Bay Ridge lost one of its ‘treasures’ on July 17, 2009, and her name was Rosemarie O’Keefe. Rosemarie, in the words of Senator Marty Golden, was a woman who stood as a giant in her community and who accomplished great things for Bay Ridge. Golden also stated, “I am grateful to have had the privilege of working with Rosemarie O’Keefe for many years towards the betterment of our community. Be it cleanups on our avenues or in our parks, or fighting against crime or graffiti, or working on issues related to our community’s zoning, Roe was everywhere and did everything for the good of the neighborhood.” Community leader Arlene Keating said, “Rosemarie had been a constant supporter of many Bay Ridge events for years, including the Ragamuffin Parade and the BRCC as well as many, many more. Truly loyal to the Bay Ridge community that she loved and protected so dearly. Everything she touched and advocated for she did with fervor and class. She was a friend to many and will be missed by all.” Councilman Vincent Gentile had this to say about O’Keefe, “Certainly this community mourns the passing of Rosemarie O’Keefe. We may not have been from the same party but we were on the same page about what was right and what was good and what was in the best interest for our community and the city. We really lost a friend.” Bay Ridge Community Council President Andrew Windsor said, "Rosemarie O'Keefe was an integral and important part of our community, working tirelessly on behalf of others. Her presence and dedication in and to Bay Ridge and the surrounding areas will be missed". Her funeral on Monday at St. Anselm’s Church was well attended by Bay Ridge and beyond. Mayor Michael Bloomberg and former Mayor Rudy Guliani were both in attendance, with Bloomberg calling O’Keefe “bigger than life” and a person the city will miss dearly.
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