Clifford Kehoe (1946 - 2009) Chicago, IL and Las Vegas
Clifford Kehoe, April 7 1946 - April 12, 2009. Long time beloved educator Cliff Kehoe began his career teaching third grade at Latin School in Chicago in 1968, then moved to the Anshe Emet Day School where he spent ten years still in third grade! While in Chicago, Cliff started a very successful catering business, "The Butler Did It." His client list included Ann Landers and Marshall Field. Cliff was active in the National Association for the Prevention of Child Abuse, and on the Board of the Museum of Contemporary Art. In 1991 Cliff moved to Las Vegas and began teaching third grade at Gordon McCaw Elementary School, where he was active in the development of the McCaw School of Mines, and helped raise funds to purchase instruments to start the first and largest Steel Drum Band at any elementary school in Nevada. After a short time in fourth grade at Robert Taylor Elementary, Cliff became the Behavior Specialist at Edna Hinman Elementary, another job that he truly loved! Cliff's "larger than life" persona and gift for gab combined to make him the perfect person to welcome visitors to Las Vegas as a part time Customer Services Representative for Fun Jet and America Trans Air. He was active in the support of Channel 10, the McCaw School of Mines, Opportunity Village, St. Therese Center, Multiple Sclerosis Society, Susan G. Komen for the Cure, and the Nathan Adelson Hospice. Cliff is survived by Ron Zaio, his "Dearest Friend in the Whole World" for the last 35 years, and Ron's son Jeff, "a wonderful challenging young man who came with Ronnie." Cliff took pride in helping to raise this disabled young man, to help him become a supportive person. Other survivors include Cliff's brother John; nephew Robert; cousins Julie and Randy Smith; a host of former students, and cherished friends. In lieu of flowers it was Cliff's request that donations be made to the Nathan Adelson Hospice 4141 Swenson Street, Las Vegas, NV 89119, or the Henderson Animal Shelter 390 Athens Avenue, Henderson, NV 89015.
Published in the Chicago Tribune on 4/17/2009