Bernard P. Keaveny

Lunenburg, MA Bernard P. Keaveny, 78, of Lunenburg, died at University of Massachusetts Medical School, on May 3, 2014 after heart surgery, surrounded by his family. Bernard was born in Fitchburg, MA on October 3, 1935 the son of Bernard M. Keaveny and Pauline (Daniels) Keaveny. Bernard graduated from St. Bernard's High School in Fitchburg and graduated from Fitchburg State University. He moved from Fitchburg to Leominster before moving to Lunenburg in 1981. He served in the United States Navy during the Korean War. Bernard was a master electrician and was the Lunenburg town wire inspector for a number of years. He enjoyed building, and built three houses over the course of his life. He liked traveling across the country, during which time he worked on hydro electrical panels for various dams. Bernard enjoyed fishing, watching the Bruins and the Red Sox, and playing cribbage. Above all else, Bernard loved his family and treasured spending time with his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. In addition to his private electrical business, he worked at Steel-Fab, Inc., from 1981 until 2011, as the primary maintenance electrical repair technician for all manufacturing and welding production equipment. In the late 1980s, when Steel-Fab, Inc., began to design and manufacture specific products for the hydro-electric industry, he built wired custom control panels and systems for various gate hoisting systems. He worked on projects throughout the United States, from coast to coast, and in Canada as far as "Yellow Knife" in the Northwest territories. Some of the highlights and bigger projects over the years were for the Lower Colorado River Authority projects: "Lake Buchannan Dam" in Burnet, Texas; "Wirtz Dam" on (LBJ) Lyndon Baines Johnson Lake in Marble Falls, Texas, and the "Tom Miller Dam" in Austin, Texas. Anyone that knew or worked with Bernard knew he was an "old school" trained tradesman who emphasized doing it correctly the first time and never compromising his quality standards or beliefs in any of his work. Although he was not a fan of political correctness, he will be remembered as a direct, honest, and a very hard-working individual. Bernard is survived by his loving wife Elizabeth Caron Keaveny of Lunenburg, his six children; Kelly Cully of Orleans, MA, Thomas Keaveny of Maine, Susan Litalien of Leominster, MA, Patrick Keaveny of Fitchburg, MA, Katherine Chase of Derry, NH, and Margaret Keaveny of Seabrook, NH. He is also survived by his five sisters: Patricia Mellett of Florida, Judith Burns of Florida, Nancy Gentry of California, Paula Colvin of Lunenburg, and Kathleen Taylor of Idaho, and his two brothers, Daniel Keaveny of Peterborough, NH, and George P. Keaveny of Winchendon, MA. Bernard will also be missed by his seven grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, his many cousins, and several nieces and nephews. Visiting hours will be take place on Wednesday, May 7, 2014 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Lavery Chartrand and Alario Funeral Home, 99 Summer Street, Fitchburg, MA. A graveside service will held on Thursday, May 8, 2014 at 11:00 AM at South Cemetery,(Page Street off of Lancaster Avenue), Lunenburg, MA. In lieu of flowers the family suggests that memorial contributions be made in Bernard's name to Shriners Hospital, 51 Blossom St, Boston, MA 02114 or The Wounded Warriors project, PO BOX 758517, Topeka, KS 66675. Lavery, Chartrand & Alario Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. To view an online obituary or leave a condolence please visit www.lcafh.com

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