Rest in Peace Father Thomas L. Keenan

Rev. Thomas L. Keenan, 79, Pastor Emeritus of Saint Margaret Parish, Rumford, died Monday, September 4, 2017.

Born in Providence, he was the son of the late Gilbert L. and Mary Ruth (Sweeney) Keenan.  He attended Sacred Heart School in East Providence and La Salle Academy in Providence.

In preparation for the priesthood, he studied at Our Lady of Providence Seminary in Warwick Neck, and at the American College in Louvain, Belgium.  He was ordained to the priesthood on June 29, 1963 in Louvain, Belgium by Archbishop John Patrick Cody.  

After a summer assignment at Saint Joseph Parish in Central Falls following ordination, Father Keenan served as assistant pastor at the following parishes:  Cathedral of SS. Peter and Paul, Providence (1963-67); Saint Edward Parish, Pawtucket while teaching at Saint Raphael Academy, Pawtucket (1967-69); Saint Edward Parish, Providence while teaching at Saint Raphael Academy (1969-70); Saint Thomas Parish, Providence while teaching at Saint Raphael Academy (1970-71); Saint Charles Parish, Woonsocket (1971-75); and at Saint Mark Parish, Cranston (1975-79).  Father also served as Administrator of Mount St. Francis Day Care Center, Woonsocket (1971-75) and of Carter Day Nursery, Providence (1975-79).  

Father Keenan was pastor of Saint Joseph Parish, Pascoag (1979-91) and of Saint Margaret Parish, Rumford (1991-2006), from which he retired as Pastor Emeritus.  In addition to his parochial duties, Father Keenan served one term as Dean of Northern RI Deanery #13.

During retirement, Father Keenan resided in Pawtucket.  In his final years, he lived at the Hattie Ide Chaffee Home in East Providence.  

He leaves a sister, Mrs. Kathleen M. Monahan and a niece and nephew.  

Calling hours will be held on Friday, September 8 from 5:00-7:00PM at Saint Margaret Church, 1098 Pawtucket Avenue, Rumford.  A concelebrated Mass of Christian Burial will be offered for the repose of Father’s soul on Saturday, September 9 at 10AM at Saint Margaret Church, Rumford.

Burial will follow at Mount Saint Mary Cemetery, Pawtucket.