Rev. William J. Keech, OSFS
Teacher, pastor, formator, counselor, and artist
Fr. Bill Keech, OSFS, 1926 - 2023
Fr. Keech was a professed member of the Oblates for 75 years and a priest for 66 years and, for many years, held the distinction as the oldest Oblate in North America. He taught at Northeast Catholic High School in Philadelphia for a few years but spent much of his ministry at Salesianum School in Wilmington, DE where he taught history, biology, and religion. He has dedicated countless hours to the drama program and helped establish the Salesianum Alumni Veteran Committee as he too was a veteran (WWII).
Fr. Bill was also a pastor at St. Anthony of Padua in Wilmington, DE and St. Cecelia’s Parish in Ft. Myers, FL. He served his fellow Oblates in various posts, including director of vocations, director of formation, and director of religious brothers.
Best known for his hearty laugh and love of the arts, Fr. Keech created countless works of paintings which are available below.
Fr. Keech’s Impact on Ray Ianni
DeSales World
Summer 2021
“…Of those Oblates Ray grew close to, Rev. William S. Keech, OSFS, was particularly special. “Fr. Keech was my confirmation sponsor when I was an eighth-grader/preteen. He was a beacon of light and hope during my challenging teen- age years. I could talk to him and not feel judged,” Ray said.
Fr. Keech Receives Salesian Service Award
The ceremony awarding the Salesian Service Award to Fr. Keech had to be held online due to Covid restrictions.
See the video for wonderful tributes to this special man, a biography on his life and the awarding who impacted the lies of so many!
Fr. Keech’s Artwork
Click here or on the images to purchase these or other works by Fr. Keech
