Obituary of John Kehoe

John "Jack" Kehoe Poughkeepsie, NY John "Jack" Kehoe, 88, passed away most peacefully on Friday (March 28, 2014), at The Pines in Poughkeepsie, NY. Jack's roots were planted in Olean, NY, where he was born to the late James and Margaret Drake Kehoe on January 31, 1926. Olean is a special hometown; his wife Gloria Vales Kehoe grew up there as well, and they enjoyed 57 years of marriage together after exchanging their vows at St. John's Church in April of 1954. Gloria predeceased Jack in February, 2012. After graduating from Olean High School in 1943, Jack served in the U.S. Navy during WWII until 1946. His studies at the Westbrook Commercial Academy after his service led to a long career in banking and finance, primarily in business development and commercial loans. With CIT Financial Corp, Jack worked all over upstate New York, until joining Dutchess Bank in Poughkeepsie in 1972. As a Vice President responsible for commercial loans, Jack helped start and finance many small businesses in the Hudson Valley, always with a handshake and a smile. Besides his commitment to family, Jack most loved people, golf, and the beach; he considered himself fortunate to spend a lot of time enjoying all of those things. His job kept him in constant touch with people in the business community, some of whom he would see at McCann golf course during his daily 18 holes after his retirement in 1991. When he was not in the back yard preening the lawn, or helping his grandsons with their golf swing, he would spend all day on the sand at the Jersey Shore in the summer, and Cocoa Beach in the winter. Jack is survived by children Nancie Kehoe Cooney of Ilion, NY; David Vales Kehoe and his wife Midge of Hyde Park, NY; Mary Gugumuck and her husband Richard of Poughkeepsie, NY; grandchildren Alissa and Richelle Cooney, Stephen and Timothy Gugumuck, and step grandsons Peter and Erich Zielenski; sister Suzanne McCarthy, Ocean City, NJ and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother James Kehoe and sister Midge Neary, both of Olean, and Tom Kehoe of Fairport, NY. A special 'Thanks' go to the folks on the Fourth floor of The Pines in Poughkeepsie and the Hospice Blue Team who shepherded Jack to the 19th hole. His Irish charm and respectful dignity were well known amongst the group. Friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated on Saturday, (April 5, 2014) at 11:00am at St. John's Roman Catholic Church, 931 North Union Street, Olean. Rev. Edward Sheedy, pastor, will be the celebrant. Burial will follow at St. Bonaventure Cemetery with full military honors being accorded by the Allegany American Legion Ritual Team. Per Jack's wishes, there will be no public visitation. In lieu of flowers, memorials, if desired, may be made to the American Cancer Society. Local arrangements are under the direction of Casey, Halwig, & Hartle Funeral Home, Olean, NY.