OKeefe, Robert E.

Description

Robert E. O’Keefe

Robert Emmet O’Keefe was born on August 12, 1924, in Greenwich, Connecticut, to Thelma Bernice Goebel and Peter Joseph O’Keefe Sr. He had two brothers James and Peter and a sister Marie. In Rye his family lived at 23 Purchase Street and were members of the Church of the Resurrection. Robert was a Rye High School Graduate, Class of 1943.

Robert left high school early and enlisted February 19, 1943 and served in the U.S. Army during World War II, Service Number 32810813. He served in the infantry with the 1st Battalion, 309th Infantry Regiment, 78th Infantry Division

The 1st Battalion, 309th Infantry Regiment, part of the 78th “Lightning” Infantry Division, fought in Europe during WWII (Rhineland, Ardennes-Alsace, Central Europe campaigns). Key actions included the Battle of the Hurtgen Forest, securing the Ludendorff Bridge at Remagen, and capturing the Schwammenauel Dam.

Robert was honorably discharged March 4, 1946. He returned home to Rye and worked as an accountant for Shenorock Shore Club.

He married Beth Henke on August 2, 1949, in Bethel, Connecticut. He had two children during his marriage.

Robert Emmet O’Keefe died on January 10, 2005, in Inverness, Florida, at the age of 80.

As of 2-14-2026 we have no further information on this veteran.