Archie Daniel Keohan Jr, age 86, passed away peacefully in Sharon, Massachusetts on Saturday, October 31, 2020. Born in Boston, Massachusetts on July 8, 1934 he was the son of the late Archie and Mary E. (Fitzgerald) Keohan. He was raised in Dorchester, where as a young boy he developed his strong work ethic. Dan graduated from Catholic Memorial High School and earned his Bachelor’s Degree from Boston College.
Following his graduation, Dan took a position in the Suffolk Superior Court Clerk's Office, serving as an assistant clerk. His attention to detail and work ethic were noticed and Dan soon assumed the position of Assistant Clerk to the Chief Justice. After many years at the Superior Court level, Dan desired to work more directly with the youth moving through the criminal justice system and took the position of First Assistant Clerk at the Stoughton District Court. He retired in 2009 as the longest employee in the Massachusetts Court System.
However his work did not end with the courts, as for many years Dan worked as an entertainment promoter. He was always on the lookout for up and coming bands. One of his more famous promotions was bringing the Rolling Stones to the Boston Garden for the first time.
In addition to his formal positions, Dan worked on several political campaigns to ensure his candidate's success. He spent time going door to door for Kevin White's campaign for the Mayor of Boston and was the campaign manager for Frank Bellotti's first successful run for Attorney General. Dan loved being on the ground behind the scenes.
Dan was deeply committed to everything he did throughout his life; his greatest passion was working with the youth in his communities. As an Eagle Scout, Dan remained close to the Boy Scout's organization. He was first a troop leader in Dorchester and then when he settled in Braintree he again took a position of Troop Leader in the local Boy Scout Troop, which became the largest troop in the area complete with a waiting list. Later, he created an ecumenical retreat at Camp Child on Cape Cod.
His love of 1950’s rock and roll led Dan to run sock hops at all the area Catholic Schools. At the time, boys could not enter the dance without a suit coat on. Dan would pass them his own suit coat through the window, allowing them to come in. Dan also sponsored cadets to West Point, and was the first to sponsor a female to the Military College.
While Dan worked hard, his favorite way to relax was to escape to the home he shared with his best friend, Phillip T. Sheridan Jr. on the Cape. There they enjoyed spending countless hours cruising along the coast and visiting beaches. No day was complete on the Cape without a sunset walk along the New Seabury spit.
Back in Sharon, Dan loved spending time with his French Poodle, Brutus, and always kept treats in his pockets for the neighborhood dogs.
Best friend of Phillip T. Sheridan, Jr. of Sharon.
Brother of Barbara Hannigan and her husband, Thomas, of Braintree, the late Joseph P. Keohan, and the late Edward T. Keohan.
Relatives and friends are kindly invited to gather for visiting hours on Wednesday, November 4, 2020 from 4 to 7 PM in the James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home, 48 Common Street, Walpole.
As a result of the ongoing and ever developing health crisis in the world and with genuine concern for the people whom they love, Dan's family has decided that his funeral mass and interment in Knollwood Memorial Park in Canton will be private.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Old Colony Hospice, 321 Manley Street, West Bridgewater, MA 02379.