Obituary of John M. Keenan

John M. Keenan, 77, of Baldwinsville passed away after a long illness. Born in Syracuse, he was raised in New York City and graduated from Straubenmueller Textile High School in Manhattan. He enlisted with the Marines and served tours of duty in Italy and Korea, where he received a Purple Heart for serious wounds suffered in the Detroit Raid in March 1953. Following a lengthy recovery, he returned to New York and went on to receive a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from Manhattan College and a Master’s degree in Education from Syracuse University. In 1955, he met and married Dorothy King, a commercial artist from New York then with Batten, Barton, Durstine & Osborn, Inc. (BBD&O). She predeceased him in 1969. Mr. Keenan spent his entire 31 year teaching career in the Baldwinsville School District, where he taught American History and Introduction to Economics. In 1970, he married Linda Zimmerman, also a teacher in Baldwinsville Schools. Mr. Keenan was a past president of the Baldwinsville Teacher’s Association, advisor to the C.W. Baker High School chapter of the National Honor Society, and advisor to the Key Club. He retired in 1991. He enjoyed tennis, travel, restoring antique boats, and sailing Lake Ontario from Oswego to Alexandria Bay. Mr. Keenan successfully battled cancer using conventional surgery and chemotherapy, as well as experimental ultra high dose intravenous vitamin-c, until an unrelated medical condition forced him to suspend treatment. He is survived by his wife Linda, sister Mary Ann Keenan, son Brett, and several cousins. Mr. Keenan was greatly loved and is deeply missed. Calling hours are 4-7pm Friday, March 14, 2008 at Falardeau Funeral Home, 93 Downer St., Baldwinsville. A memorial service will be held at 11:00am Satuday, July 12, 2008 at Falardeau Funeral Home. Family and friends are invited to come and share memories of Jack. Contributions: Hospice of CNY, 990 7th North St., Liverpool, NY 13088 or to Francis House, 108 Michaels Ave., Syracuse, NY 13208.