Retired Greenwich Parks and Recreation Director Frank Keegan

Frank Keegan, who led the Greenwich Parks and Recreation Department, serving as its director for 22 years, passed away Jan. 27 in Hollywood, FL. He was 79.

Francis Henry Keegan Jr. was born in Greenwich on January 3, 1937 as one of five children of Alice M. (McCourt) and Francis H. Keegan Sr.

A lifelong resident of Greenwich, he attended Greenwich public schools and graduated from Greenwich High School in 1954. Mr. Keegan joined the U.S. Marines in 1956 attaining the rank of Sergeant. He was honorably discharged in September 1959, and later from the reserves in 1961.

Mr. Keegan attended Iona College and graduated from the University of Bridgeport Cum Laude, with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Secondary Education and English. He received his Master of Arts degree from the New York School of Education in Administration and Recreation and Leisure Services in 1972, graduating Magna Cum Laude.

In 1963, Mr. Keegan joined the Greenwich Department of Parks and Recreation and embarked on a long career providing residents with the finest recreation facilities and programs. He worked his way up from Supervisor in 1963 to Assistant Superintendent of the Recreation Division in 1969 to Director of the Department of Parks and Recreation in 1973. He retired on July 31, 1995.

During his 32-year career, Mr. Keegan initiated a number of programs - slow-pitch softball in 1964, founding the Memorial Day Five Mile Road Race in 1964, introduced eight-man touch football league in 1964-65, reintroduced the 18 and over Twilight Baseball League 1964, introduced the Town-wide K-8 Gymnastics program; organized the first Town-wide Day Camp (Eastern Greenwich Civic Center and Greenwich Point) in 1969, started Mariner Sailing Camp 1969. He also oversaw the establishment of the Town Skating Rink, later renamed the Hamill Rink, and the installation of lights at the ball field at Byram Park 1975.

In addition to his duties as director he was an Adjunct Professor at Norwalk Community College from January 1977 to June 1995. During his 19 years he taught four classes and oversaw two internships for the Recreation and Leisure Services program. He also was a member of the Connecticut Recreation and Parks Association since 1964 and past Chairman of the Publicity Committee. He developed the first C.R.P.A. publicity / information brochure. He served as a board member 1969 — 1972. He was a member of the National Parks & Recreation Association.

Mr. Keegan also served on various boards and commissions in Greenwich: Greenwich Boys & Girls Club Advisory Board; Town of Greenwich Affirmative Action Advisory Committee Board of Directors Secretary; Greenwich Arts Council Ex-Officio Board of Directors; Greenwich Teen Center Advisory Board, Greenwich Council on Youth & Drugs Advisory Board.

In 1974 he was awarded “Boss of the Year” by the Junior Chamber of Commerce. In 1987-88 he was named “Government Person of the Year” by Chamber of Commerce. In 1989 he was the Greenwich Old Timers Athletic Association Honoree for Outstanding Athletic Accomplishments and in 1994 he was the annual citation award winner for the Connecticut Parks and Recreation Association.

In 1985 Mr. Keegan engaged in distance and endurance competition such as track and field, bicycle racing, biathlons, triathlons and road races.

In 2001, he moved to Hollywood, FL with his wife Marie where they enjoyed outdoor activities including golf, kayaking and bicycling. Mr. Keegan also continued to run every day.

He is survived by his wife of 55 years Marie L. (Bologna) Keegan of Florida; a daughter , Kimberly A. Keegan Cassia of Monroe; his sister, Marion Neal of Greenwich; a brother, retired Greenwich Police Chief Thomas G. Keegan of Murrils Inlet, SC; and many nieces and nephews.

Frank was predeceased by his son Kenneth Keegan, and brothers James and Paul Keegan.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Feb. 12 at the Church of the Little Flower in Hollywood, FL.

The family will announce plans for a service in Greenwich at a later date.

Photo courtesy of Tommy Keegan.