Bernard Francis Kehoe

Bernard F. “Bernie” Kehoe, 95, of East Hartford, loving husband of 70 years of Dolores (Rivers) Kehoe, peacefully journeyed home to be with our Lord on Sunday, June 17, 2018 at his home. Born in Hartford on May 4, 1923, the son of the late Christopher L. and Viola (Fogarty) Kehoe, he had been a life-long resident of East Hartford. Bernie was a graduate of East Hartford High School, Class of 1940 and then proudly served his country during World War II with the U.S. Army. After returning from World War II he attended and graduated from the Hartford School of Business. He started his professional career working at National Fire Insurance Company in Hartford for over fifteen years. On May 15, 1962 he became the first Data Processing Director for the town of East Hartford, a position he held until July 1, 1987.

Bernie had a love for politics and serving his community and in 1953 he was appointed as a Town Councilman for East Hartford which he honorably held until 1962. He was a former Chairman of the town Fire Commission and served on the Planning, Ordinance, and Development commissions along with many individual campaigns. He was very active with the East Hartford Democratic Party and town committee for over 65 years being involved with both the First and Second Districts.

A devout catholic, Bernie was a long-time communicant of St. Rose Church and other churches in East Hartford. He was a charter member and past president of the East Hartford Lions Club, and a charter member of the Knights of Columbus, Rev. J.C. Martin Council #3901, East Hartford. Bernie enjoyed working outside in his yard, performing home improvements at his home and other family member’s homes, and solving jigsaw puzzles. He was also an avid loyal fan of the UCONN Women’s basketball team and of UCONN football.

In addition to his beloved wife Dolores, Bernie is survived by his four devoted children, Pam and her husband Brian, Rich and his wife Donna, Tim and his wife Jeanne, and Chris; five cherished grandchildren, Stefan, Drew, Alyssa, Abby, and Erica; two adored great-grandchildren, Devin and Arianna; several nieces, nephews, and many dear friends.

Funeral service will be Thursday (June 21st) with a Mass of Christian Burial celebrated at 10:30 am at Our Lady of Peace Church, May Road/Brandon Road, East Hartford with Rev. James Nock officiating. Burial with military honors will follow at the Veteran’s Memorial Field-Silver Lane Cemetery, East Hartford. Relatives and friends may call at the D’ESOPO-East Hartford Memorial Chapel, 30 Carter Street, East Hartford on Wednesday (June 20th) from 3-7 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Bernard’s name may be made to the East Hartford Lions Foundation, P.O. Box 380765, East Hartford, CT 06138. For on-line expressions of sympathy to the family please visit www.desopoeh.com.