Leroy Edward Kean

Leroy E. Kean, August 12, 2022, from multiple organ failure. Born in Frankford Hospital & raised in the Lower Northeast. Following graduation from Central High School, class of 189 and Temple University, ‘53 BA School of Business, Mr. Kean went to work with two cousins.  Eventually opened his own office, the eventual Leroy Kean Corporation).  Mr. Kean maintained a vigorous schedule the next 60 years purchasing and selling mostly Commercial Properties and donating his time to The Greater Philadelphia Association of Realtors.  Mr. Kean was an active leader within GPAR, serving on many committees, and granted every award they had for service; active in Pennsylvania Association of Realtors and also a former National Director of Realtors (governing body for each region). Mr. Kean served as President of GPAR in 1998. Mr. Kean was Active throughout the ‘60s-2012, slowing only for health reasons thereafter. Leroy Kean was always accompanied by his wife, Lois, when out. Mr. Kean was part of the development team which rescued Lit Brothers, renovated and developed Old Original Bookbinder’s in Society Hill. Mr. Kean was also a part of the group which rescued and revived 1500 Chestnut; Shopping Centers, strip malls, Office Buildings, residential and walk-up apartments. “My father was omnivorous”, said his son, Kirby, “because he lived through The City at its height of population and productivity, and was confident its Leaders and Citizen-Leaders would figure things out”.  Mr. Kean was involved in plenty of deals we never heard about he would hear about opportunities from his cousin, Ralph Heller, and oftentimes large parcels were bought and sold at profit before they ever reached their ultimate owner. Mr. Kean is predeceased by his wife, Lois (nee Sitkin) and survived by his son Kenneth, daughter, Candace and Kirby (Susan Giraldi) and grandson, Evan. Of all his accomplishments, Mr. Kean was by far the most satisfied and proud of his grandson.

Funeral services were private. 

Family and friends are invited to a memorial service in Leroy’s memory on Wednesday, Oct. 19, 2022, 5:00pm, at the Union League of Phila., 140 S. Broad St., Phila., PA 19102.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Leroy’s memory may be made to the Union League Legacy Foundation-Kean Family Scholarship Fund.

Some of Leroy’s affiliations:

Lifetime Member, The Union League of Phila, serving, when requested, on its finance committee

Member, Tristate Association of Realtors

Member, IREM

Member, Greater Philadelphia Board of Realtors.