NJ Commissioner & Breeder/Owner Buddy Keegan Dies at 86

Francis X. “Buddy” Keegan, Jr., longtime New Jersey Racing Commissioner and thoroughbred advocate, died Thursday, June 5. He was 86.

Keegan served as a commissioner on the New Jersey Racing Commission since 2006 and maintained a significant presence in the state’s racing community as both a breeder and owner since 1963.

His leadership extended throughout the industry, having served as president of the New Jersey Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association and president of the New Jersey Horsemen’s Association. Keegan was also a patron of Monmouth Hunt.

The respected racing figure held memberships in several prestigious organizations, including the Thoroughbred Club of America, the Green Mountain Horse Association and the National Hunt Association.

A Seton Hall graduate with additional education at Fordham Law School, Keegan served in the infantry in the U.S. Army before building a 51-year career as Wealth Management Adviser and First Vice President of Investment with USB Financial Services.

The Spring Lake, New Jersey resident is survived by his son, Mickey.

Funeral arrangements include a viewing on Monday, June 16, at O’Brien Funeral Home in Wall Township from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. ET.

A memorial mass will be held Tuesday, June 17, at St. Catharine’s Church in Spring Lake at 10 a.m. ET, followed by burial at St. Catharine’s at 11:30 a.m. ET.

A repast will take place at 12:30 p.m. ET at the Spring Lake Golf Club.