Assembly Resolution No. 829
BY: M. of A. Stec
MOURNING the death of Dr. Dan O'Keeffe, prominent
obstetrician-gynecologist, loving husband, father
and grandfather, and devoted member of his community
WHEREAS, There are certain outstanding members of our community 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; Dr. Dan O'Keeffe was one such
individual; and
WHEREAS, It is with great sorrow and deep regret that this
Legislative Body records the passing of Dr. Dan O'Keeffe, noting the
significance of his purposeful life and accomplishments; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Dan O'Keeffe of Pilot Knob, New York, died on Sunday,
February 23, 2020, at the age of 98; and
WHEREAS, Born on September 6, 1921, and raised in his beloved North
Creek, New York, Dan O'Keeffe was a star basketball player at Johnsburg
Central School, ski champion, and avid hunter; he attended Holy Cross
College before completing his medical education and training at Albany
Medical Center; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Dan O'Keeffe married the love of his life, the former
Kathryn Gregory, and after proudly serving his country as a member of
the United States Air Force, the couple settled in Glens Falls, New
York; and
WHEREAS, In 1951, Dr. Dan O'Keeffe began the practice that became
Women's Care in Glens Falls, where he touched the lives of countless
families as an obstetrician-gynecologist; and
WHEREAS, Throughout his illustrious career as a physician, which
traversed more than 40 years, Dr. Dan O'Keeffe delivered over 10,000
babies; and
WHEREAS, Legendary in his community, Dr. Dan O'Keeffe was famous for
his verbal "crickerisms" and blessed with the gift of gab; his laugh
could fill a room and his love for all of humanity was unparalleled; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Dan O'Keeffe served as President of the Warren County
Medical Society, St. Luke Physician's Guild, Warren County Chapter of
the American Cancer Society, Medical Staff of the Glens Falls Hospital,
and the New York State Medical Society; and
WHEREAS, In addition, he served on the Boards of New York State
International College of Surgeons, Northeastern New York Comprehensive
Health Board, Glens Falls Foundation, Leo Spain Foundation, and the
Glens Falls Youth Center; and
WHEREAS, A truly remarkable physician, Dr. Dan O'Keeffe was the
Chief Gynecologist at the 1980 Winter Olympics in Lake Placid; and
WHEREAS, At the age of 65, Dr. Dan O'Keeffe decided to take up
tennis and went on to become the Senior Olympic United States National
Champion in his 80s; as President of the Glens Falls Tennis and Swim
Club he raised substantial funds for the American Red Cross; and
WHEREAS, This extraordinary man also wrote and published four books:
One Heartbeat From Heaven: The Story of the O'Keeffe Hunting Camp(1915-1965), Halfway To Heaven: Livin' in the "Crick", Ride Up - SlideDown: A History of Skiing at Gore Mountain, You Really Made Housecalls?The Practice and Politics of Medicine; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Dan O'Keeffe was very proud of his three children, Jim
(Mary), Dan III (MaryHelen) and Kate (Jim), each of whom followed in his
footsteps to become OB/GYN physicians; he is survived by nine
grandchildren, Patrick, Michael, Jim, Tara, Marin, Chandra, Katie, Jamie
and Kelly; as well as five great-grandchildren, Grant, Gracie, Daniel,
Tyler and Ryn; and
WHEREAS, As a prominent leader in his profession, Dr. Dan O'Keeffe
proved himself to be a great asset to medicine and to the health and
well-being of the women within his community; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Dan O'Keeffe, who displayed many exceptional talents
and unique qualities, lived an immensely beautiful life built on
compassion, kindness, and respect for others; and
WHEREAS, Through his profound words of wisdom, Dr. Dan O'Keeffe's
legacy of infinite selflessness and benevolence, will shine on through
his family's vivid and happy memories; his insight and strength will
forever serve as a beacon of love and hope for all who were privileged
to have known and loved such an amazing person; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of Dr. Dan O'Keeffe, prominent
obstetrician-gynecologist, loving husband, father and grandfather, and
devoted member of his community; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Dr. Dan O'Keeffe.
