Dr. Robert O’Keefe, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, uncle, cousin, cherished friend, and veterinarian to all creatures great and small, passed away peacefully at the age of 81. After a prolonged battle with kidney disease, Bob was surrounded by care and love at the Evergreen Hospice Center in Kirkland, WA.
Bob was born July 1943 in Flushing, Queens, NYC, to Charles and Dorothy O’Keefe. In 1945, the family relocated to Norwich, NY, where Charles was hired as a chemist for Norwich Eaton Pharmaceutical Company. It was in this close-knit upstate community that Bob forged lifelong friendships and cultivated many of his passions.
Bob attended Ward School #2, now the Chenango County Historical Society, and the old Norwich High School on Main Street. In high school, Bob was captain of the rifle team, a member of the band where he played cornet, and an avid hunter and fisherman, passions he continued to enjoy throughout his life. His Scouting experience was pivotal, guiding him to achieve the rank of Eagle Scout and fostering his love for the outdoors.
It was during his youth that Bob’s interest in veterinary medicine began to take root, influenced by a veterinary clinic down the street where he would spend time during school breaks, and an inspirational high school biology teacher who had been trained as a veterinarian. Bob attended Cornell University, where he was accepted into the College of Veterinary Medicine after two years as an undergraduate. At Cornell he met Martha Foster on a blind date. They married in 1968 in Greenfield, IN, and began their life together in Cortland, NY, where Bob got his first job as a veterinarian.
In 1970 Bob returned to Norwich with Martha and their newborn son, Thomas, to join Dr. John Mason in his local veterinary practice. Mason and O’Keefe Veterinary Associates served household pets, farm animals, and the occasional exotic pet throughout Chenango County and surrounding areas. In 1974, Bob and Martha welcomed their second son, James. Later that year they purchased a cabin on Chenango Lake, which became the heart of family summers and lively gatherings with beer on tap and a grill on the deck. A fleet of boats that included a sailboat, rowboat, and canoe, received regular use from family and friends. The kitchen was a major creative outlet over the years and Bob delighted in developing recipes and hosting old friends, new friends, and anyone who might come wandering by in search of a good meal. New Year’s Day brunches and summer clambakes were particularly memorable.
In 1979, Bob achieved one of his proudest milestones: designing and building a state-of-the-art veterinary hospital to better serve the community. Over the years, his dedication to animal care and his drive for continuous learning made him a respected figure in his field. He mentored many young veterinarians, veterinary technicians, and local youth seeking their first opportunity in the field. A pivotal moment came in 1981 on a People to People trip to China with a group of veterinarians where he was introduced to veterinary acupuncture. He became one of the first certified veterinary acupuncturists in New York State, blending Eastern and Western medicine to enhance the well-being of his patients.
Bob’s love of other cultures and global connections shaped his life and that of his family. The O’Keefe household hosted several international exchange students, and both of his sons spent a year abroad during high school. These experiences broadened their horizons and reflected Bob’s deep belief in the value of learning from others.
Bob was dedicated to community service, actively contributing as a member of the Lions Club, volunteering at the Oxford Farmers Market, and supporting the Chenango County SPCA. Bob was a passionate patron of the arts, actively supporting and promoting music venues throughout Chenango County. His affinity for music, especially live folk performances, remained steadfast throughout his life, making him a familiar face at local music events and venues.
Bob retired from veterinary medicine in 2012 after 45 years of service, leaving a legacy of care and compassion in Chenango County. He and Martha relocated to Redmond, WA, to be closer to family, but his heart remained in Norwich, where he returned every summer to reconnect with his roots and relive the memories of the community he cherished.
In 2021, Bob was diagnosed with kidney disease. Despite the challenges this presented, his resilience and the expert care from Cascade Kidney Specialists allowed him to enjoy meaningful time with loved ones. After declining health and an extended hospital stay over the past two months, he transitioned to hospice care. His final days were spent surrounded by his immediate family. Friends from all stages of his journey through life shared their memories and gratitude, all while finding comfort in the music he loved and the exceptional care provided by hospice staff.
Bob is survived by his wife of 56 years, Martha; his children, Thomas (Rie Yamazaki), and James; his grandchildren, Aki, Taka, Avangeline, Rylee, and Nadine; and countless family members, friends, and former colleagues.
A Celebration of Bob’s Life, filled with stories and music, will be held in Chenango County later this summer. Friends are invited to share memories and sign the family’s on-line guest book at https://www.flintofts.com
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Bob’s memory to organizations close to his heart: 6 On The Square, Earlville Opera House, and Baker Institute for Animal Health at Cornell University. Friends are also encouraged to honor his spirit with acts of kindness or spontaneous moments playing folk music.