His contagious laugh will forever be with us
NORTH READING — Paul R. O’Keefe of North Reading passed away on Saturday, November 13, 2021, surrounded by his loving and devoted family after a long and courageous battle with cancer and ALS at the age of 47.
Paul is the beloved husband of Michelle (Curran) O’Keefe and the loving son of Honora (Murphy) O’Keefe of North Reading and the late William O’Keefe.
Paul grew up in North Reading and was a graduate of North Reading High School, class of 1992. He owned and operated his own landscaping business in the town of North Reading for over 25 years. Paul was an extremely hard worker and very dedicated to the love of his life Michelle and his loving family. He enjoyed taking warm-weather vacations in Naples, Florida, Indian Rocks Beach, and Arizona. He visited many islands, trying a new one each time, Aruba being his favorite. He spent his winter months snowmobiling in Island Pond, Vermont as part of the “A” pack. In the summer months he enjoyed camping in Old Orchard Beach, Maine, with friends and family.
He was a dedicated businessman who took pride in his work and equipment, mentoring many along the way. Although his life was cut short, he built the house of his dreams, ripped around in his ‘70 Chevelle, married the love of his life, and had the family he always wanted. He fought hard and will be deeply missed by everyone he knew and loved. His contagious laugh will forever be with us.
In addition to leaving his wife Michelle, and his loving mother Honora, he is the devoted stepfather of Emma and Daniel Kiley of North Reading; the cherished brother of Donna Tilton and her husband Marty of North Reading, William O’Keefe of Scituate, Michael O’Keefe of North Reading, and Robert O’Keefe of North Reading. He was the beloved son-in-law of Michael and Kathleen Curran of Oldsmar, Florida and the loving uncle of Timothy Gonsalves, Brendan and Shawn Tilton, Taylor Todisco, William and Michael O’Keefe, Mia Gerock, and Morgann and Alicia Lane. He also leaves many friends and extended family.
His funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Theresa’s Church, 63 Winter St. (Rte. 62), North Reading on Saturday, November 20 at 10:30 a.m. Please go directly to church. Relatives and friends are cordially invited to visiting hours at the funeral home on Friday, November 19 from 4-8 p.m. Interment will be in Riverside Cemetery, North Reading.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Care Dimensions, 75 Sylvan St., Suite B102, Danvers, MA 01923 or Compassionate Care ALS of West Falmouth at https://ccals.org/donate or by mail to CCALS, P.O. Box 1052, West Falmouth, MA 02574. For information, directions or to leave an online condolence, please visit www.cotafuneralhomes.com.