David Derwill Keefe

David Derwill Keefe, PhD passed away peacefully on October 5, 2024, after a slow decline in health. He was preceded on his path to heaven by his loving wife of 61 years, Mary (Helfrich) Keefe, and is survived by children Connie (Paul) Sanneman and Dan (Sharon) Keefe, seven grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, three sisters, one brother, and several nieces and nephews.

Dave was born in Binghamton, New York on February 16,1940 to the late William D. and Ola “Cynthia” (Nyberg) Keefe. He graduated from Saint Bonaventure University with a Bachelor of Science in Physics, and from The University of Virginia with a Doctor of Philosophy in Education Technology and Evaluation. He had a 30-year career with IBM in product development laboratories and the IBM Research Division. He led pioneering programs that amplified the effect of technology on learning, before leaving IBM to start one of the first education internet companies -- America Tomorrow International.

Dave’s faith was an important part of his life, and he was a Fourth Degree Knight of Columbus and member of St. Patrick Roman Catholic Church in Rockville, MD for several decades. He served as the president of St. Patrick’s Leisure Club and volunteered as Technology Integration Coordinator at St Mary’s School in Rockville, MD for many years. Dave was an avid golfer and spent many seasons playing in the Maryland Interclub Seniors Golf Association (MISGA) enjoying his many friends at Manor Country Club and across the state of Maryland.

Dave’s many passions included music and education. In his last few years while living at the Ingleside at King Farm retirement community, he shared his time and talents with his fellow retirees giving lectures and programs on everything from Beethoven to Artificial Intelligence. He was a friend to all – from his caregivers to his fellow assisted living members. He always had a song in his heart.

Visitation will be held on Saturday October 26, 2024, between 10 and 11 AM at Our Lady of Grace Church in Silver Spring, MD followed by the Funeral Mass at 11AM.  Interment to follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Silver Spring, MD.

In lieu of flowers, Memorial Contributions may be made to the School Sisters of St Francis in Milwaukee, Wisconsin (details below).