Daniel J. Keane Sr., 76, of Little Silver, passed away peacefully Jan. 18, 2024, at St. Peter’s Hospital in New Brunswick.
Dan was born in Kearny and raised in North Arlington. He graduated from Queen of Peace High School and furthered his studies at Seton Hall University and Montclair State, earning a Master of Arts.
He began his teaching career at Paramus Catholic and then moved on to his second home, Christian Brothers Academy in Lincroft. Dan was a staple at CBA both in the classroom, as a history teacher and on the soccer field and the tennis courts as a winning and influential coach. With Dan at the helm, his varsity soccer team won 545 games, five New Jersey State Championships and nine Shore Conference titles. His tennis teams won 600 matches and 16 NJ State titles, seven straight from 1980 to 1986 and eight straight from 1988 to 1995. Coach Keane was a force to be reckoned with for almost 40 years in the classroom, on the field, on the court and in the halls of CBA before retiring in 2016.
Dan loved to spend time with his family, who were often spotted on the sidelines at CBA games and functions, most recently at the dedication of “Keane Field” in September 2023. A CBA Hall of Fame inductee, Coach’s influence reached far beyond the classroom and the athletic field. He is forever in the hearts of the young men he influenced and inspired. He taught history and coached sports but he was an example of what it means to be an honorable man, and that was his most valuable lesson.
He enjoyed many family trips to Bermuda, was an avid Yankee fan and, most of all, loved spending time with his grandchildren.
Dan is survived by his loving wife Barbara Keane; his children, Daniel J. Keane Jr. and Anne Gallagher and her husband Todd; and grandchildren, Daniel, Clara and Alice.
“Men, let’s ease into the weekend.”
Visitation was held Jan. 23 at Christian Brothers Academy, Lincroft. A service was offered Jan. 24 at Christian Brothers Academy.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Christian Brothers Academy, at give.cbalincroftnj.org/campaigns/coachdankeane.
This article originally appeared in the January 25 – 31, 2024 print edition of The Two River Times.
