Robert Brooks Keens

Robert (Bob) Brooks Keens passed away peacefully at home on August 28, 2025 at the age of 86.

Bob was born in Albany, NY on December 21, 1938 to William George Keens Jr. and Helen Marie Brooks Keens. He was the second oldest of seven children. He attended The Albany Academy and Phillip Schuyler High School, earned a Bachelors degree from Ithaca College and a Masters degree from SUNY Albany. He was a very distinguished athlete in high school and in college in many different sports and was an All-American Swimmer (butterfly). His career was spent as a teacher, administrator and coach in the South Colonie School district, much of it spent at The Shaker Road Elementary School. He met & married the love of his life Marcy in April of 1966 and they were together for just shy of 57 years. He coached boys soccer and tennis for Colonie High School and was a long-time boys swimming and diving coach for Bethlehem Central High School with a final few years spent as a diving coach at RPI. His summers were spent as the Camp Director for The Albany Academy’s day camp for many years.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents William & Helen Keens: his loving wife Martha Keens; brothers; William C. (Spouse Nettie, Lewis D. & William R.), Charles R. (Lynette), James A., John D., and sister Jane E. Connolly; Sister & Brother in-law (Rose & Richard Tice, niece Karen Boughton).

He is survived by his son Robert D. Keens (spouse Kellie, Nick & Cara, and Jake), and his daughter Elizabeth Keens Parent (spouse Jeff, Renee, Stephen & Natalie): Brother Joel T. Keens (spouse Anne, Joel (Theresa), Sharron & Eric); Brother-in-law Stephen Ruzzi (spouse Donna, Sarah (Shaun) & Lisa (Alan)); Sister-in-law Elaine Whitaker (spouse Fred, Maggie & Andy (Christina); Nephew Richard Tice, Nieces Stephanie Heslin, Shari & Melissa Connolly, as well as many grand nieces, grand nephews and cousins.

Bob loved to play golf and was a very active and devoted member of St. Thomas The Apostle Church in Delmar, NY where he resided with his wife for nearly 60 years. He was very blessed to have many wonderful friends and neighbors in the community.

The family will receive visitors on Friday, September 5 from 4 to 7 pm at Applebee Funeral Home, 403 Kenwood Avenue, Delmar.  A funeral mass will take place on Saturday, September 6 at 12:30 pm at St. Thomas The Apostle Church, 35 Adams Place, Delmar.  Contributions in Bob's memory may be made to St. Thomas the Apostle School, 42 Adams Place, Delmar, NY  12054.