Father Robert Keck, S.J.

Father Robert Keck, S.J., who taught at several New York colleges and spent most of his years as a priest living and serving in Manhattan, died March 24 at Montefiore Moses Hospital, the Bronx. He was 83.

He taught at The College of New Rochelle, Marymount Manhattan College and Richmond College, Staten Island. During this time, he lived with the West Side Jesuit Community from 1969 until 2011, when he helped oversee their move to Thompson Street. Over the years, he served the community as superior and in other capacities.

Father Keck also served as director of an innovative educational program at his alma mater, Fordham Prep, the Bronx, 1966-1969.

He was a teacher and then principal at McQuaid Jesuit High School, Rochester, 1962-1966. He taught English, math, speech and science at a high school in Chuuk, Micronesia, 1954-1957.

Father Keck also served through retreat and healing ministries.

Born in the Bronx, he entered the Society of Jesus at St. Andrew-on-Hudson, Poughkeepsie, in 1947. He was ordained at Fordham University in 1960 after studying for the priesthood at Woodstock College in Maryland.

He earned his doctorate in education in curriculum and teaching practice at Teachers College of Columbia University.

Because of failing health, he moved to Murray-Weigel Hall at Fordham University in the Bronx shortly before his death.

A Funeral Mass was offered on April 2 at the Fordham University Church, followed by burial at the Jesuit Cemetery, Auriesville.