Remembering John F. Keenan: A Distinguished Federal Judge
John F. Keenan, a respected federal judge in Manhattan, passed away on Sunday at the age of 94 at his residence in the Bronx. His death was confirmed by Edward Friedland, the district executive of the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York.
Judge Keenan, known for his no-nonsense demeanor and sharp legal acumen, was appointed to the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York in 1983 by President Ronald Reagan. His career was marked by several high-profile cases that captured public attention.
Among those cases was the trial of Bess Myerson, the beloved former cultural affairs commissioner of New York City and a former Miss America. In 1988, she faced allegations of bribery, accused of attempting to influence a state judge to lower the spousal support payments owed by her then-lover to his estranged wife. Judge Keenan’s handling of the case reflected his commitment to justice and the rule of law.
Another significant trial that Judge Keenan presided over was that of Imelda Marcos, the widow of former Philippine President Ferdinand E. Marcos. In 1990, she stood trial on serious charges of conspiring with her late husband to embezzle over $200 million from the Philippine treasury. The Marcos couple had fled to the United States in 1986 following a popular uprising that put an end to Ferdinand Marcos’s oppressive regime. Imelda Marcos became infamous for her extravagant lifestyle, which included a staggering collection of more than 1,000 pairs of shoes.
Throughout his career, Judge Keenan gained a reputation for his fairness and integrity, navigating complex legal issues with a steady hand. His legacy continues to resonate within the legal community and beyond.
