Keith Regan

After a hard-fought battle against an aggressive form of cancer, Keith Andrew Regan, 57, died Aug 29, 2024, at Brigham and Women’s Medical Center, surrounded by his family.

He is survived by his devoted wife of eight years, Lisa (Dominguez) Regan. Keith was a loving father to his children, Andrew J. Regan of East Falmouth and Ilona Marie Regan of Germantown, Maryland. He also leaves behind the mother of his children, Ilona Sobkowiak of East Falmouth, and Ilona Marie’s fiance, Connor Craigie. He was the son of Joe and Diane (Trefry) Regan of Hopkinton. He was a loving brother to Cheryl (Regan) Catalina and her husband, Gino of East Sandwich, and was the beloved uncle of his niece, Kristin Catalina of Venice, California. He was known as a light by his stepchildren, Jack and Lydia Ellinwood, both of Whitinsville.

Born Aug. 17, 1967, Keith graduated in 1985 from Hopkinton High School and 1987 from Stockbridge School of Agriculture. While working in a tree that spring, a limb tie-in point failed, resulting in a fall that could have left Keith paralyzed. He spent that summer recuperating, and in the fall began his studies at Northeastern University, graduating with a B.A. in journalism in 1993. In 2000, he earned an MFA in creative writing from Emerson College.

For the last 10 years, Keith has worked with his father in the family business, Joe Regan Tree Work in Hopkinton, while also freelance writing for MASSterList, an online political newsletter. Previously, he wrote for the Boston Business Journal, The Standard-Times and The Daily News of Newburyport. He also competed briefly with his dad in lumberjack competitions at the Cheshire Fair, Brooklyn, Connecticut and Cummington Fair, among others.

While living in Grafton, he became involved locally by being elected to the Planning Board, eventually becoming chair. Grafton also is where he coached youth soccer teams for both of his children. Prior to the pandemic, Keith was a Friday night indoor soccer regular at the Hab in Uxbridge, playing with the Warthogs. Furthermore, he volunteered with his children at car wash fundraisers for Young Neighbors in Action at St. Patrick’s.

To say that Keith had a green thumb would be a gross understatement. Keith had an undying passion for the outdoors and often was found in his garden. He frequently led his family on hikes to showcase the beauty of New England.

In 2010, Keith moved from Grafton to Hopkinton, and then in September 2023, he and Lisa moved their family, including their beloved dog, Homer, to Whitinsville.

Calling hours are on Friday, Sept. 13, from 4-7 p.m. at Carr Funeral Home, 24 Hill Street, Whitinsville.

Keith’s funeral mass is Saturday, Sept. 14, at 11 a.m., at St. Patrick’s Church, 1 Cross Street, Whitinsville. Burial will be held privately at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (dana-farber.org), the Grafton Land Trust (graftonland.org), Baypath Humane Society (baypathhumane.org) or the Thornton House operated by Brigham and Women’s Hospital (giving.brighamandwomens.org).

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