Thomas V. O'Keefe

Thomas V. O’Keefe

Thomas O’Keefe passed away with family by his side on Sunday, January 11, 2026. He was born in Barre, Vermont to Francis Keefe and Dina (Beaudoin) Keefe on July 2, 1961.

He is survived by his loving wife of nearly 25 years, Barbara Watts O’Keefe, and by his children, Courtney Patenaude, Brittany Turner, Kassidee Keefe, Kelly LaDue, and Sheri Vaughn. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Kelsey Reif, Nicholas LaDue, Haley LaDue, Joseph Bedard, Allison Bedard, Zachary Bedard, Eden Turner, Dahlia Turner, Kingston Griffith, Lorelei Lyon, and great grandchildren Kolyn Reif, Kalianna Reif. He is survived by his siblings, Michael Keefe, Kathleen Ryan, and Molly Keefe. and by many nieces and nephews.

He is also survived by his mother-in-law, Noella Watts, and his brothers and sisters-in-law and their families: Nancy McAllister, Glenda Watts, Glenn Watts, Jr., Thomas Watts, Elaine McDonald, Gaylord Watts, Gale Watts, Daniel Watts, and Nicolle Jarvis.

He was predeceased by his parents, and his brothers Kevin Keefe and Gregory Keefe and his nephew Patrick Keefe.
Thomas had a 35-year career with law enforcement. This included careers as a Correction Officer, Police Officer, Immigration Inspector, Customs Inspector and finally Customs and Border Protection Officer.

He spent the last 24 years of his career as President of the National Treasury Employees Union Chapter 138. He was a fierce advocate and chief spokesperson for 500 uniformed and 200 non-uniformed law enforcement officers. Thomas had the privilege of preparing his own testimony and testifying before Congress three times, advocating for better working conditions post September 11, 2001. He was especially effective at conflict resolution and mediation. He was a dynamic speaker with endless stories and energy.
He loved to travel and to include family and friends on his adventures. He was a great tour guide, and he excelled at making every trip and family event a special occasion. He loved his Montreal Canadiens, his Boston Red Sox, and his Dallas Cowboys.

Thomas loved a good story, so we invite you to share your stories and memories of him with friends and family. Salute him with a shot of Jameson and share Thomas’ favorite Irish Blessing: “May the road rise up to meet you. May the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face, the rains fall soft upon your fields and until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His hand.”

Arrangements are being handled by Brown Funeral Home. There will be no public calling hours.