Frank P. Keefe, Sr.

Frank P. Keefe Sr., age 85, of Downingtown PA, passed away May 4^th, 2023.

Frank was born in New Haven, CT. He was the son of the late Frank and Grace Keefe (née Tierney).

Frank was the beloved husband to the late Kathleen M. Keefe (née Lawless).  He was the loving father to Kelly Anne Cortese (Michael), Frank Keefe Jr., (Mary), Tierney Heavens (the late Luke), and Sean Keefe (Patricia). He was the devoted grandfather to Erin (Tim), Bryant (Katrina), Michael Jr., McKenzie, Courtney, Kassidy, Kylea, and great-grandfather to Ella, Anabelle, Beaux, Alana, and Conor. Frank is predeceased by his dear brother, Sean Keefe (Mary).

Frank was a Villanova graduate, Class of 1960, where he swam for the University. 

He was an esteemed swimming coach and a vital asset to the swimming community. He came on to the scene coaching at various times working with the U.S teams at the 1975 and 1979 Pan American Games plus the 1978 World Championships. Notably, after helping the coach of the U.S team at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, he then went on to Manage the 1988 Olympics in Seoul.

Frank coached at a number of notable schools, namely Monsignor Bonner High School, St. Joseph’s Prep, Saint Joseph’s University, Suburban Swim Club, was founder of the Foxcatcher Swim Club, as well as head coach at Yale for over 30 years. 

Overall, Frank’s reputation as a coach is long and extremely admirable. He was a determined coach with a friendly manner in the way he managed his teams. Never negative, always positive and approachable to the people he coached, he will remain a memorable part of the entire swimming community for decades to come.

Frank’s family has been very proud of him, and all his accomplishments in his history of coaching. To his family he was Dad, Pop-Pop, Great Gran-dad, Uncle, Cousin, Family, and a Gentleman, who always had a great story. When he crossed his legs and sat back, you knew he was about to tell a long story that everyone would be captivated by.

Frank will be missed terribly by his family and all that knew him. He requested a private ceremony with only family and some friends. A Celebration of his Life will be held later this year.