OBITUARY
John Stephen Keeney
1934 – 2023
John Stephen Keeney, a native of Ardara, County Donegal, Ireland, passed away on November 13, 2023 at the age of 88. John was born on December 27, 1934 to Sonny and Aggie Keeney. He is predeceased in 2007 by his loving and adoring Wife Kathleen (nee Breslin). John is the devoted and loving Father to his children Mary, John Gerard and Dymphna and Father-in-Law to John Shannon, John Hurley and Christine Kennedy. John is also the proud and cherished Grandfather of Meghan, Mairead, Shane, Catie, Declan and Kayla. He is also the loving and revered Brother of Charles, James, Mary Phyllis, Michael, Packie, Goretti, Kieran and Ronnie, as well as the proud Uncle to numerous nieces and nephews.
John retired in 1997 as an Engineer for the New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation after 22 years of dedicated and exemplary service in Brooklyn, New York. A weaver by trade in his native Ireland, John was selected to travel to New York City to the World’s Fair in 1957 to demonstrate the craft at this globally significant event. He made additional trips to the U.S. before he and Kathleen emigrated to the Boston, Massachusetts area in 1965, at which point he proudly became a full-fledged American citizen. They later settled in Queens, New York in 1967, where they raised their 3 children.
Back in Ireland, John was also well-known for his distinguished career in Gaelic Football, playing for Ardara’s local club and the County’s Junior and Senior teams. He won a historic championship in 1952 with the Minor team. It was, however, as a Club Officer and Coach where John made an indelible mark on the Gaelic Athletic Association (G.A.A.) in molding the younger generation into the sport. His tireless work and trailblazing translated to sustained and resounding success in the many years to come, continuing all the way to the present time.
In New York, John and Kathleen became members of the Donegal Association, for which he was honored to be elected Director in 2004. He was also honored with the Charlie Bennett Club Hall of Fame Award in 2003 for his outstanding contributions to the Club over many years.
John was a true gentleman who treated everyone who crossed his path with utmost respect, kindness and dignity. Having now been reunited with his Bride Kathleen, he will forever be remembered and live on in the hearts of his loving family and treasured friends.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.To send flowers to the family please visit: Flower arrangements
VISITATION AT FUNERAL HOME
5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Sunday, November 26, 2023
Wantagh Abbey Funeral Home
3374 Park Ave
Wantagh, New York 11793
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FUNERAL MASS
10:00 am
Monday, November 27, 2023
Sacred Heart R.C. Church
720 North Merrick Ave
North Merrick, New York 11566
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FINAL RESTING PLACE
Monday, November 27, 2023
Pinelawn Memorial Park
2030 Wellwood Ave.
Farmingdale, New York 11735
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