Norman R. Keane

age 76, was born September 30, 1941 and passed away February 16, 2018. Beloved husband of Mary Keane (nee Sarro); devoted father of Sam Keane of Charleston, SC, and Richard (Dr. Jennifer) Cochran of Shaker Heights, OH; loving grandfather of Sophie, Issy, and Josie; dear brother of Judy Fertel and Marlene Miller (deceased); cherished uncle and great-uncle.

Norm was born in Kane, PA and was reared in both Kane and Cleveland Heights, OH. The son of Jewish parents who escaped from Russia during the horrific pogroms of the early 1900s, Norm was a devoted Jew, and a deeply spiritual man, for his entire life. He graduated from Western Reserve College (now Case Western Reserve University) with undergraduate and graduate degrees in Social Work. Norm’s calling was to help others, particularly those less fortunate than him. He devoted his entire professional life to family and children services.

As a young professional Norm first made his mark when he helped to found the Rap Art Center in Cleveland Heights; like Norm, the Center improved the lives of thousands of people, in particular at risk children. He went on to become a renowned leader in the Jewish community nationally, holding executive posts in Cleveland, Tucson, Pittsburgh, and Detroit. He retired after 13 years as Chief Executive Officer of Detroit Jewish Family Service. Norm established and led countless programs to benefit people of all faiths, especially within the Jewish community.

Post retirement, as an enthusiastic volunteer, he dedicated himself to helping both children and adult men in the city of Cleveland. He gave everything to these new friends of his. The hallmark of his life was helping people in need; he was a giver from birth to death.

Norm was revered by many for his contributions to humanity. He was equally treasured by his entire family. He married the love of his life, Mary, in 1981. Together they raised two boys, Sam and Richard, who deeply loved and appreciated him for his invaluable contributions to their lives. He was beloved by his two sisters and their families. He proudly served as the favorite uncle and grand uncle for so many. He endeared himself to his in-laws and all of the extended family. Beyond his family, Norm touched the lives of countless friends whom he valued greatly.

Norm and Mary enjoyed a story book relationship together: best friends, confidants, lovers, parents, colleagues, and, of very special note, grandparents. For nearly 40 years Norm and Mary enjoyed each other’s unconditional love and joy. Perhaps Norm’s most cherished role was as Zadie, the beloved grandfather of Sophie, Issy, and Josie. In this role, Zadie was warm, funny, caring, present, goofy, and above all, full of boundless love. His granddaughters adored him beyond words.

Norm was a lifelong athlete and sports nut; he passionately followed baseball, basketball, and football in every place he ever lived. He loved to play softball, enjoyed running, and exercised his entire life. He was fit, strong, healthy, and happy. Norm died suddenly due to a hemorrhagic stroke. The quintessential mensch, he will be dearly missed by everyone whom he touched with his kind and generous soul.

Funeral services will be held in the Mayfield Mausoleum, 2749 Mayfield Rd., Cleveland Hts. on Sunday, February 25 at 1 PM. The family will receive friends SUNDAY FOLLOWING SERVICES UNTIL 7 PM AND MONDAY FROM 1–4 AND 6–8 PM at the Keane residence, 14 Deerfield Ln., Beachwood. Contributions are suggested to the Keane Community Crisis Fund c/o Jewish Family Service of Metro Detroit (www.jfsdetroit.org).

Arrangements under the direction of BERKOWITZ-KUMIN-BOOKATZ MEMORIAL CHAPEL (800) 448-2210