John J. O'Keefe

Methuen, MA – John J. “Jack” O’Keefe, 88, of Methuen, formerly of Norwood, Somerville and Seabrook, NH, died Thursday, June 4, 2015 after a period of declining health. He was born in Somerville, MA, August 3, 1926, a son to the late Elizabeth and John O’Keefe. Jack graduated from Somerville High School 1944. He was a WWII veteran of the Army Air Force where he received specialized training in airplane and heavy equipment operations and repairs and was honorably discharged in 1946. He worked as a truck driver for various firms upon returning to civilian life and later enjoyed a long time career as a repairman for New England Telephone. Jack was married to Catherine (Sennott) O’Keefe until her death in 1999. Together they enjoyed many years of travel and educational experiences throughout their marriage. Besides his ‘bride,’ Jack’s true passion was deep sea fishing and he was a regular on the all-day boats out of Eastman’s in Seabrook, NH for much of his life. He was deeply religious, a lifelong blood donor and a registered organ donor as well. Jack loved trains, wintering in San Diego and finding bargains at Swap Meets – particularly anything MADE IN AMERICA. He was a true patriot and an avid football fan. He is survived by his brother Robert O’Keefe and wife Jacqueline of Westford, his sister Mary Howard of Malden, his sisters-in-law; Carina Logue and husband James of North Andover, Eileen Preskenis of Northport, ME and his brother-in-law, Francis Sennott of Buckfield, Maine. He’s also survived by many, many loving nieces and nephews, including Kathleen O’Keefe Gerow and her husband Kevin of Methuen, with whom he made his home for the last 15 years, and his godson Robert O’Keefe and wife Susan of Westford, at whose shop he spent nearly all his non-fishing days. In addition to his parents and his beloved wife, Catherine, Jack was preceded in by his siblings Katherine Morin, Richard and Theresa O’Keefe and many sisters and brothers in law. Visitation will be from 10 to 11 am on Monday, June 8, 2015 in the Remick & Gendron Funeral Home – Crematory, 811 Lafayette Rd., Hampton, NH. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:30 am following the visitation at St. Elizabeth Church, 1 Lowell St., Seabrook Beach, NH. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, we would like to honor John’s favorite doctors; Stephen Zappala and Leo Lane, both Central Catholic graduates, by requesting that those wishing to make a donation, direct it to the school; Central Catholic High School, 300 Hampshire Street, Lawrence, MA 01841.

John J. O'Keefe

August 3, 1926 - June 4, 2015