John F. Keenan, Sr., 89, of 45 Auburn St., in the Cherry Valley section of Leicester, died Saturday, Feb. 11 at Knollwood Nursing Center in W. Boylston. His wife of 58 years, Mary A. (Walsh) Keenan, died last September. He leaves two sons, Lt. Col. (Ret.) John F. Keenan and his wife Lada of Carlsbad, CA, and Dr. Joseph T. Keenan and his wife Dr. Melissa Keenan of Lancaster, NH, four grandchildren Christopher Padraik, Michael Liam, Katherine Elizabeth, and John Joseph Keenan, and numerous nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by a brother George Keenan and by three sisters Catherine Keenan, Agnes Toomey and Anna Barrett.
Before retiring in 1977, Mr. Keenan owned and operated Keenan Landscaping Service in Cherry Valley for 40 years, employing many extended family members and local youths. He graduated from St. Peter's High School in Worcester, and from the Stockbridge School of Agriculture in 1937. He served in Europe in the U.S. Army during WWII, participating in the invasion at D-Day. He was a member, Eucharistic Minister and Lector, taught catechism, and was a former member of the Parish Council at St. Joseph's Church in Leicester, a charter member of the Leicester Council Knights of Columbus, and a Registrar of Voters for the Town of Leicester for many years. He was also a member of the Worcester Horticultural Society, and was instrumental in the creation of the Worcester County Landscape Gardeners Association.
Born in Leicester in the home he lived in throughout his life, he was the son of John Joseph and Agnes B. (Grady) Keenan. He was an inspiration to many, and will be remembered for his generous dedication to his town, his church, his country, and his family.
The funeral will be held on Thursday, Feb. 16 from the MORRISON-MORIN FUNERAL HOME, 1131 Main St., Leicester with a Mass at 10 a.m. in St. Joseph Church, 759 Main St., Leicester. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery, Leicester. Calling hours are Wednesday, Feb. 15 from 4 to 7pm.