Daniel O. Keene

Surrounded by love, Daniel “Danny” O’Neill Keene, 77, passed away peacefully on February 19, 2025, in Easton, Maryland with his devoted wife Sissy, beloved daughter Brandy, and caring sisters-in-law Cherie and Kathy all by his side until his final moments. 

Danny was born on March 18, 1947, in Cambridge, Maryland, to John and Audrey (Murphy) Keene. Danny grew up in Golden Hill, Maryland, as the youngest of three children. He developed his love for the outdoors at a young age, trapping muskrats with his Uncle Donald Keene and fishing with his Uncle Albert Kirwan. Danny graduated from South Dorchester High School in 1965. In 1967, he enlisted with the U.S. Army where he proudly served Active Duty in Vietnam with the 1st Calvary earning the rank of Staff Sergeant. After being honorably discharged from the Army in 1970, Danny returned to Dorchester County and worked at the National Can Shop for 14 years until it closed. Danny worked as a Commercial Waterman for approximately 30 years, and during the winters he worked as a Professional Guide for Dickie Higgins. After crabbing, tonging, and goose hunting for so many years, he chose to work at the USPS Distribution Center in Easton until his retirement in 2008. 

In 1980, Danny met the two loves of his life, Sissy Passwaters and her daughter, Brandy. After living in the Neck District, they eventually settled in Trappe, Maryland, where they have resided for 41 years. 

Danny is preceded in death by his parents John and Audrey Keene and his uncles, Donald Keene and Albert Kirwan. Danny is survived by his wife Sissy Keene, children Brandy Jones (Troy), Donald Keene, David Dail (Starlin Weaver), and Lisa Brooks; siblings Ralph “Bunky” Keene (Sandy) and Judi Jenkins (Larry); nephews Brent Keene (Becca), Mark Keene (Kim), and John Bennett (Amy).

Danny touched so many lives during his lifetime. He will be deeply missed by many lifelong friends including Byron Cameron, Mike Keene, Chris Jones, Jay Newcomb, Ronnie Pritchett, Gary Pinder, Jimmy Saulsbury, Ike Downes, and Barry Oxford. Also, he will never be forgotten by the Passwaters family who enjoyed so many seafood feasts, card games, and moments of laughter together.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, February 27, 2025 beginning 12 noon at Newcomb and Collins Funeral Home, Cambridge. Officiating will be Pastor George Wheatley. 

A committal service will follow the service at 2:00 p.m. at the Maryland Eastern Shore Veterans Cemetery Chapel in Hurlock, Md with military honors.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Danny’s name to Baywater Animal Rescue, 4930 Bucktown Rd., Cambridge, MD 21613 or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105.