Peter C. Keelen

Peter Charles Keelen, age 87 years, of Flemington, NJ passed away on Monday, July 19, 2021, in the Hunterdon Care Center, Raritan Township, NJ.

Born in Newark, NJ in 1934, he was the son of the late Peter H. and Florence Finnegan Keelen. He had resided in Hunterdon County, NJ for the past fifty-one years, having previously lived in Carteret, NJ. Peter also resided in Naples, Florida during the winter months for over twenty-five years.

As a young man, Peter served his country in the United States Army for two years. After his honorable discharge, he continued the Keelen Box Company which was started by his grandfather. The company relocated to Old York Road in Raritan Township, NJ, where Peter ran the business for fifty years.

He enjoyed gardening, kayaking, the beach, painting with watercolors and pastels, and playing softball. In fact, he played softball well into his seventies! Peter was also proud of his Irish heritage and traveled to Ireland on three separate occasions. Peter enjoyed spending time with his family and friends and will be remembered by his wonderful sense of humor. Peter will be greatly missed by his beloved cat, Finn.

Peter was predeceased by his beloved wife of forty-eight years, Rosemary Keelen, who died in 2006.

Surviving are his six children, Peter J. Keelen and his wife, Rita, James Keelen, Karen Keelen Davis and her husband, Scott, Maureen Keelen, Susan Keelen, and Marianne Buccigrossi and her husband, Tom; thirteen grandchildren: Nicole Min, Michael Keelen, Tommy Keelen, Jennifer Keelen, Ryan Kelly, Brianna Thompson, Paige Skrapits, Olivia Keelen, James Keelen, John Keelen, Tara Keelen, Dylan Buccigrossi, and Carly Buccigrossi and fifteen great-grandchildren.

Calling hours will be from 9:00-11:00 AM on Tuesday, July 27, 2021, in the Holcombe-Fisher Funeral Home, 147 Main Street, Flemington, NJ. A Mass of Christian Burial will immediately follow at St. Magdalen RC Church, 105 Mine Street, Flemington, NJ at 11:30 AM. Inurnment in St. Magdalen Mausoleum, next to his late wife, will then take place on Saturday, July 31, 2021, at 11:00 AM under the direction of the Holcombe-Fisher Funeral Home, 147 Main Street, Flemington, NJ.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Peter’s name may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital 501 St. Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105 or to Amigos de Jesus, 2200 Byberry Road, Suite 110, Hatboro, PA 19040.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Holcombe-Fisher Funeral Home, 147 Main Street, Flemington, NJ 08822.

For further information or to send an online condolence, please visit www.holcombefisher.com.