John W. O’Keefe, Sr., 89, of Monaca, passed away peacefully Sunday, September 19, 2010, at Rochester Manor.
A son of the late Christopher and Helen (Sullivan) O’Keefe, John was born on May 22, 1921, in the Monaca first ward home in which he still resides. As a young man, John helped in his family’s business (O’Keefe’s Confectionary). In 1947 he obtained employment at Westinghouse, Beaver Plant from where he retired in February 1984. Married to the former Margaret Seery in 1949, John was the proud father of eight children and six grandchildren and two step-grandchildren.

John had always been actively involved in community affairs having served on the borough council for four years, the Monaca School Board for six years, Monaca School Authority for 20 years, Monaca Recreation Board for four years, Monaca Library Board for four years, a member the Monaca Centennial Committee and was chairman of the Monaca Memorial Association. He was also honored by the Monaca Community Hall of Fame.

His patriotism was exhibited by his service to his country in the US Army Air Corps during World War II in Australia, New Guinea and the Philippines. John was a member of Monaca American Legion, Post 580 where he served as post commander, post chaplain, deputy commander of the 26th District, chairman of Post Children & Youth for the western section of Pennsylvania and Beaver County Legion Commander. A member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4653, he was post commander and post service officer; chef de garde for Voiture 739 of the Forty & Eight. During his later years, John served as chaplain and financial officer of the Beaver County Special Unit which was very dear to his heart.

A devout Catholic he was an active member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Monaca, serving on the church committee for six years, P.T.G. president, Holy Name Society president and secretary and marshal of the Beaver County Deanery of the Holy Name Society. Honored as Beaver County Deanery Holy Name Society-1985 Man of the Year, he was also a member of St. Vincent de Paul Society, sang in the church choir for 10 years and served as a Eucharistic minister and daily alter server. Eucharistic adoration at the chapel in Beaver Falls was part of his daily life.

John was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Margaret Ann, on November 24, 2002; recently by a son, Neil, on July 15, 2010; two brothers, William and Chris and a sister, Mary Egan.

He leaves four sons, John O’Keefe Jr. of Monaca, Mark (Linda) O’Keefe of Uniontown, Joe (fiancée, Diana Barreau) O’Keefe of Patterson Township and Barry O’Keefe of Monaca; three daughters, Maureen (Bill) Meade of Moon Township, Rosemary (Mark) Guthrie of New Brighton and Eileen (fiancé, Dave Pasquale) O’Keefe of Monaca; six grandchildren, Sarah O’Keefe, Bryan (Kim) O’Keefe, Lucas Guthrie, Ashley (James) Newcomer, Katie O’Keefe and Leslie Guthrie, and two step-grandchildren, Rich and Beth Fleeson.

Friends will be received Thursday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 9 p.m. in the Simpson Funeral & Cremation Services, 1119 Washington Ave., Monaca, where prayers will be offered on Friday at 9:30 a.m. followed by a mass of Christian burial at 10 a.m. in St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Monaca. Rev. Fr. John L. McKenna will be the celebrant.

Interment will follow with full military honors provided by the Beaver County Special Unit at 10:45 a.m. in the parish cemetery.

The family has requested memorial contributions be made to St. John the Baptist Catholic School, 15th Street and Virginia Avenue, Monaca, PA 15061, in lieu of flowers.

To view online condolences and get directions and other information, please visit www.simpsonfuneralhome.com.