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Red O'Keefe former West Haven Speedway champion
Red O’Keefe passed-away on August 9, 2012.
Red, who had turned 80 earlier this year, was a standout New England
modified competitor for many seasons claiming feature events at a
number of the regions speedways.
He was the 1965 West Haven Speedway track champion and nearly
repeated in ’66 placing second to fellow United Stock Car Racing
Club star, the late Johnny “King” Cambino. The winning margin for
that’s years title race was a scant single point.
In reminiscing about Red’s career, family friend Mike Guerette
stated “Red probably had his best years at West Haven competing in
the tough Non-Ford division. He also built his own cars, always with
an emphasis on safety. He added innovations like front & rear
firewalls, a fire extinguisher, and a full roll cage not unlike
today’s NASCAR designs. In addition to his championship, he also
received many other awards at West Haven such as “Top
Driver/Mechanic” and “Most Popular Driver.”
 At
his home, with his loving family by his side August 9, 2012 William
Francis "Red" O'Keefe, Sr. 80, of Hamden. Beloved husband of 57
years to Mary Jane (Collins) O'Keefe. Loving father of Linda Dillon
(William) of Wallingford, William O'Keefe, Jr. (Gail) of Hamden, and
Christopher O'Keefe, W.H.F.D. of West Haven, brother of Margaret
Guerette (Sonny) of Clinton, Martin O'Keefe (Karen) of Hamden and
David O'Keefe (Betsey) of East Haven, grandfather of Michael Dillon
(Marianna) of Wallingford, Shannon Cornejo (Rodrigo) of Bedford, MA,
William O'Keefe, III (Nina) of St. Louis Park, MN, Diane O'Keefe of
Arlington, VA, Timothy O'Keefe of E. Long Meadow, MA, Christopher
O'Keefe, Jr. of N. Branford, great grandfather of Nicholas and
Anthony Dillon and Julio Cornejo.
Also survived by his sister in laws Joan and Dorothy O'Keefe.
Predeceased by brothers James O'Keefe, John O'Keefe, Sr., Jerry
O'Keefe and a sister Catherine Flannery and her husband Thomas. Mr.
O'Keefe was born May 17, 1932 in New Haven, son of the late James
and Delia (Carey) O'Keefe. Red was the owner of First Avenue Sales
and Service of West Haven for 20 years. He was employed by the CT.
Motor Club in Hamden from 1975 until his retirement in 2011.
He was well known as a West Haven Speedway Champion in the 1960's.
His mechanical and woodworking skills were known to all. He will be
missed by his family and friends for his kindness and generosity.
Funeral from Sisk Brothers Funeral Home 3105 Whitney Ave. Hamden
Monday at 9:30 am, Mass of Christian Burial at 10 am in St. Joan of
Arc Church. Burial in All Saints Cemetery. Friends may call Sunday
from 3 - 7 pm. In lieu of flowers contributions to the St. Raphael
Foundation, c/o Masotta Family Fund, 1450 Chapel St. New Haven,
06511.
www.siskbrothers.com
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