Richard S. Keesan

Richard S. Keesan, passed away on May 3, 2024 at the age of 95.

Beloved husband of Linda Keesan. Loving father of Barry Keesan and Carol (Alan) Stone. Proud grandfather of Kim Stone (David), Matthew Keesan, Jeremy (Melissa) Stone and Joshua (Teresa) Keesan. Enthralled great-grandfather of Chase and Brynn Berkowitz, Sydney and Gavin Stone and Zoe and William Keesan. Further survived by many nieces, nephews, countless other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his six siblings: Edie, Doris, Joseph, Lillian, Jack, and Stanley.

Richard “Whitie” and his twin brother, Stanley “Blackie”, were the last of seven children born to immigrant parents, Morris and Anna Keesan. The tragic loss of their father in 1930 and the onset of the Great Depression created great financial hardship for the family. These circumstances compelled him to earn money at an early age and, years later, he attributed his business success to the intensely focused work ethic he developed to overcome an impoverished childhood.

Starting out as a salesman with Morrison & Schiff Co., Inc. and nothing more than a dream and the willingness to work hard, Richard became a highly regarded restauranteur who designed, built, owned and operated a number of popular Boston area restaurants. His holdings included the Deli-Haus, Capucino’s, Al Dentes as well as the Rose Gordon Hotel at Nantasket Beach.

In his later years as the owner of “Golden Clouds Villa” in Jamaica, he transformed the property into one of the north coast’s premier villas, widely known for its superb cuisine, extensive amenities, and the excellence of its service staff. During the course of his 30 year tenure, he became invested in the people and culture of Oracabessa, and received a special Award by the Jamaican Institute of Architects and the granting of the Award by the Governor General of Jamaica.

Business associates will remember Richard as a financially savvy entrepreneur who brought creativity, intelligence and passion into everything he did. His family will remember him with gratitude as “Poppy” the loving, generous, and entertaining patriarch, a father, grandfather and great-grandfather who was always there to help.

A private service will be held at the Anshe Poland Cemetery in Woburn, MA.

Memorial donations may be made to The Anna Keesan Scholarship Fund, Boston Latin School, 27 School St., Suite 300, Boston, MA 02108.