Joseph Thomas O'Keefe

Joseph Thomas O'Keefe (March 12, 1919 – September 2, 1997) was an American prelate of the Roman Catholic Church who served as bishop of the Diocese of Syracuse in New York from 1987 to 1995.

Biography

Early life Joseph O'Keefe was born on March 12, 1919 in New York City to Michael and Bridget (née O'Sullivan) O'Keefe.

Priesthood O'Keefe was ordained to the priesthood for the Archdiocese of New York on April 17, 1948 at St. Patrick's Cathedral in Manhattan by Cardinal Francis Spellman. After his ordination, the archdiocese assigned O'Keefe as a curate at St. Luke's Parish in the Bronx. He also taught biology and served as dean at Cardinal Hayes High School in the same borough. In 1951, O'Keefe received a Master of Science degree in biology from the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C.

O'Keefe later taught biology at Mercy College in Dobbs Ferry, New York and at St. Joseph Seminary in Yonkers, New York. He was secretary for education and associate superintendent of Catholic schools in the archdiocese, chancellor and vicar general, as well as pastor of St. John the Evangelist Parish in Manhattan.