Joseph G. McKeon

1937 - 2013

Joseph G. McKeon, 76, of West Hartford, CT, departed this life on December 7, 2013. A long-time resident of South Windsor, CT, he was born in Brooklyn, NY on May 16, 1937, son of the late John and Mary McKeon. Largely Jesuit educated, he graduated from St. Michael's High School in Brooklyn in 1955, earned a B.S. in History from St. Peter's College in 1959, a Masters in History from Notre Dame University in 1961, and a Masters in Sacred Theology from St. Mary's Seminary in 1964. Ordained a Catholic Priest on May 30, 1964, he served as Associate Pastor at Blessed Sacrament Church in Brooklyn, NY where he worked with disadvantaged grammar and high school students and young adults in Continuing Education programs. Beginning in 1968, he served as the Campus Minister for York College of the City University of New York where he also taught several courses in the Humanities, igniting his lifelong passion for teaching. After leaving the Priesthood in 1974, he earned a Ph.D. in the History of Religions from Fordham University in 1978. Moving to Connecticut and starting a family, he taught Philosophy and East Asian Religions at Central Connecticut State University from 1977 to his retirement in 2012. He is survived by his sister Margaret Dwyer of Brooklyn, NY, his son Jonathan and his wife Emily of Batesville, VA, his daughter Darcy and her boyfriend Peter Maric of McKinleyville, CA, his son Eric and his wife Madeline of Brooklyn, NY, and his granddaughter Claire. Joe was a loving father, friend, and teacher; a world traveler; and a unique, compassionate, and caring individual. His love of good food, good company, and good conversation brought many to his table. He will be missed by all who knew him. A wake will be held Wednesday, December 11, from 4-7pm at Sheehan-Hilborn-Breen Funeral Home, 1084 New Britain Ave, West Hartford, CT. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, December 12, at 10am at St. Patrick - St. Anthony Church, 285 Church St, Hartford, CT. Everyone is requested to meet directly at the Church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Patrick - St. Anthony Community Outreach Program or Connecticut Community Care, 43 Enterprise Dr., Bristol, CT 06010-7472. For online condolences and guest book, please visit Sheehan-Hilborn-Breen's website, www.SheehanHilbornBreen.com.