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Paul R. Kean

Middletown, NY

Posted 6/4/20

Paul R. Kean, residing most recently in Middletown, NY, passed away May 2, 2020, in the morning of his 92nd birthday, although he would say instead, at the beginning of his 93rd year. He was born in …

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Paul R. Kean

Middletown, NY

Posted

Paul R. Kean, residing most recently in Middletown, NY, passed away May 2, 2020, in the morning of his 92nd birthday, although he would say instead, at the beginning of his 93rd year. He was born in Brooklyn, NY, and grew up in the Sullivan County Hamlet of Mongaup, which he always considered to be the place where his roots were planted, and to which he returned as an adult to raise his family. He was the last surviving child of John and Loretta Kean's eleven children.

Paul always had a twinkle in his eye and a song in his heart. He loved telling stories and jokes to anyone who would listen. But he had a serious side as well, being a religious man, most generous with his time and money, who lived each day as a gift from God. And he was renowned for his singing voice, with perhaps his most appreciative audience being the congregation at Sacred Heart Church in Pond Eddy, NY; however, his booming rendition of the Star Spangled Banner, whenever or wherever it was played, was unforgettable to any secular audience too. The heavenly choir has gained an inestimable Irish tenor.

He had a long, diverse and storied career built on interpersonal relationships, beginning as a self-taught floor covering installer, a craft he mastered. The largest part of his career was spent as a sales professional, ranging from employment by magazine publishing houses to employment by a variety of national companies as a manufacturer's sales representative, mainly in the food service industry. In addition Paul served as Town Supervisor of the Town of Lumberland, Sullivan County, and later in life he served as a Vocational Instructor In Floor Covering Installation for the NYS Department of Corrections, teaching his students how to make an honest living with their own two hands, and in a sense coming full circle in his employment history. In his retirement years, he enjoyed being the steward of the land, maintaining a campground and fishing spot on his family property alongside the Delaware River. And people enjoyed him, as demonstrated by his developing longstanding friendships with loyal campers and shad fisherman alike, returning year after year.

He is survived by his beloved wife of seven decades, Monica, at home; son Robert Kean and his spouse Joan Kean, of Pine Bush, NY; son Paul Kean of Livingston Manor, NY; daughter Jude Kean and her spouse Paula Katz, of Ballston Spa, NY, and extended family of grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

He was pre-deceased by his daughter Monica Kean and son Paul's spouse, daughter-in-law Arden Kean.

Paul's indomitable spirit in the face of increasing infirmity was truly inspirational. A celebration of his life, well-lived and well-loved, is in the planning stages. Donations in his name to St. Jude's Children's Hospital are welcomed and appreciated.