Senate Resolution No. 1031
BY: Senator HINCHEY
MOURNING the death of Tommy Keegan, beloved Hudson
Valley craft brewing pioneer and pillar of the
community
WHEREAS, There are certain outstanding individuals who, through
their selfless commitment and dedication, have served to better the
quality of life in our community and have had a measurable positive
impact on the lives of its residents; Tommy Keegan was one such
individual; and
WHEREAS, It is with profound sorrow and deep regret that this
Legislative Body records the passing of Tommy Keegan, noting the
significance of his purposeful life and accomplishments; and
WHEREAS, Tommy Keegan, an esteemed resident of Kingston, New York,
and a beloved Hudson Valley brewing pioneer, died on Friday, April 30,
2021, at the age of 50; and
WHEREAS, A native of Long Island, Tommy Keegan was working as a
brewmaster at a Long Island beer company when he heard about the vacant
Brewery on Saint James Street in Midtown Kingston; and
WHEREAS, In 2003, before much of the world was interested in craft
beer, Tommy Keegan, along with his family, moved to Kingston and
purchased the historic run-down brewery; and
WHEREAS, Keegan Ales brewed its first batch of beers on August 1,
2003; the brewery started as only a tasting room open a couple of
afternoons a week with Tommy marketing his beers to local bars and
restaurants himself; and
WHEREAS, For the next two decades, Tommy Keegan continued to
innovate, creating top selling beers such as Mother's Milk and Hurricane
Kitty, and beginning a successful and headline grabbing collaboration
with IHOP on a pumpkin pancake stout; and
WHEREAS, Since its inception, Keegan Ales has grown from a small
operation offering just three craft ales, to a vast array of brews that
can be found on tap lines and in beer cases across the Hudson Valley; by
2005, Tommy Keegan added a bottling line and in 2007, he added the pub;
and
WHEREAS, With a steadfast and unwavering commitment to his
community, Tommy Keegan participated in countless charitable endeavors
including his support of the People's Place food pantry, thrift store,
and cafe, the O+ Festival and the Ulster County Chamber of Commerce;
Tommy and Kegan Ales also have sponsored the annual Mac n Cheese
Bake-off competition whose proceeds support Angel Food East, providing
250 hot meals a week to the elderly and chronically ill who are
home-bound in the community; Keegan Ales strives to support one charity
every week; and
WHEREAS, Tommy's environmentalism, a passion sharpened in his years
of service with the US Coast Guard, was always at the forefront of his
charitable endeavors, evidenced by Tommy's steadfast support for local
environmental and agricultural groups like Riverkeeper and Rondout
Valley Growers both philanthropically and by donating beer for their
events; and
WHEREAS, Tommy Keegan lived by his mantra, Have Fun, Play Nice; he
was well-liked and respected by all; Tommy loved his community and
strived to make it a better place for all and always generously opened
his door for any community need or event; and
WHEREAS, Tommy Keegan's infinite selflessness and benevolence will
shine on through his community's vivid and happy memories; his insight
and strength will forever serve as a beacon of love, light and hope to
the countless lives he touched; and
WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, Tommy Keegan leaves behind a legacy which will long endure
the passage of time and will remain as a comforting memory to all who
were privileged to have known and loved such an amazing man; he will be
deeply missed and truly merits the grateful tribute of this Legislative
Body; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of Tommy Keegan, and to express its deepest condolences
to his family; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Tommy Keegan.
