OKeefe, Peter J.

Description

Peter Joseph O’Keefe was born on February 6, 1921, in South Carolina, his father, Joseph, was 24 and his mother, Thelma, was 19. He had two brothers Robert and James and one sister, Marie. In Rye his family lived at 23 Purchase Street and were members of the Church of the Resurrection. Peter was a Rye High School Graduate, Class of 1940.

He enlisted in U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II. Peter was in the 84th Depot Supply Squadron in the Mediteranean Theatre. He was awarded five Battle Stars

Peter service spanned from November 20, 1942 until June 30,1966. He would serve as a Tech Sgt in WWII, Korea and Vietnam.

Peter retired from the U.S. Air Force after 25 years of distinguished service. Following his military career, he founded O’Keefe’s Fine Catering where he became known as “the caterer with the unlisted phone number.”

He was a member of St. Matthews Catholic Church and the Irish Cultural Society. Peter will be remembered for his bravery, humor, generosity and absolute devotion to his family which he considered to be his greatest treasure.

Peter Joseph O’Keefe, age 81, died on December 12, 2002 after a lengthy illness.

At the time of his death he was survived his wife of 59 years, Mary; son and daughter-in-law, Sean and Patricia O’Keefe of Dallas, TX; daughter and son-in-law, Kathleen and Dr. John Masters; granddaughters, Olivia and Julia Masters of Helotes, TX; daughter, Bridget O’Keefe, also of San Antonio, TX. Mr. O’Keefe is also survived by his brother, Robert O’Keefe of Inverness, FL and numerous extended family members.

A Rosary was recited on Tuesday, December 17, 2002 at St. Matthews Catholic Church.

Published in San Antonio Express-News on Dec. 15, 2002.