John M. Keeley, a retired Massachusetts State Police Major and U.S. Navy veteran, died on Thursday, October 1, 2009 at Quincy Medical Center. He was 85.
A longtime resident of Quincy and former resident of Dorchester, Mr. Keeley was born in Boston and raised in South Boston where he graduated from Gate of Heaven High School. He later received an Associate’s degree in Criminal Justice from Northeastern University.
During World War II, he served in the Pacific as a Navy Hospital Corpsman.
Shortly after returning from the war, he was appointed to the Massachusetts State Police. He served 27 years with the state police in positions ranging from motorcycle patrol to a headquarters assignment. After rising through the ranks, he retired as a Major in 1974.
Following his retirement from the state police, Mr. Keeley continued his career in law enforcement. For several years, he served with the Law Enforcement Assistance Administration, a federal agency working with state and local law enforcement agencies. He later worked as a global security consultant in the Middle East.
In his later years, Mr. Keeley enjoyed spending time in Florida and following Boston sports teams especially the Patriots for whom he held season tickets. He also enjoyed golf and his memberships in the John P. McKeon Amvets Post in Dorchester, the Cape Canaveral VFW Post and the Quincy Lodge of Elks.
The beloved husband of the late Mary A. (Morrison) Keeley, he was also the loving father of John G. Keeley and his wife Janet of Middleboro, Leo Keeley and his wife Nao of Hawaii, Timothy Keeley and his companion Sandy of Melrose and Michael Keeley and his wife Noreen of Quincy. He was the brother of Ann Reitman and Margaret Carey both of South Boston and Lawrence Keeley of Hanson. He is also survived by seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend a Life Celebration Service in the Keohane Funeral Home, 785 Hancock St., QUINCY, Monday at 8:15 AM. Funeral Mass in Saint Ann Church at 9:00 AM. Visiting hours Sunday 4:00-8:00 PM. Interment Cedar Grove Cemetery.