Area residents mourn passing of Frank Keelean

By RHONDA WESTFALL

Community residents were saddened last week by the news of the death of Frank Keelean - a true gentleman and unselfish supporter of many area activities and organizations.

The long-time owner of the former Keelean-Buick-GMC dealership in St. Johns passed away Sept. 17, as a result of an aneurysm he had suffered the previous week.

His generous spirit and kind manner were trademarks of the well-respected businessman.

"All the dealings I ever had with Frank were forthright and ethical," said Bernard Feldpausch, former owner of Bee's Chevy-Olds-Dodge whose career in the automotive business coincided with Keelean's.

"We worked together on many different activities and he was always 'Johnny-on-the-spot.' I remember one year he headed up the United Way campaign here - he worked his heart out."

That dedication was also recalled by former St. Johns Area Chamber of Commerce Director Joann Martis.

"Whenever we asked, he was always there to do what he could for the Mint Festival," Martis said of Keelean's donations of courtesy cars for steering committee members and the convertible which the Mint Queen used in the parade.

"He really liked providing the car tent at the Festival site - it offered people a place to rest and listen to rag-time.

"Frank was one of the kindest gentlemen I've ever known - he always had a pleasant word and was so mannerly and complimentary to everyone."

An avid golfer, Frank used his love of the game to support the annual Stroke for Life golf outing which benefits the Clinton Health Foundation.

"Frank never turned anybody down," said Barry Dean, who served as chair of the CHF fundraiser. "He was always willing to listen and came up with good ideas and suggestions.

"He will be missed."

Bob Thompson, a golfing compatriot, agreed.

"Frank had a great sense of humor that was only exceeded by his generosity to the community," he said. "I made my first Florida golf trip with him back in the late 70s - he was a super guy."

Frank is survived by his wife, Mona, and daughters, Frankie Davis, Karen Gates, and Julie Morey .

A memorial service is set for 11 a.m., Sept. 20, at the Osgood Funeral Home, St. Johns. A complete obituary is found in this issue of the Independent.