Community members pay their respects to Msgr. Richard O’Keeffe in wake ceremony

Hundreds filled the Immaculate Conception Parish in Yuma, paying their final respects to the retired pastor Monsignor Richard O’Keeffe who passed away last month.

Monsignor O’Keeffe passed away at the age of 84. The parish held a wake ceremony which is usually before a funeral for the retired pastor Sunday night.

Father Manuel Fragoso of the Immaculate Conception Parish said Monsignor O’Keeffe touched many lives in the Yuma and meant so much to the community.

“He was here 9 years as an assistant of a pastor. And then 29 years as a pastor himself. So that’s why I mean this community owes a lot for him. I mean he always was ready to serve and find the best way to share his priesthood with the people of Yuma.”

Two funeral will be held for Monsignor O’Keeffe at the Immaculate Conception Parish Monday. One at 8 A.M. and a second at 2 P.M.