Earl J. Keeney Sr.

Earl was born to Lloyd and Ethel Schott Keeney in Buffalo, NY Aug. 14, 1935, spending much of his childhood in Clarence Center, NY.

Earl married his childhood sweetheart Dorothy (Wurstner) and they enjoyed over 65 years together. They loved to travel and went to their favorite places often, including Niagara Falls, Wellsboro, Galeton, Ontario Canada, Gettysburg, Florida and more. They enjoyed endless family gatherings, family events, and attending the Library Theatre concerts/performances.

Earl was a cherished brother, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend. He loved spending time with his family. He was always good at telling you a story about his childhood (many of them kept you smiling and laughing, or wondering how he lived to tell us about it!). He was a great outdoorsman who loved hunting and fishing. He took time to pass this on to his children and grandchildren. He enjoyed watching his grandchildren and great-grandchildren in their sports, school performances, and other events. Holidays and family gatherings brought him the greatest joy. Saturday morning brunch at Papa’s was a time for many in his family to drop by for his favorite foods and catch him up on everything. Earl also enjoyed the many hours he spent sitting out on his porch in the warm sun watching the birds at his feeder and identifying them. His favorite was the cardinal.

Earl’s working life was mainly related to the grocery business. He began his career at Loblaws at the age of 17 and later became the store Manager in Hornell, NY, and Bradford, PA. He then went on to manage the County Market in Warren before joining Olean Wholesale Grocery Co-op as a Regional Manager. He retired from the grocery business in 1998 but eventually he wanted to do more with his time so he went to work at the Warren YMCA. There he helped to repair and improve the property for almost 10 years. Earl loved working with and helping people, often telling us of the wonderful interactions he had with them.

In addition to his parents, Earl was preceded in death by loving wife Dorothy, brother Hugh Keeney, brother Thomas Keeney, and great-grandson Brandon Zurkan. Earl is survived by his sister Cheryl (Tony) Catalino of Angola, NY; children Earl Jr. (Thalia) Keeney of Warren; Debi (Gary) Wert of Warren; Ron (Becca) Keeney of Jamestown, NY; Kathy Close of Bradford; Dale (Diane) Keeney of Russell; nine grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Earl’s life will be held at a later date in 2025. The family suggests memorial donations to the Warren YMCA. Tributes to Earl and condolences to the family may be left at McKinneyfuneralhome.com.