LIVINGSTON, NJ – Retired fleet manager Gerald “Gerry” Keenan died Apr. 26, 2006, at home in Livingston, N.J. He was 78. Keenan was the fleet manager for GAB Business Services in New York City. He managed a company-owned fleet for 35 years before retiring in 1992.
Keenan spent nearly his entire career with GAB, taking over full control when Warren Begas retired. In addition to the automotive fleet, Keenan was involved in procuring equipment for use by adjusters at disaster sites. After retiring, Keenan never pursued other employment; however, he stayed in close contact with the people at GAB.
Following his retirement, Keenan "founded" the ROMEOs (Retired Old Men Eating Out), which included himself and other retired fleet managers, Warren Feirer, Al Cavalli, and Ray Breault. They met several times a year for trips to auto museums, fairs, and auto shows.
"Gerry was a walking passenger car encyclopedia. He was familiar with its history and was always reading material on it. He was also a great teller of stories and jokes and had a great sense of humor," said Cavalli.
In April 1991, Keenan was named an honorary member of the National Association of Fleet Administrators (NAFA) and was still involved with NAFA's New York and New Jersey chapters. In addition to his involvement in the local chapters, Keenan served on the National Audit Committee for several years in the early 1990s.
Prior to joining GAB, Keenan served in the U.S. Army. Keenan is survived by his son, daughter, and seven grandchildren.
The family has requested that memorial contributions be made in Gerry’s name to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, 116 S. Euclid Ave., Westfield, NJ 07090.
