 22, 2012 at the Oaks at Westminster Woods following a battle with Alzheimer’s and Cancer.

He was born September 17, 1926 in Atlantic City, NJ, the son of the late John Paul Keenan and Edna Rothrock Keenan.

In Dubois, on September 30, 1950, he married Marcella Johnson, who survives at Westminster Woods.

He was a veteran of World War II. After graduating from Clearfield High School in 1944, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served in the South Pacific. Upon discharge, he attended DuBois Campus and graduated from the Pennsylvania State College in 1950 with a degree in Geophysics and Geochemistry.

Curtis began his working career as a geologist with Ranney Method Water Supplies in Columbus, OH. In 1952, he was hired as an engineer by Sylvania Electronics in Emporium. He was transferred to Ottawa, Ohio in 1982 and worked for North American Phillips. At the time of his retirement in 1987, he was supervisor of Quality Control Engineering. In 1989, he and his wife moved to State College and lived there until 2008. In March, they moved to Westminster Woods Retirement Community in Huntingdon, PA.

His family was his real pleasure in life. He was a skilled craftsman in woodworking, enjoyed sailing, reading, and traveling. He was an ordained elder in the Presbyterian Church and was a Choir member. At the time of his death, he was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Huntingdon.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by three daughters, Laurie E. Keenan and husband James Brightwell of Nellysford, VA., Judith Sasala and husband Jerome of Austin, PA., and Joan Dean and husband Phil of New Cumberland, PA. Six grandchildren also survive: Joshua, Matthew, and Erin Dean, Katie and Jeremiah Sasala, and Elizabeth Brightwell. He is also survived by a sister-in-law, Francis Keenan of Bloomington, IN, as well as several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by a sister, Jean Gustafson, and a brother, Richard Keenan.

A Memorial Service will be held at the Commons at Westminster Woods on Wednesday, June 27, 2012, beginning at 11:00 AM with the Reverend Harold Williams officiating. Burial will be in the Garden Mausoleum at Centre County Memorial Park in State College following the Memorial Services.

Memorial Gifts may be made to a charity of ones choice or to Friends of the Woods, 360 Westminster Drive, Huntingdon, PA 16652.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Mark D. Heintzelman Funeral and Cremation Services, 1034 Benner Pike, State College.

A guestbook can be signed and condolences sent to the family at www.heintzelmanfuneralhome.com.