John O'Keefe

John ''Jay'' O'Keefe, a loving husband and father who earned the reputation as a productive businessman in the field of insurance, died on Oct. 7 following a courageous, year-long battle with brain cancer. He was 56-years-old. Born to William and Anne O'Keefe on July 22, 1968, Jay was a Great Kills, Staten Island, native who graduated from McKee Tech High School in 1986 before earning a bachelor's degree in Business at St. John's University's Grymes Hill campus in 1990. During his high school days, he played ice hockey for the Seagulls. Jay, who was a Manalapan, N.J., resident at the time of his death, eventually became a prominent businessman and most notably enjoyed successful careers as a Senior Executive General Adjuster, first at York Insurance Services Group for 18 years and, most recently, at Sedgwick Claim Management Services the last five years. Sedgwick is a third-party claims administrator specializing in claims management, loss adjusting and business solutions and Jay's job detail often had him flying to various parts of the country. In fact, Jay was considered among the most successful Senior Executive Adjusters in the world-wide company. Jay married the love of his life, Kerry Lamentino - who he affectionally referred to as ''Care Bear,'' on Sept. 1, 2019. Jay was also the proud father of three sons, including John Peter (Lindsay), Ryan (Jill) and Kyle O'Keefe, as well as stepfather to Thomas and Lauren Lamentino. Jay is also survived by three siblings, including Anne Brunetti, Helen De Biase and Daniel O'Keefe. He was also adored by eight nieces and nephews and also enjoyed the company of numerous cousins at family gatherings. Jay's family meant an awful lot to him and he thoroughly enjoyed vacations to the Outer Banks of North Carolina and the Jersey Shore, most notably Long Beach Island. He was extremely generous and it was no secret he enjoyed grilling steaks on a Weber grill. Jay was also a 5th degree blackbelt in American Vadha Kempo karate and not only regularly competed in his younger days, but once co-owned a karate studio in Tottenville. In addition to martial arts, Jay also enjoyed golfing and fishing. ''Our brother lived life to the fullest and he was a great husband, father, brother, uncle, cousin and friend,'' said Brunetti. ''He was always the life of every party and always made us laugh. He rose to every challenge he had and was better because of them.'' ''Jay never let anything stop him. He fought cancer like a warrior. He amazed us with his fearlessness, courage and strength. To say we will miss him doesn't touch the deep sorrow and pain we feel. Our lives will never be the same, but we will stay strong until we meet again.'' A Funeral service will be at 11:15 AM on Wednesday at St. Clare Church located at 110 Nelson Ave Staten Island, New York 10308. The family will receive friends from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM on Tuesday, October 15, 2024, at John Vincent Scalia Home for Funerals, Inc., 28 Eltingville Blvd, Staten Island, New York. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.scaliahome.com

John O'Keefe

July 22, 1968 - October 7, 2024