Jack Keefe

John D. "Jack" Keefe, 84, of Allentown died Thursday July 16, 2009 at the St. Luke's VNA Hospice House. Born in Bethlehem on January 6, 1925; he was the son of the late Thomas J. and Mary Connolly Keefe. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Kay Focht Keefe.

For more than 34 years, Jack served as a professor of economics at Lehigh University. During his tenure, he was as an educator, mentor, and friend to many. He graduated from Liberty High School in 1942, where he was a standout scholar and athlete. He went on to serve with distinction in WWII, earning three Purple Hearts and a Bronze Star. After the war, he attended Lehigh University, the University of Miami, and the University of Pennsylvania before beginning his long teaching career. Of all his accomplishments, Jack would be most proud of his close relationships with family, friends, and students.

He is fondly remembered by his wife, Kay, sons, Michael and wife Linda, Kevin and wife Terri, Daniel and wife Clare, John and wife Mary Kay, daughter, Mary, brother, Richard, grandchildren, Katie, Patrick, Jake, TJ, Kelly, Christopher, Jessie, Molly, Noah, and Justin, great granddaughter, Taylor. He was preceded in death by his brother, Thomas and grandson, Nick.

In lieu of flowers Jack's family asks that you do something positive in his memory, or donate to a charity of your choice in his name.