2019 -- H 5240

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2019

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H O U S E   R E S O L U T I O N

EXPRESSING CONDOLENCES ON THE PASSING OF THE HONORABLE JOSEPH A.

KEOUGH

     Introduced By: Representatives Mattiello, Shekarchi, Johnston, Craven, and Filippi

     Date Introduced: January 30, 2019

     Referred To: House read and passed

     WHEREAS, It is with deep sadness and regret that this House of Representatives has

learned of the passing of the Honorable Joseph A. Keough, a highly-respected former Rhode

Island Superior Court Magistrate Judge, and a devoted family man. He was the loving husband of

Joan Keough, beloved father of Joseph A. Keough, Jr., and his wife, Kimberly, the Honorable

Maureen B. Keough, Kathleen M. Schram and her husband, Joseph and Colleen M. Keough, and

the very proud "Papa" of Colin and Kyle Keough, and Tess and Finn Schram; and

     WHEREAS, Raised in Pawtucket, Judge Keough was the brother of Francis Keough,

Dennis Keough, Kathleen Keough, and the late Helen McGinn, and is also survived by many

beloved nieces, nephews and cousins. An Eagle Scout and graduate of St. Raphael's Academy, he

continued his education earning his Bachelor's degree from Providence College, and his law

degree from Suffolk University Law School; and

     WHEREAS, A "self-made man who earned his successes through hard work, tenacity

and education" Judge Keough was appointed Associate Judge of the Pawtucket Municipal Court

in 1973, a position he held until 1982. In addition, in 1975, he became a partner in the law firm of

Keough, Parker & Gearon. In 1994, he was named Chief Judge of the Pawtucket Municipal

Court, a position he held until 1997, when he was appointed as a Rhode Island Superior Court

Magistrate Judge, retiring in 2008; and

     WHEREAS, Throughout his remarkable life, Judge Keough held a strong commitment to

both his community and politics. He served as Chairman of the Pawtucket Board of Canvassers

from 1966 to 1973, as Executive Director of the Rhode Island Democratic State Committee from

1969 to 1973, and was Chairman of the Pawtucket Juvenile Hearing Board from 1994 to 1997;

and

     WHEREAS, In addition, Judge Keough had been a long-time Board Member and Past

President of the Pawtucket Country Club, and upon his retirement from the bench, had been

actively involved with the Pawtucket Soup Kitchen serving as Vice President and as a member of

the Board of Directors for a number of years. He had also served in myriad leadership positions

for numerous business and community organizations; and

     WHEREAS, Honored for his service and accomplishments, Judge Keough was inducted

into the Pawtucket Hall of Fame in 2018, and had been the recipient of the John P. Burke Caddy

Scholarship and subsequently served as a member of the Board that awarded the Burke

scholarships; and

     WHEREAS, Judge Keough possessed a brilliant mind, and a fair and magnanimous

spirit. He had the love of his family and friends, and the admiration of his peers. A proud

Irishman, the most fitting tribute to Joe Keough is a celebration of his glorious life, a life where

each and every day was lived fully and joyfully embraced; now, therefore be it

     RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island and

Providence Plantations hereby expresses our deepest sympathies to his wife, Joan, and the entire

Keough family on the passing of the Honorable Joseph A. Keough. He will forever be

remembered as a highly respected and admired judge who presided with fairness and justice, and

served the people of the State of Rhode Island with integrity and excellence; and be it further

     RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to

transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to Mrs. Joan Keough and Family.

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