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Buck Reitmeyer posted a condolence
Friday, May 1, 2020
Mrs. O'Kane,
I unfortunately never met your husband, but I had the pleasure of being a fraternity brother of Jerry's at Villanova and backpacking through Europe with Bill after taking the bar exam. To have raised two great sons, Mr. O'Kane must have been an awesome father and man.
Years after meeting your boys, I joined the Aramark Legal Department and found myself sitting next to Joe Neubauer at a Phillies game. As I don't have much in common with a billionaire, I was searching for things to talk about with Joe and brought up Mr. O'Kane's name. Not only did Joe remember Mr. O'Kane, he remarked about how good of an attorney he was and how well he was regarded in the Legal Department. Joe then went on to tell me a few war stories from deals that they worked on together.
Many other individuals at Aramark spoke very highly about Mr. O'Kane. In fact, one attorney told me that he always copied from Mr. O'Kane's deal documents because they were so good.
Please know that we will keep you and your family in our prayers.
Buck Reitmeyer
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Eileen McCann posted a symbolic gesture
Tuesday, April 28, 2020
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To the whole O'Kane Family:
Just a note to let you know we were thinking of you in this difficult time. We all loved him and enjoyed him. I think of him and just SMILE. He had such a wonderful smile and enjoyed family so much. He will be misssed by all. What a treasure to have known him.
Sincerely, Rean McCann
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Joanne Peacock posted a condolence
Tuesday, April 28, 2020
Dear Mrs. O'Kane, Tom, Mary Anne, Bill and Jerry,
Wow, what a loss of a great man, but what a great legacy he has left behind in his family!
I am embarrassed at the number of things I just learned for the first time reading Mr. O'Kane's obituary...
Did not know he attended Wharton, worked on subs, ran M&A for Aramark, or collected Donna Summer albums! (perhaps that last one was kept under wraps by Bill & Jerry?)
What I recall and will always remember about Mr. O'Kane is his broad, beaming smile, friendly wave, quick wit, and the twinkle in his eye when he was giving any one of his kids or their friends a razzing. Such an infectious and easy personality to be around and a great role model for his sons and their friends.
We had a charmed life on Powder Horn Road, enjoying numerous happy times of summer barbecues, swim meets, pool parties, and highly competitive flash light tag!!
Our parents always knew they could entrust us to Mr. & Mrs. O in their absence, implicit that the O'Kane household abided by the same rules of the road as ours. We are all fortunate to have known Mr. O'Kane (though I REALLY wish I knew about Donna Summer back in Avalon days) and to have enjoyed the company of a great man and a second dad in Militia Hill!
So sorry you cannot enjoy celebrating his life at this time with extended friends and family, but hopefully the time will come when we can get together to pay tribute to him , share memories and have a few laughs! (and maybe listen to Donna Summer?)
With love and sympathy,
Joanne McChesney Peacock & Jep Peacock
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Paul Hogan posted a condolence
Monday, April 27, 2020
Mrs. O’Kane, Bill, Tom, Mary Anne and Jerry, I am very sorry to hear of Mr. O‘Kane’s passing and on behalf of the entire Hogan family offer our deepest condolences. What an incredible life Mr. O’Kane lived, raising a wonderful family and leaving a lasting legacy.
I was fortunate to meet and become good friends with Bill while in high school and got to know the entire O’Kane clan during that time. I was always welcomed at their homes on Powder Horn Drive and Avalon, and appreciated Mr O’Kane’s friendly approach, always willing to engage a young man in conversation whenever I stopped by. My parents got to know Mr.and Mrs. O’Kane through many LaSalle High School events, especially swim meets, cheering on the team. They always enjoyed spending time with Mr.and Mrs. O’Kane, whether in the balcony section of LaSalle’s pool watching the boys swim or a cocktail at the Jersey shore.
Mrs. O’Kane, my thoughts and prayers are with you and the entire O’Kane family.
Paul Hogan
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John Young posted a condolence
Monday, April 27, 2020
Dear Mrs. O'Kane & family,
I wanted to express my condolences at the passing of Mr. O'Kane, a very kind and gracious person. Bill and I have known each other for many years going back to our days at Whitemarsh. I can still remember the battles with Aronomink! I always enjoyed my conversations with you and your husband, especially as we moved from La Salle to BC and then adulthood. My mother spoke fondly yesterday of Mr. O'Kane and we will keep you and your family in our prayers at this difficult time.
John Young
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Sean Zimmermann lit a candle
Sunday, April 26, 2020
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Dear Jerry, Karen, Brendan, and Audrey,
We send our condolences to each and every member of the O’Kane family during this difficult time. What an incredible life William O’Kane lived with so many outstanding accomplishments throughout his life. It is family, however, that is his most important and lasting legacy. Knowing Jerry and family as we do, we have been fortunate to witness that legacy over many years. We hope that the countless wonderful memories of Jerry’s father are cherished by the friends and family. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the entire O’Kane family.
Sean, Joanie, Tyler, Jessica and Kaitlyn Zimmermann
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Sean Closkey posted a condolence
Sunday, April 26, 2020
Mrs. O'Kane, Bill, Tom Mary Anne, Jerry,
Thinking of your Dad always brings a smile to my face. I fondly remember shore visits and Villanova parent weekends, he was always so warm and welcoming. You were blessed to have him and in turn your family is a blessing to all of us. My he rest in peace. You are all in my thoughts and prayers, Sean "Squid" Closkey
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Desmond Connolly lit a candle
Saturday, April 25, 2020
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To Mrs O'Kane, Tom, Mary Anne, Bill, Jer and the large extended family of the great Mr. Bill O'Kane - I wish you my deepest condolences upon his passing. It's been a while since I've seen most of you - but the memories of the early 'Nova years with Jerry and our illustrious crew visiting Fort Washington or Avalon are etched in my mind. It's no surprise that almost every tribute I've read about Mr O'Kane has mentioned what a gentleman he was - that can't be overstated. I remember enjoying (probably my first ever) Yuengling while talking Big 5 hoops or Celtics-Sixers. What a treat.
His legacy will endure in his wonderful family - may God rest his soul and provide comfort to all of you.
Des Connolly and family
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Joe Sacks posted a condolence
Saturday, April 25, 2020
Dear Jerry, Karen, Brendan, and Audrey,
We are so sorry for your loss. We are fortunate to have had the opportunity to meet your father/father-in-law/ grandfather. He was very kind to each of us. We know you will miss him dearly. You are some of our very closest friends and we truly appreciate your friendships over these many years. Our kids have literally grown up together and we’ve shared many great memories together. Jerry, you are truly a testament to both your Mom and Dad…sincerely one of my best friends. God Bless You all during this difficult time.
Joe Sacks and Family
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Maureen O’Kane uploaded photo(s)
Friday, April 24, 2020
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My PopPop was a wonderful grandfather & man - kind, gentle, and always with a smile on his face. Though I am not as proficient at them as he was, I will always fondly remember PopPop’s love of puzzle games and the times we were able to complete them together. Not to mention he was the sharpest dresser around! I’ll always remember his carefully coordinated outfits and his impeccable style. I am glad that his memory will live on through the love of the family he leaves behind, and I am happy to know that each time I complete a Philadelphia Inquirer crossword puzzle or a sudoku puzzle I’ll think of him. I love you PopPop!
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Ted Dolan lit a candle
Friday, April 24, 2020
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Mrs. O'Kane, Bill, Tom Mary Anne, Jerry,
I am very sorry to hear of Mr O'Kane's passing. When I heard the news from Bill yesterday the first thoughts that came to my mind was memory of meeting Mr O'Kane at BC. Tall distinguished gentleman, warm greeting and smile and it turned out he has the same sense of humor as his son. I can hear the laughs sharing jokes at football tailgates and when you visited us in the apartment and during senior week. Always a really good solid conversation whenever I saw him. I am sorry that I did not get to partake in more of those. I am glad that I got to know him through Bill!
I will keep Mr O'Kane and your whole family in my prayers, May he rest in peace. Ted Dolan
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John Brosnan posted a condolence
Friday, April 24, 2020
Mrs. O’Kane, Tom, Mary Anne, Bill and Jerry, my deepest condolences on the loss of great man and a true patriot. Mr. O’Kane lived a life many should emulate, he was a proud Irishman, a devout Catholic, served his country loyally, and most importantly he raised a fantastic family that I have enjoyed sharing company with over the years. His legacy will long surpass the years he spent on this earth in his children, grandchildren and future generations. I always enjoyed the conversations and cocktails we shared over the years and in particular during the summers I spent in Avalon when we would stop in for a visit, a cold one and a joke or story or two. He will certainly be missed by all and my thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time. Jerry told me that Mr. O’Kane told him last week that he had lived a good life and once again he was right! It was a life well and fully lived and thoroughly enjoyed by him and those he touched. God bless.
John Brosnan and family
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Laurie Gibbons posted a condolence
Friday, April 24, 2020
Uncle Bill was a man of integrity, honor, dignity and warmth. He knew right from wrong and he was always someone you could count on. Simply put, he was a good person. And the family he and Aunt Eleanor raised reflects those values. But the memory that puts a smile on my face was playing charades with our extended family at the Avalon shore house. Somehow, Uncle Bill got the Rod Stewart song "Do You Think I'm Sexy" to act out. And Uncle Bill was all in and he went for it. He started doing this silly dance and somehow we got the clue. The room erupted into laughter for a long time and that ended the game for that night. He was a good person but he was fun, too.
We all wish we could be with you tomorrow. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Laurie Gibbons
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Sal De Bunda lit a candle
Friday, April 24, 2020
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Dear Eleanor and Bill: I am very sorry for your loss! I worked for Bill as part of the ARA Merger and Acquisitions for 5 years upon my graduation from Penn Law in 1968. Bill was a great man and a creative lawyer. I had the normal Italian gung-ho approach and attitude but Bill was a steady force in slowing me down and teaching me to be more patient and being a better listener. His approach has helped me throughout my career. I always recall a specific memory that makes me smile whenever I think about it. After finishing my performance review at year two of my time at ARA, Bill asked if I had any more questions.! I said I had just one question. His response “You can’t have no job yet!” That wasn’t my question but I never did ask any question.
I have been blessed to work with two O’Kanes!
Love and prayers to both of you and the family.
Sal De Bunda
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Jeff Vigne posted a condolence
Friday, April 24, 2020
Dear Jerry and family,
So very sorry to learn of your Dad's passing. While I never had the privilege of knowing him I am positive you are a walking legacy to the outstanding person he was. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers at this time. With deepest sympathy. Jeff Vigne and Family
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Chris Jodoin posted a condolence
Friday, April 24, 2020
Mrs. O'Kane and family, I am tremendously sorry to hear about your loss, my deepest condolences. While sad, this time also brings back some tremendous memories. I was lucky enough to meet and become fast friends with Bill our freshman year at BC. It was not long after that you all welcomed me into your homes in Ft Washington and the Shore and am happy to count not only Bill but also his parents, Tom, Mary Anne and Jerry as friends. I always enjoyed sharing a Yuengling with Mr. O'Kane, his calm, thoughtful demeanor and his funny quips culminating in Mr. O'Kane cracking himself up most of all! However, maybe the most special times I recall are when my parents and the O'Kanes got together for BC tailgates. My dad and Mr. O'Kane hit it off famously - no surprise - it is probably best that they were separated by many states so as not to get in too much trouble. I can only hope they are together now arguing about the Boston/Philly sports rivalry. I wish you folks all the best in this very difficult time and please know that through all of this Mr. O'Kane is still bringing a wide smile to many faces. I look forward to catching up in person and sharing many more memories as soon as we are able. Your friend, Chris Jodoin
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Susan & Bob Dann uploaded photo(s)
Friday, April 24, 2020
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We had the pleasure of meeting Mr. O'Kane (Bill) around 1995 when Bill Jr. married my sister Carolyn (Cookie). The entire O'Kane family was so welcoming to "The Kramer" clan. Fortunately, Bill and Eleanor live near us so we had many fun times at parties, BBQing, golfing, Christmas... Bill always warmed our hearts with his friendly smile, sweet demeanor, great sense of humor and laugh, integrity and presence. We will miss him greatly. Out thoughts and prayers go out to Eleanor, Bill Jr., Tom Jerry, Mary Anne and families. Much love, Bob & Susan xoxo
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Lynn lit a candle
Friday, April 24, 2020
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We are so sorry to hear about the loss of your Dad Jerry. He sounds like an amazing father. Thoughts and prayers for you and your entire family.
The Koutras family
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Mark Farley posted a condolence
Friday, April 24, 2020
Mrs. O, Tom, Mary Anne, Bill and Jerry, my deepest condolences on the loss of such a wonderful, kind gentleman.
Being a college kid several hours away from home, it was the O'Kane's who welcomed me into their home, both in Ft. Washington and at the shore, many times and treated me like family - even when I overstayed my welcome and refused to leave. The memories of Big Bill, with a martini slowly swirling in hand, smiling, laughing and adding a quick one liner to poke fun at me, Boston Sports or any of Jerry's friends that were there, are fond ones. He always a warm, generous, friendly presence, offering his well thought out opinions and sound advice on whatever the topic was, from sports to politics to current events.
Please know that in these trying times, the whole O'Kane family is in the thoughts and prayers of my entire family, and wish that we could be there personally to celebrate such a wonderful man.
Mark and Brenda Farley
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Craig McChesney posted a condolence
Friday, April 24, 2020
To all the O'Kanes: I am so very sorry for your family’s loss. Your dad was probably the nicest, friendliest adult any of us ever knew growing up...always there with a smile, a friendly word, and predictably a bad joke that was endemic among their generation. His death, like the death of so many of my parents’ friends, leaves me very nostalgic for our younger days on Powder Horn Drive, Avalon, and WVCC. We were blessed to grow up in the shadow of some fantastic people who collectively helped make us who we are. He will be missed. RIP Mr. O'Kane.
Craig McChesney
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Denis Graeber posted a condolence
Friday, April 24, 2020
Mr OKane was a terrific man and his awesome family is a true reflection of the fun , generous and thoughtful man he was. We feel lucky to have known him. Our thoughts and prayers will stay with Bill and the entire OKane family.
Denis and Jennifer Graeber
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Tim and Ellen McCarthy planted a tree in memory of William O'Kane
Friday, April 24, 2020
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Matt Taylor lit a candle
Friday, April 24, 2020
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Jer and the rest of the O’Kane clan,
We are very sorry for your loss and will keep your entire family in our prayers. Mr. O’Kane was a gracious and generous guy who was always fun to be around (we will forgive his misspent youth at St Joe’s Prep).
Mr. and Mrs. O’Kane have the best legacy one can ask for as evidenced by their four great kids and their families.
God Bless Mr. O’Kane.
Matt and Cathy Taylor
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Michael Koons lit a candle
Friday, April 24, 2020
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On behalf of my wife, Sasha and myself, I'd like offer our sincerest thoughts and prayers to Mrs. O'Kane and the entire family. As a long time friend of Jerry and fellow Villanova grad, Bill and Eleanor opened up their home to us on many occasions and their warmth and generosity will always be appreciated and cherished.
Mr. O'Kane (old habits die hard) was a warm, generous man who's kindness was infectious. I have fond memories of talking Nova hoops or family with Mr. O'Kane, Jerry and our friends over beers. I am blessed to have known the entire O'Kane family and I think their kindness and friendship is the best tribute possible for such a great man. We are lucky to have known him. God's blessings to Mrs. O'Kane and the entire family. Mike and Sasha Koons
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Schuler Family planted a tree in memory of William O'Kane
Thursday, April 23, 2020
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So sorry for your loss, we'll be thinking of you and your family during this time and will keep you in our thoughts and prayers. xoxo Join in honoring their life - plant a memorial tree
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TJ O’Kane uploaded photo(s)
Thursday, April 23, 2020
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The family of William J. O'Kane uploaded a photo
Wednesday, April 22, 2020
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In Loving Memory
William O'Kane
1931 - 2020
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Family and friends are coming together online to create a special keepsake. Every memory left on the online obituary will be automatically included in this book.
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