Donald E. Keenan

Donald E. Keenan of Newtown Square, Pennsylvania, formerly of Lewiston, New York, died on November 21, 2020, in his 101st year.

Don was born in Fonthill, Ontario, and grew up in Welland, Ontario. He earned his Bachelor of Applied Science (Chemical Engineering) from the University of Toronto. He expected to serve during WW II, but as a recently graduated chemical engineer, the Canadian government would not let him. Instead, he was put to work commercializing the recently discovered synthetic rubber process to support the war effort.

He spent much of his career with Reichhold Chemicals, Inc., serving as a corporate vice president, president of its Specialty Phenolics Division, and a member of the board of directors of Sterling Varnish, Manchester, England. At the end of his career he was President of BTL Inc. and managing director, Methylon S.A. Zurich, Switzerland, specialty phenolic resin producers.

Don was an active member of St. John’s Episcopal Church where he served on the Vestry as Accounting Warden for a number of years.

Don was predeceased by his wife of 63 years, Helen (Whittle) Keenan; a grandson, Matthew; and his devoted friend, Katherine Hoopes. He is survived by his sons and their wives, John and Martha (Newtown Square, PA); Michael and Jeanne (Westerville, OH); and Bryan and Kay (Wilmington, DE); and by 9 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, and a greatgreat-grandson; and dear friends Jack and Graceann Hoopes and their son.

A service celebrating Don’s life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to St. John’s Episcopal Church Concord, 576 Concord Road, Glen Mills, PA 19342.

Arrangements are entrusted to the Cremation Society of Pennsylvania, King of Prussia, Pennsylvania.