Dennis O'Keefe

Dennis Joseph O’Keefe passed away peacefully at his home in San Rafael, CA with family by his side on February 9, 2026, at the age of 85.

Dennis was born to parents Manus Joseph O’Keefe and Joan Culley and was a proud San Franciscan raised in the Richmond and Sunset Districts.  He was a lifelong sports nut interested in all things where a ball was part of the action.  As a youth, Dennis was a skilled athlete in multiple sports, particularly in football, earning All-City honors as quarterback for Sacred Heart High School, taking his team to the AAA Championship in 1957-58, and later achieving induction into the Sacred Heart Athletic Hall of Fame.  Starting in high school, he worked selling programs at Kezar Stadium and by 1958 he became a 49ers season ticket holder, never missing a game, even in the pouring rain, for 36 years.

Dennis was a Vietnam War Veteran in the Army, honorably serving his country as a helicopter infantryman in the early stages of the conflict. 

Dennis worked at the Pacific Coast Stock Exchange as a trader for 38 years; he found it exciting and especially loved the camaraderie with his fellow traders.  In later years, Dennis worked as an usher for the San Francisco Giants beginning with the inaugural season at Pac Bell (now Oracle) Park, where he loved being close to the action in a prime field-level box location immediately adjacent to the home dugout.  Dennis volunteered as a San Rafael Little League coach for many years and was also a volunteer assistant coach for the San Rafael High School Frosh/Soph baseball team.

Dennis tremendously enjoyed traveling with his wife, Kathy, and experiencing the culture and customs of countries throughout Europe.  His meticulous trip planning was invaluable, and he always booked superb accommodations.  But he also took much pleasure from soaking in the sunshine after swimming laps in his backyard swimming pool.  At home, he would often be seen with the TV remote control in his hand, switching from one sport to another.

Personally, Dennis was a true “gentle man” – dignified, helpful, humble and kind.  His family and friends loved being with him – at the beach at Chambers Landing in Lake Tahoe, sporting events, and out for dinner and conversation.

To Dennis the most important part of his life was his family – his loving wife of nearly 60 years Kathy O’Keefe, his sons Kevin O’Keefe (and his wife Van) and Denny O’Keefe, and his adored grandsons Brody Fults and Tyler O’Keefe. He is also survived by his in-laws Dennis and Terry Norton, Bob (deceased) and Claire Norton, and numerous nieces and nephews.

A celebration of his life will be held at Mission San Rafael Archangel, 1104 Fifth Avenue, San Rafael on Saturday, March 21st at 11:00AM.  In lieu of flowers, the family encourages you to share this memorial with anyone who was touched by Dennis’s life and to share a favorite memory at the online tribute page at Legacy.com.

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