NEW WINDSOR, NY—Hugh G. “Jerry” Keahon, Jr., a fixture in the Hudson Valley concrete supply sector for more than five decades and a board member of the Construction Industry Council of Westchester & Hudson Valley, Inc., and related affiliated components during his long career, passed away on July 31 in New Windsor, NY. He was 83.  

For most of his working life, Mr. Keahon was the president and operator of Keahon Brothers Concrete. Echoing the sentiment of his family, “Jerry had a reputation for honesty, integrity and fairness in business, and was respected by employees, contractors and coworkers alike,” said CIC Chairman George Pacchiana. His family stated that “Jerry enjoyed his career in the concrete industry where he made lifelong friends. He was always willing to share his knowledge and expertise when called upon.”

Ross J. Pepe, founding CIC president, said “Jerry Keahon’s history with the CIC dates back to the early 1970s when he replaced his uncle as a board member of CIC affiliated trade group, The Contractors and Suppliers Association of Rockland County. With his quick wit, warm personality and sharp sense of the business, Jerry quickly emerged as an industry leader and invaluable resource to help guide the formation and growth of the CIC in 1978 to become New York State’s most effective industry trade organization in the region.”

In 1987, as a principal of Keahon Brothers, Inc., Mr. Keahon was named president of the Hudson Valley Construction Suppliers Association, Inc., and a member company of the Concrete Producers Association of Hudson Valley, Inc. In 1988 he was named Treasurer of the Contractors Association of Rockland/Orange Counties, Inc.

In the mid 1990s, CIC consolidated numerous aligned organizations when Mr. Keahon was affiliated with Blue Circle (Raia) Materials, Inc. Mr. Keahon became a CIC Board member at that time and proudly served the industry until his passing in July. In 2001 he became affiliated with Cranesville Block Co., Inc., and by 2014 was affiliated with Eastern Concrete Materials, Inc.

Mr. Pepe added, “Jerry also used his business and personal skills to gather support for private institutions and charities in need of financial support to succeed and thrive through many difficult times in the economy. In particular, he was deeply committed to Dominican College (now University) where he spearheaded major capital campaign efforts. There are many in business and in the community who miss his friendly demeanor and insightful perspectives.”

The family noted Mr. Keahon was a voracious reader and loved to expand his mind with the writings of American and military history. A favorite subject was politics, and he never missed the opportunity to stir up a political debate no matter the subject or politician who was in his crosshairs that day. Borrowing a phrase from controversial journalist H.L. Menken, Mr. Keahon once said, “The problem with American politics is that we throw our bums into office.”

His family said, “He will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend, with a great sense of humor, and he had the ability to give everyone a nickname that perfectly captured the person. No matter the circumstance, you’d always leave with a story of something funny Jerry did while you were with him. Jerry’s legacy will live on forever through the many stories he shared and the memories of those who had the opportunity to know him.”

The son of the late Hugh Keahon and Marion (Zeck) Keahon, Jerry was born Nov. 10, 1939 in Nyack, NY. He is survived by his son, Michael Keahon (wife Jennifer) of Newburgh, NY, and two grandchildren, Ryan and Katelyn Keahon. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his wife, Jean in 2022, his son, Shawn, in 2017, a sister, Jane Keahon Schunk, and his brother, Kevin.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Aug. 9 in Cornwall, NY in Orange County. Memorial contributions in his name may be made to Tunnel to Towers Foundation, 2361 Hylan Boulevard, Staten Island, NY 10306.