Longtime LI Village Trustee, St. Patrick's Day Parade Grand Marshal, Joe Keyes, Dies

PATCHOGUE, NY — The greater Patchogue community was left reeling this week after the sudden death of longtime village trustee and upcoming St. Patrick's Day Parade grand marshal, Joe Keyes.

Keyes, 73, died on Monday after a short illness.

He had served on the village board since 2009, and before that, was the chair of the Community Development Agency for two years. He was the village's commissioner of Parks and Recreation and was set to lead the line of march at the village's annual parade on March 23.

"As the commissioner of Parks and Recreation, he put his heart and soul into every project he was involved in," village officials said in a statement on Facebook. "He served as liaison to the Protecting the Environment in Patchogue Committee, and was responsible for banning plastic bags here in the village before it became state-wide."

"He created a Green Fleet policy that led to the purchase of several electric vehicles and the installation of charging stations at Village Hall," the statement read. "His contributions and input were essential to the Johnson Controls Energy Efficiency project."

Keyes is survived by his wife, Linda, and sons, Joseph, Brian, Christopher, and Jonathan, as well as grandchildren.

"We extend our heartfelt sympathies to the family as this most difficult time," the statement concluded.

Greater Patchogue Village Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Silvana Aloisio said she was deeply saddened by Keyes' death and with "heartfelt regret" shared his passing in an email to the business community.

"Joe was not only a dedicated public servant but also one of the kindest and most compassionate individuals," she said. "His commitment to our community was unwavering, serving as Commissioner of the village’s Parks and Recreation Department, commissioner of Waterfront Development, and liaison to Protecting the Environment in the Patchogue Community."

"His kindness, leadership, and tireless service will be deeply missed, but his impact will forever be felt in our village," she said. "Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with Joe’s beloved wife, Linda, his sons, Joseph, Brian, Christopher, and Jonathan, and the entire Keyes family during this difficult time."

People who knew Keyes took to social media expressing their sadness.

One poster said he would be "greatly missed."

A classmate from Bellport High School Class of 1969 said others are "so incredibly saddened" to learn of his death.

"During our high school years, Joe was vice president of our senior class, member of the police force, yearbook, and newspaper staff, student council, and wrestling team," they wrote, adding that he married his wife in 1973. "His school spirit continued as he and Linda joined in when the Class of 69 gathered to celebrate milestone events."

"Our deepest sympathy to Linda and family," the post continued. "Joe will be greatly missed but his legacy will live on forever."

Yet another poster wrote on Keyes' Facebook page about being "heartbroken," and then added a reference to an old Irish prayer, "Until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of his hand."

Keyes will be waked Thursday at the Ruland Funeral Home in Patchogue from 7 to 9 p.m. and Friday, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. His funeral will take place Saturday at 10 a.m. at First Baptist Church in Patchogue.

Editor's Note: A full story will follow.