San Rafael, CA

Dan Keegan passed away peacefully at his home at Villa Marin in San Rafael, California on April 19th. He was 91 years old. Dan was raised in a south-side Chicago Irish neighborhood by his parents, Bill and Anne (McGeever) Keegan, with his sisters Jeanne Keegan Leeny and Helen Keegan Zandi. He attended Saint Sabina Academy, a Catholic grammar school operated by the Dominican Sisters of Wisconsin. He was then accepted to Leo Catholic High School founded by the Christian Brothers. Dan entered the pre-med program at Saint Mary's University of Minnesota and was elected class President for four years.

Dan’s original academic plans changed when he was drafted into the US Navy for a four-year term starting in Pensacola, Florida. He eventually trained as an airborne radar officer in Georgia and was deployed to a squadron based in Patuxent, Maryland. He served in four, month-long missions to the Mediterranean and later, the Caribbean.

After Dan’s honorable discharge from the Navy, he returned to Chicago and completed the MBA program at the University of Chicago. He began his business career as an actuarial assistant and later, as a quality control and research chemist, with a major U.S. chemical company. In addition, Dan later worked at the national headquarters of the Veterans Administration in Hines, Illinois, where he became involved in computer operations.

While in Chicago, Dan joined the Catholic Alumni Club (CAC), a social club consisting of numerous Catholic groups from around the country which met locally, regionally and nationally. Ultimately, he became president of the 600-member Chicago chapter. Dan met his wife-to-be, Aileen Anne Fitzpatrick, at a CAC national convention on the tennis courts during a stay at the Hotel del Coronado in San Diego. Aileen and Dan won the CAC club tennis mixed doubles tournament in San Francisco over another high-ranked California team.

Prior to their marriage in 1977, Dan had to pass inspection by Aileen’s mother, Mary Fitzpatrick and beloved Westie dog, Kerry. He eventually won over their hearts. Once engaged, Aileen learned that Dan was a member of Mensa, the famous high IQ society. Despite this revelation, Aileen and Dan had a happy union for 39 wonderful years.

Dan was a loyal employee (24 years) at Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company in both San Rafael and Novato, California, where he utilized his advanced computer knowledge and skills, developing software and database applications. Dan’s competitive spirit shined brightest at the card table, where he played bridge with his Villa Marin card partners, placing friendly wagers and sharing laughs. Dan had planned to play Bridge just hours before he passed away on April 19th.

Two of Dan and Aileen’s favorite California destinations were Pacific Grove and San Diego, California, where they created countless special memories.

Dan was preceded in death by his beloved wife Aileen, his parents, two sisters, and nephew Daniel Zandi. He is survived by many nieces, nephews, and cousins: Richard Leeney, Thomas Leeney, James Leeney, Robert Leeney, Diane Leeney Koukol, Sharon Leeney O’Connell, Thomas Zandi, Tony Zandi, Victoria Zandi, Charles Zandi, Kathy Zandi Fennell, Brenda Zandi Anderson, Denise Zandi Green, Michael J. Clark, Margaret M. Clark, and John Kennedy Clark. He is also survived by Aileen’s cousins: George Gnoss, Margann Gnoss Bridges, Thomas Cashman, Dan Cashman, John Cashman, Patti Cashman Moore, and Joni Cashman Dunham.

Dan was an active parishioner at Saint Isabella Catholic Church, where he attended daily Mass and was an active lector for many years. A Funeral Mass for Dan will be held at St. Isabella’s on Saturday, May 24th, at 11:00 AM, 1 Trinity Way, San Rafael, California. A Celebration of Life will follow at Villa Marin, 100 Thorndale Dr., San Rafael.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Dan's memory to the Dominican Sisters of San Rafael, at https://sanrafaelop.org/donate.