Obituary of Frank G. Keen, Sr.

Frank G. Keen Sr., longtime resident of Wilton and Darien and former teacher in Darien passed away on January 15, 2011 at Norwwalk Hospital at the age of 84. He had been living at the Wilton Meadows Home Health Care Center. Mr. Keen was born in Brooklyn, New York on November 13, 1926. He was raised in Darien by his parents, Frank H. and Alice Keen. He graduated from Darien High School in 1945 and served as a veteran in the finals days of World War II. He was awarded the World War II Victory Medal and a medal for the Army Occupation of Germany. Recognized as a star athlete, he played on the Darien varsity football, baseball, and boxing teams. He continued to play baseball and football in the army and at Arnold College where he graduated with a degree in education in 1950. He played semi-pro ball and was invited to a try-out with the Brooklyn Dodgers but declined so he could serve his country in the army. He has been honored as an outstanding athlete by the Darien Old Timers Association. Mr. Keen began his teaching career in a one-room school house in Vermont but came back to his hometown of Darien where he taught science at Middlesex Junior High School for 34 years. During his career he earned a masters degree in science from the University of Bridgeport and a 6th year degree from St. Josephs' College. He was head of the science department at Middlesex and a member of the Leaders of American Secondary Education. He coached the school football, basketball, and baseball teams for many years, retiring in 1988. He moved his family from Darien to Wilton in 1965, where he lived the rest of his life. He spent his retirement years traveling the world with his wife, Lucille, and working on his many hobbies, including building model wooden ships. Mr. Keen was pre-deceased by his wife, Lucille. He is survived by his brother David and his sister, Marjorie Bruno. He also leaves behind three sons and their families: Frank Jr., his wife Sally, and their daughters, Adrienne and Marisa; Robert, his wife, Lori, and their son Brian; and David, his wife, Melodie, and their daughter, Danielle. The family will be receiving guests on Saturday, January 29th, from 3 to 6 pm, at the Edward Lawrence Funeral Home on 2110 Post Road, Darien. Memorial Donations may be made to the Darien Education Association (DEA) Scholarship Program, c/o Peter Martin at Middlesex Middle School, 204 Hollow Tree Ridge Road, Darien, CT 06820. Funeral Home: Edward Lawrence Funeral Home 2119 Post Road Darien, CT USA 06820