Richard J. Killeen December 31, 1927 --- May 23, 2012 "GOD ~ COUNTRY ~ FAMILY" Dick Killeen (84) joined his GOD on May 23, 2012 in Saratoga Springs, NY. On passing, Dick was at peace in his home with his children at his side. He deeply loved his country, his family and his many friends: his recently deceased wife Patricia of 60 years; his children Jeffrey, Susan and Richard; his in-law children Judith and Scot; his grandchildren Peter and Sarah; his brothers Louis (deceased), Edward, Robert (deceased) and Lawrence; his many friendships developed over more than eight decades, especially those from his Schenectady Mount Pleasant' and YMCA' days, from his Lake George summers', his friends and colleagues at Union College; from his four decades with the Bell System and from all of the many civic organizations that he supported. Dick Killeen had great love for his country and proudly served in the United States Army in the Pacific Theatre and in the Army of Occupation of Japan following World War Two. Dick also had a lifelong love for Lake George: while a teenager he was a counselor at Camp Chingacook and then served as head lifeguard at Hearthstone State Park. Perhaps nothing gave him more joy than looking out at The Lake from the porch of his Camp Ma~Ha~Qua' on Diamond Point. Many a yarn was spun over cocktails on Dick's lakeside porch. After Army service he graduated from Union College in 1951 with a B.A. in Economics. While at Union he played on the basketball team and concurrently worked at GE as a draftsman. Upon graduation he married his sweetheart Patricia Morey and enjoyed 60 years of marriage, and as he liked to say, "64 years of non-stop courtship." He then embarked on a 40 year career at New York Telephone and NYNEX (now Verizon). He never forgot his days as a craftsman in a line-gang, or as an installation repairman or as a representative. He subsequently ascended the management ranks and held Division-level executive posts in Buffalo, Long Island, and Brooklyn and in Manhattan. He retired from the telecommunications industry in 1990 as Corporate Executive Director of Administration & Personnel at NYNEX. Dick found work to be fun, and often said: "find a job that you truly love, and you'll never have to work another day in your life." Even with long business days, quality time with his family and coaching youth sports teams, he found much time for community ventures and charitable initiatives. He was the New York City Chairman for the United States Treasury Department's U.S. Savings Bond Campaign and served in major fund raising capacities for the United Way and the Boy Scouts of America. He was a Director for the Boy's & Girls Clubs, The Industrial Home for the Blind, the YMCA, the Red Cross and the Salvation Army. He additionally raised needed monies for museums, hospitals, the mentally ill and other health agencies. He was an ardent believer in the concept of B-I-E' (Business, Industry, Education) and their respective commitment to their communities. During his time at New York Telephone, he also served as a Human Rights Commissioner for Suffolk County, NY and as an Industrial Development Commissioner. He was an advisor to the New York State Legislature on pure air and water issues, and served on the Governors New York State Traffic Safety Commission. In New York City he was the Mayor's Advisor on the United Way. In Brooklyn he was elected President of Rotary International, was named to the roster of Top 100 Business Leaders' and at a Congressional Reception was named "Brooklyn's Man-Of-The-Year." He was a life member of the Telephone Pioneers of America and a member of the American Legion Adirondack Post 70. As a community citizen, he worked for "getting out the vote" and for recognition for veterans. In 2004 he was awarded "The Community Americanism Award" by the American Legion with citations from the New York State Legislature. Dick Killeen deeply believed in American Exceptionalism,' our youth and in education. He loved his alma materUnion College. He was an award-winning fund raiser for Union, and was very proud that ninety-one cents of every dollar raised went directly to students and education. He made sure that his time was not just spent on fund raising. He spent considerable time mentoring students and raising issues of efficiency with the Administration. Union College honored him with the "Distinguished Service Over A Lifetime Award", with multiple Minerva Awards for fund raising, "The Alumni Council Gold Medal Award," and the "Third Century of Excellence Award." In 2006, Mr. Killeen was named Chairman of the Garnet Guard Society, an organization 0f 1,851 Union College Alumni who graduated fifty or more years ago. He often said that his only regret was "that I wasn't able to do more." He ardently believed in the youth of America, and said "never stop learning, never stop being a student of your chosen profession, dream big dreams, love your Country and give more than you take." His last message was one of love: "do not grieve for me; remember our laughter together and our many good times; and do what I didn't get to do. You will always be in my heartI simply ask that you be a special parent and a great citizen; may GOD bless you and yours." Richard J. Killeen is survived by his children and their families: Jeffrey of Diamond Point, NY and Westport, CT; Susan of Ottawa, Canada; Richard of Guilford, CT; his beloved grandchildren Peter and Sarah; his brothers Edward of Madison, WI, Lawrence of Wyomissing, PA; and by his many nephews, nieces and cousins across the U.S.A. A Catholic Mass Memorial Service will be held in Dick's honor on Monday, June 4th, 2012 at 10:00am at St. Clements Church, 231 Lake Avenue, Saratoga Springs, NY. For those attending the church services, a special celebratory luncheon will be held at 11:30am at the Saratoga Golf & Polo Club, 301 Church Street, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. As a parting gift to humanity, Dick donated his body for medical research to The Albany Medical Research Center. If you would like to make remembrances or donations, in lieu of flowers, please make them to either The Richard J. Killeen '51 Endowed Scholarship at Union College, Schenectady, NY or in Dick's name to Community Hospice of Saratoga, 179: Lawrence Street, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. Arrangements are under the direction of the William J. Burke & Sons Funeral Home of 628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs; telephone 518-584-5373. Online information and other remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com.