I have fond memories of the bass section rehearsals that Charlie used to host --- we not only practiced well, but also enjoyed chatting over wine and pizza afterwards. It was all arranged by Charlie.

Jeffrey Tao
Brearley Singers

Rehearsals are about to resume. We miss Charlie's kindness, leadership and boyish smile.

Jeffrey Tao
Brearley Singers 


I met Charlie as a stranger, at one of the busiest transit hubs in the world, on my way home from working in one of the busiest intersections in the world on a cold winter evening. I was coming back from running bags of video tapes downtown for mtv editing commercials as a production assistant, and wanted to grab an afterwork drink before catching my train. 

I am a musician, and did not see any one in common with myself in the suited crowd while imbibing at the famed grand central oyster bar… except for a relaxed person in the chaos and bustle nodding to a sheet of paper. I was intrigued by his calm humming and smirk to a sheet of paper at a noisy Wall Street saloon that had no seats available. What was this secret document, did he crack the Davinci code? I was perplexed and closer inspected, only to realize it was a sheet of music! I further inquired and he told me he was reciting for his Christmas choir. 

We soon found we both appreciated many things in common. I found a good friend that rush hour, and we continued to be regulars at the oyster bar for nearly a decade. He was also a huge supporter in my journey to sobriety.

Charlie was a one-of-a-kind brilliant man, who was a great mentor to me in my life. He always believed I should know my worth and treat things with fairness and equality. He never judged me for my background and always respected my opinions, even if they were completely unreasonable. We kept in touch when I moved out of town and we would catch up on a call every now and then. An artist in his own right, his cultured humorous positive persona and the impact he made with the people in his life was his masterpiece. Charlie lives on in all our memories. I miss him everyday. Love goes out to you all.

Dear Lila,

What a sad news and incredible loss. My sincere condolences and support to you and the families. Charlie will be sorely missed.

Charlie will stay in my memory as a good-hearted person, always attentive and helpful, and a very good singer. I am glad I had a chance to sing next to Charlie and appreciate the conversations and drinks we’ve had together. I always found it very special that the doors of your apartment were open for the choir to practice and celebrate the end of season.

Maxim (former Brearley Singers, bass section)
PS In November ’22 I will be performing in a choir in the Netherlands the Requiem of Mozart and dedicate it to Charlie. May he Rest In Peace.


Charlie Keefe, a gentleman and a gentle man.  

Rest in Peace.

Nancy Mc Corry

Dear Lila, Thomas and James:

As a member of the bass section of the Brearley Singers, I would like to express my deep condolences on Charlie's passing.  All the basses have appreciated his leadership, warmth, and love of music and choral singing. We have also very much enjoyed the pot-luck dinners you hosted as a family, and always looked forward to the bass section rehearsals Charlie hosted in his home, along with the wonderful camaraderie of  sharing  wine, cheese and pizza.

My thoughts are with you at this difficult time. To me, Charlie's passing is an irreparable loss. May he Rest In Peace.

From,
Jeffrey Tao
Bass Section
Brearley Singers

I and everyone at the Brearley Singers are greatly saddened by Charlie's passing.  He was a lovely person and made everyone around him happier.  It was always a pleasure to sing next to him.  He will be greatly missed.

Dear Lila:
   Upon re-joining the chorus last night, I was shocked to learn of Charles' untimely passing.  Please accept my heartfelt condolences.
   Getting to know Charles was a great bonus of being in our chorus.  I loved our conversations, during breaks and walking home.  I found him to be a remarkably intelligent, fair-minded, cultured and fun compagnon.  And obviously we all appreciated his hospitality in frequently offering your home as a rehearsal site.
   I shall miss him very much.  There are not many like him.
Ralph Perlberger

Charles Baker Keefe, 69, of New York City, died on Sept. 8 of prostate cancer. He was a graduate of Phillips Academy and Yale University, where he sang with the Baker’s Dozen, Yale Russian Chorus, and the Whiffenpoofs of 1975. A Columbia Law School graduate, he was a partner at Webster & Sheffield, Mudge Rose Gutherie Alexander & Ferdon, and Coudert Brothers. From 1998 to 2003, he was the managing partner of Coudert Brother's Moscow office. From 2006 to 2012, he was the chief legal officer in the liquidation of Coudert's 600-lawyer, multinational practice. At retirement, he was a partner at Bryant Rabbino in New York. Charlie had many talents and interests: music, history, languages, poetry, crosswords. He was a devoted reader of The New York Times. His family and friends admired his wit, empathy, and mettle. He is survived by his wife of 32 years, Lila Locksley; his sons, Thomas and James of New York; and his father, Thomas, and father's wife, Susan, of Houston. His mother, Freya, and sister Jenifer predeceased him. A celebration of his life will be held at a later date.

Dear Lila,

My thoughts are with you and your family. I hope Charle's love and fond memories of him will always be with you, and will always bring a smile onto your faces.

Love, 
Lu 

OBITUARY

Charles B. Keefe

22 May, 1953 – 8 September, 2022

Walter B. Cooke Funeral Home

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Reminders

Services