Your Turn: Fare thee well, Thom Keaney, as you start a new life in Oregon
On Sunday, Oct. 24, Norwich Arts Center members and friends were invited to gather and bid Thomas Keaney farewell as he relocated from his current home to his retirement home in Bend, Oregon. Earlier this year, Thom and his wife Dee started downsizing. They put their Ledgewood Court home up for sale and anxiously awaited the move.
Unfortunately, Thom’s beloved wife Dee was diagnosed with cancer and passed away on Sept. 27. On Tuesday, Oct. 26, Thom and his cat flew to Oregon where he will live near his son Shane and daughter-in-law Echo.
Thom was born in Boston, Mass., in 1945 of Irish immigrant parents. He received his formal education in Boston and served his country proudly for 30 years in the Submarine Force of the United States Navy. He became active in community theater while stationed in Sidi Yihia, Morocco, North Africa.
Thom joined the Norwich Arts Council, now Center, in 1994 as a cast member in the production of “The King and I.” He has been involved with every NAC production as a cast member, lights, sound, set design and construction, props and the guy you can depend on to open, sweep the floor and close out the theater. Thom, at times, could be seen performing in “drag.”
For 27 years, Thom has been a strong supporter of NAC and has served as Secretary, Treasurer, President and Vice President. He was an integral part of creating NAC’s First Friday Jazz Series and The NACKids Program. Dee was also a 27-year member of NAC and was the Membership Chair Volunteer Coordinator.
Thom was the former president of the Norwich Lions Club and Dee was a board member. Together they delivered TVCCA – Meals on Wheels; they were inseparable and one could witness the love and respect they had for each other. The Lions Club and NAC purchased a total of 50 meals in loving memory of Dee.
The Norwich Arts Center could never replace Thom; however, as we divvy up all of those tasks and responsibilities, we will come together as “One NAC” to honor our longtime board member and friend Thomas Keaney!!
Roberta J. Vincent lives in New London, where she is president of the St. Anthony Chapel Foundation. She is also a member of the Norwich Arts Center Board, NFA Alumni Board and Norwich Lions.
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