Thomas J. Keegan III

KINGSTON- Thomas J. Keegan III, pioneer of the craft brewing industry in the Hudson Valley died on April 30, 2021 at age 50. Tommy suffered a heart attack while doing what he loved – being with a friend and riding his off-road motorcycle. The gregarious brewer, owner of Keegan Ales in Kingston, was generous with his hugs and his humor. He embraced life with an unparalleled, unrivaled zest that involved laughter, risks, dancing, making great beer and even better friendships. His prowess in New York’s beer industry is renown. Upon opening Keegan Ales in 2003 he came home from TAP NY with two gold medals. Through the years, his awards multiplied many times, including being named Best Brewery in New York State. The New York Times named his Mother’s Milk one of the top 10 stouts in North America. As the upstate brewery grew from its inception in 2003, distribution spread throughout the northeast and beyond, even extending internationally with an exclusive distributorship in Bermuda. Delegates from the brewery’s running group, Keegan Army, even visited the country to support a fundraising run and the Bermuda group reciprocated, with a visit to Kingston and joining in the Shamrock Run. Tommy used his personality – and his beer - to build bridges and make the world a friendlier place. While his professional reputation in the brewing community is well established, it was Tommy’s kind, generous, spirit, that made him a man many were proud to call friend. Through the years Tommy somehow managed to make the thousands of people who walked into his brewery feel welcome and at home. They found a place where they belonged and he really did know everyone’s name. He also supported their fundraisers, helped them deliver holiday meals, provided raffle gifts to the cause de jour and, most importantly, let people know they had a friend who cared. Under his tutelage Keegan Ales became a place where people gather and conversation flows freely among patrons from all stripes of life. The brewery has hosted baptisms, weddings, wakes, graduations, birthdays, anniversaries and many milestones in people’s lives. Its friendly, casual atmosphere reflects Tommy’s life mantra: Have Fun. Play Nice. Tommy was a huge proponent and supporter of community endeavors, following in his father’s footsteps, an attorney who, in his spare time, co-founded the Brick House Brewery, a cornerstone leading to the revitalization of Patchogue, the Keegan’s hometown. He loved Kingston but was most at peace at Fire Island where he would while away summer days with loved ones, recalling past memories and creating new ones. He was happiest sharing the on-going magic of the beach with his sons nearby and watching the sun set over the Great South Bay. Behind the fun-loving brewer was man who loved learning. He earned a biochemistry degree from San Francisco State University, a master’s certificate in Brewing Studies from the esteemed UC Davis program, and last spring earned an MBA from SUNY New Paltz. He also served in the U.S. Coast Guard. Tommy Keegan was born Sept. 7, 1970 and was preceded in death by his grandparents, Jim Mills, Thomas J. Keegan, Sr., and his wife, Kitty “Hurricane” Keegan, all from Patchogue. He leaves behind his two boys, Tommy, 20, and Jack, 17; his former wife, Christy Komazec Keegan; and his long-term partner, Lisa Hantes, all of Kingston. He is survived by his parents, Peggy and Thomas “Tom” J. Keegan, Jr., of Patchogue; his sister, Kelly Keegan Desing, her husband Brett and their children Karly and Evan also of Patchogue; and his 98-year-old grandmother, Mary Mills, who always made him a chocolate layer cake when he visited her in Patchogue. His numerous aunts and uncles and his many cousins are left with a void that will never be filled. Funeral and memorial arrangements are under the guidance of the Joseph V. Leahy Funeral Home, Inc. 27 Smith Avenue. The public is invited to a wake at the brewery on Thursday, May 13, 2021, from 4 to 8 p.m. A funeral mass will be held at St. Joseph’s at 10 a.m. on Friday, May 14, 2021, followed by a procession to the brewery. Masks must be worn and social distancing may limit capacity at the church. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to People’s Place 17 St. James St., Kingston, N.Y., 12401, Angel Food East P.O. Box 3813, Kingston, N.Y., 12402 or to the Ulster County Community College Foundation, Inc. P.O. Box 557, Stone Ridge, N.Y., 12484.

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