With sadness we share the news of the death of Todd Keene, 57, on October 18, 2024. He was the father of the Rev. Paul Keene, Assistant Rector at Christ Church, Short Hills.
A beloved and devoted husband, father, son, and brother, Todd also is survived by his wife Linett and his son David; his father Jim, sister Tarri, and niece Sophie.
Always a tireless and dedicated man of responsibility, he served for 28 years in the United States Navy; after his retirement he joined the Nuclear Regulatory Commission where he served in various positions and departments. The friends he made in his time with both the Navy and the NRC were life-long friends of incredible importance to him. He worked and lived alongside them with joy and distinction.
Todd was an avid hiker, traveler, and photographer. One of his favorite pastimes was to walk well-trod paths seeking out unseen wonders through the lens of his camera. Even when driving he would often pull over to capture some quiet and still place with the click of a shutter. His love of wild places, well traversed roads, and captured moments speak to his character: a man of respect who loved simply, and deeply valued truth and clarity.
His marriage with Linett was a 37-year witness to love. Together they lived out their vows with passion, laughter, and adventure. Throughout their many years, Todd was steadfast in his care for his wife, deeply proud of her willfulness and faithfulness. He was loved and ever thankful for her presence and for her partnership in raising their children.
He was immensely proud of the accomplishments, character, and lives of his sons. With the many moves and geographic adventures that come with a life of military service, family was deeply important. The two marvelously divergent paths his sons are walking through life, one in the clergy and the other in technology, were a constant source of joy and accomplishment for Todd.
Todd had a fascination with currency and collected currencies whenever he traveled. He had a particular love for coins, and especially proof coinage from the San Francisco Mint. He loved the history and story that coins tell, and he especially loved the crisp fine detail that proofs maintain. Here too, his hobbies show something of his character and his keen attention to detail and the particular care and attention he gave to all his endeavors in all the areas of his life.
Like the coin proofs he collected, Todd has left an indelible mark on all who knew and loved him. He lived his life with profound respect endeavoring to make better all the that he touched.
Visitation and Memorial Service will be held at Keeney and Basford Funeral Homes in Frederick, MD on Saturday, October 26. Visitation will be 1-4 PM; Memorial Service begins at 4 PM, followed by a repast.
The Funeral and Internment will be held at 11 AM on Saturday, November 2 at Christ Church in Short Hills (66 Highland Avenue).
Condolences can be sent to the Rev. Paul Keene care of Christ Church, 66 Highland Ave., Short Hills, NJ 07078.
In lieu of flowers, the Keene family requests donations to Fisher House Foundation, Helping Military Families or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Father of all, we pray to you for Todd, and for all those whom we love but see no longer. Grant to them eternal rest. Let light perpetual shine upon them. May his soul and the souls of all the departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
