Roberta “Bobby” Platz Keenan, age 90, of Little Silver, passed away at home June 22, 2024.
Bobby was born and raised in Newark and graduated from St. Vincent Academy. After high school, she briefly worked for Hardware Mutual Insurance before taking a job in the drafting department of the Newark headquarters of New Jersey Bell. She became a department supervisor and stayed at the telephone company for over 15 years, working part-time after having her first child.
After working part-time in the local schools when her children were young, Bobby eventually returned to graphic design and worked for a textbook printing firm.
After retirement, Bobby volunteered at the Little Silver Public Library and did volunteer food delivery for The Center in Asbury Park for many years.
On a weekend visit to the shore, Bobby met the love of her life, Jack Keenan. When they married, she had to learn to drive after moving to “rural” Monmouth County, living first in Red Bank and later in Little Silver.
Bobby was a gifted artist and seamstress. Her talents ranged from practical home projects like upholstery and curtains to elaborate Halloween costumes and elegant clothing. Family and friends were lucky to receive beautiful paintings and exquisite needlework. She loved to read and always enjoyed learning. Family trips always included excursions to local sites and museums.
She was a devoted wife and mother. She partnered with Jack as he pursued a lifelong hobby in dog training, traveling across the country to numerous dog shows and serving on the board of the Bayshore Companion Dog Club. She volunteered as a Girl Scout leader and class parent, taught CCD for many years and chaperoned countless trips. When her grandchildren came along, attending their activities and sporting events was one of her favorite pastimes.
Bobby is survived by her daughter Stephanie and her husband James Keenan; her daughter Jennifer and her husband Michael Forrar; and her grandchildren, Elizabeth Keenan, Colin Forrar and Grace Forrar.
She was predeceased by her husband of 63 years, John (Jack) Keenan; her parents, Joseph Platz and Gladys (Schwaner) Platz; and her brother Joseph Platz Jr.
A memorial Mass was held June 28 at St. James Church, Red Bank. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Parker Family Health Center, 211 Shrewsbury Ave., Red Bank, NJ 07701 (parkerfamilyhealthcenter.org) or the American Cancer Society.
Arrangements are under the direction of Thompson Memorial Home of Red Bank.
The article originally appeared in the July 4 – 10, 2024 print edition of The Two River Times.
