Obituary of Dr. Peter O'Keefe

Dr. Peter O’Keefe 94 of Poughkeepsie passed away on September 10, 2024 at the Hudson Valley Hospice House.

Born in the South Bronx, he was the son of Michael and Alice Heslin O’Keefe.

On June 24, 1961 in Queens New York Peter married Alice McArdle she survives at home.

Peter studied to become a Missionary Priest for fourteen years with the Society of the

Divine Word. Upon leaving the SVDs he obtained his undergraduate degrees from

both St. Mary’s and Iona Colleges, a Master Degree from Hunter College and his PhD

from Fordham University.

Peter was a lifelong educator who served as a History professor at Marist College for

more than 35 years. While serving as a professor, he also held several administrative

positions that contributed to the advancement of the Marist curriculum, earning him

the distinguished title of Professor Emeritus. He left a lasting impact on so many

students as well as the local community through his founding of the Marist Bridge

Program in 1974 which for the past 50 years has allowed area high school seniors to get a head start on college. In his retirement years he continued his passion for teaching as a volunteer lecturer at the Marist College Center for Lifetime Study..  

Peter was a loved and respected husband, father, grandfather and teacher who

touched all in his path. He possessed a curious nature and had a never-ending thirst

for knowledge. His intellect was profound and matched by his loyalty to his family

and friends. Self-discipline coupled with a deep compassion and understanding for

others were traits that defined him and his impact on others, particularly his students

at Marist College where he taught for more than 35 years.

Growing up in the South Bronx, Peter was an avid New York Yankees and Giants fan.

He also enjoyed reading, golf and hiking where at the age of 78 he climbed Mount

Kilimanjaro. His family Summers were spent camping in the North East, visiting any

historical site the car could take him to and traveling across the country twice with his

family.

Surviving: his wife of 62 years Alice; daughter Mary O’Keefe; daughter Alice

O’Keefe-Zimnoch and her husband John; daughter Theresa O’Keefe-Godbout and

her husband Erik Grotheer; son Peter and his wife Sara and six loving grandchildren;

Kyle, Allison, Ryan, Kaylin, Keira, and Emma. Peter was the 2 nd in a line of 7 children.

He is survived by his sisters Bridget and Margaret and brothers Jeramiah and Phillip.

Calling Hours will be held Friday September 13, 2024 from 4pm to 8pm at the Timothy P. Doyle Funeral Home 371 Hooker Ave. Poughkeepsie, NY 12603.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10am Saturday September 14, 2024 at the Our Lady Seat of Wisdom Chapel at Marist College.

Burial will follow at Poughkeepsie Rural Cemetery.

The family wishes to thank the staff at the Hudson Valley Hospice House for their boundless

compassion and support and request that, in lieu of flowers, any donations be made to

Hudson Valley Hospice House.

If you would like to leave an online condolence please visit our website at www.doylefuneralhome.com