John O'Keefe
Born In: Glace Bay, Nova Scotia, Canada
Passed in: Glace Bay, Nova Scotia, Canada
Passed on: June 15th, 2011
John F. O’Keefe, age 87 of Maple Avenue, Glace Bay, passed away on Wednesday, June 15, 2011 at the Glace Bay Hospital.
Born in Glace Bay, John F. was the son of the late Arthur and Helena (Bates) O’Keefe.
He was a member of St. Anthony’s Church, Glace Bay. John F. started working for the S & L Railway Company in 1943. He left his job to serve his country during the Second World War with the Royal Canadian Engineers. When the war ended, John F. returned to his old job, retiring in 1986 from the S & L/Devco Railway Company. He was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 3, Glace Bay and also a 3rd Degree member of the Knights of Columbus, Council 1953, Glace Bay. John F. was an avid Toronto Maple Leafs fan and in his younger years, coached little league baseball in the local area. He loved to hunt, fish and play cards. But mostly; John F. will be remembered as a quiet, compassionate and gentle man, who loved his wife and family.
John F. is survived by his wife, Margaret (Moffatt) O’Keefe; one daughter, Lynne (David MacIsaac), Glace Bay and one son, Kevin (Lorraine) O’Keefe, Ottawa. Also surviving are three sisters, Marie McGean, Leona O’Keefe, both in Massachusetts, Betty Nealis, Glace Bay; four grandchildren, Michael, Laurie, David, Natalie (Adam) and several nieces and nephews.
John F. was predeceased by four brothers, Joseph, Anthony, David, Arthur and three sisters, Mary, Rose, Victoria.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, June 19, 2011 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. in the V.J. McGillivray Funeral Home, 16 Reserve St., Glace Bay. The funeral mass, officiated by Rev. Norman MacPhee will be held Monday morning at 11 a.m. in St. Anthony’s Church, followed by interment in the parish cemetery. All are invited to a reception at John F.’s daughter’s home on 1 Norwood St., Glace Bay.
As an expression of sympathy for John F., memorial donations in his memory may be made to the Nova Scotia Diabetic Association or Palliative Care.
The Knights of Columbus, Council 1953, Glace Bay, will hold a prayer service Sunday evening at 7:30 p.m. in the funeral home. Members of the R.C.L., Branch No. 3, Glace Bay will form an honour guard for their departed comrade on Monday morning at the entrance of St. Anthony’s Church.
Online condolences to the family can be expressed at www.vjmcgillivray.ca.
