Joseph L. Keefe 80 of Franklin, died Friday August 28, 2009 at the Maples Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in Wrentham, following a long illness. He was the beloved husband of Maryellen (Mellett) Keefe.
Born in Hingham, April 7, 1929 a son of the late William J. and Helen (McCormick) Keefe, he lived in Franklin for 11 years, and formerly resided in Elizabeth, New Jersey for many years before moving to Franklin.
He was raised and educated in Hingham, and was a 1947 graduate of Thayer Academy. Following graduation, he attended Holy Cross College in Worcester, where he graduated from in 1951.
Mr. Keefe was a retired chemist. He worked for the Huls Chemical Co. which is headquarted in Germany for more than 35 years, until his retirement.
He served in the US Army during the Korean conflict. He was stationed in Korea, and was the Company clerk of his unit: HQ, 159th Artillery Battalion. He attained the rank of corporal, and was honorably discharged in September 1953. He was awarded the Korean Service Medal with 3 bronze service stars, The United Nations Service Medal with 2 overseas bars, and the Good Conduct Medal.
He was a member of the American Chemical Society, and was active in the national and local Republican party. He was a communicant of St. Mary's Church in Franklin, and was a longtime member of its lector ministry, and the RCTA program. He also was active in the Right to Life movement.
Surviving in addition to his wife of 52 years is a son William J. Keefe and his wife Joanna of Boston, 2 daughters: Ruth Keefe McGoldrick of Brewster, NY, Mary Elizabeth Keefe of Boston, a brother: John L. Keefe of Walpole, 6 grandchildren: Maryellen McGoldrick, Thomas McGoldrick, Olivia Keefe, Madeleine Keefe and Sofia Keefe. His daughter in law Jennifer P. Keefe of Framingham.
He was the father of the late: Joseph L. Keefe Jr. and the brother of the late William J., Charles A., Philip R. Keefe, Mary McLaughlin, and Anne Straine.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend his funeral Tuesday at 9:15AM from the Charles F. Oteri & Son Franklin Funeral Home, 33 Cottage St. (www.franklinfuneral.com) with a funeral mass in St. Mary's Church at 10AM. Interment will follow in Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Roslindale.
Calling hours are Monday from 4-8PM.
Donations in his memory sent to St. Vincent dePaul Society, 18 Canton St., Stoughton, MA 02072 would be appreciated.