John Thomas Joseph Killeen

John Thomas Joseph Killeen

John Killeen Obituary

Published by North County Times on Mar. 9, 2010.

John Thomas Joseph Killeen VISTA -- Jack Killeen passed away in the comfort of his home in Vista, Calif., on Tuesday, March 2, 2010. He was preceded in death by his wife, Patty. His parents, Martin and Winifred Killeen; brother, Tom; sisters, Mary and Elizabeth; brother and sister-in-law, Richard and Georgette Carter; and his son-in-law, Ronald Johnson. He is survived by his children, Alicia Evilsizer (Mark), Mike Killeen (Cindy), Catherine Somple (Ron), Jacqueline Young (Ed) and Debra Johnson; grandchildren, Kimberly, Kevin, Timothy, Jessica, Nicholas, Emily, Steven, Caitlin and Cameron; great-granddaughters, Naomi, Magdalene, and Eliana, who all are the true joys of his life; along with other great nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his siblings, Theresa Bonpane (Blase) their children, Blaze Martin (Jen) and Colleen (John), Ann Gavin, Joe (Mildred) and James (Eileen) Killeen, and their children. His extended family includes nieces, Linda Malloy (Mike), and Madeline Manor, and their sons, Mark, Troy and Jeff. Also son-in-law, Dan Diggs. He played a significant role in the life of his nephew, Dan Danahy and his wife, Mary. He was also loved and will be dearly missed by many other nieces and nephews in upstate, Troy, New York area (where he left a legendary reputation and rich stories as part of his legacy). He was born John Thomas Joseph Killeen (Beansie) in Troy, New York, September 7, 1928. He joined the Navy in 1944 and served overseas in Korea and Japan. After the service to his country, he ventured to the South Bay area of Southern California where he raised a family of five children with his wife, Patty. He retired from Northrop Grumman after a 25 year career as a Senior Cost Analyst and Industrial Engineer. In addition to working full-time in Aerospace he also operated several businesses starting with a small hot food stand called "Jack's by the Tracks" followed by the "Hacienda Laundromat." He also started a successful home-repair business (he was known as "Mr. Fixer Upper").

May the road rise to meet you.
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face, the rains fall soft upon the fields.
And, until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand.
Always remember to forget the things that made you sad.
But never forget to remember the things that made you glad.
You lived to enjoy your children's children, and many joys beyond.
We will always love and miss you, but you will never truly be gone.
And the countless memories we have of you will always keep us strong.



Please join us for a wonderful ""Celebration of His Life"" that will be held Sunday, March 14 from 1:00 to 5:00PM at The Optimist Club of Vista, Located at 600 Optimist Club Way Shadowridge,Vista, CA 92085 (760) 598-5907

In lieu of flowers, a donation made in the name of John Killeen toward a gratitude fund for those who cared for him during his last difficult years.

View All Photos

Add Photos to Memorial

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Sign John Killeen's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

March 3, 2025

Deb posted to the memorial.

May 12, 2023

Kate posted to the memorial.

September 7, 2021

Mike Killeen posted to the memorial.

Deb

March 3, 2025

Hi Dad...
15 years yesterday I held your hand and said goodbye. You live on in every part of all of us because of the love, wisdom and kindness you showed and taught us. We will be celebrating your sister's 90th birthday this coming week with the family including nieces and nephews from New York...can't wait!! I know you watch over us still. Hug my baby boy for me although he is a man now. I'm sure you are all as proud of Steven as I am...his work ethic reminds me much more of you than me
I love and miss you Dad

Kate

May 12, 2023

Re-reading this today dad, in preparation of helping a friend who lost her husband. I know you'd be proud of the kindness you and mom instilled and modeled for your kids.

Mike Killeen

September 7, 2021

We all miss you Dad ......

Alicia Evilsizer

March 6, 2019

I cannot believe another year has passed. I love living in your and Mom's house. The family is great and we all still love each other. Give all my Angels a big hug from me! Love you more. Lish

Alicia Evilsizer

June 22, 2013

Dad,

Missed you on Father's Day and everyday. I think of you and Mom daily especially when we will celebrate Jessica's wedding next week. I know you, Mom and others will be with us.
Love & Miss You,
Lish

Alicia Evilsizer

September 9, 2012

Dad,

Hope your party is just wrapping up. Miss you!!!!

Lish

September 7, 2012

Happy Birthday Dad

Miss you & think of you daily.

I Love You

Mike

June 23, 2012

Missing you on Father's Day and everyday. We celebrated you with a family dinner (T, Sarah, Deb and the boys). Last week being with Kate, Ron and family embraces our learned commitment to the importance of family in good times and sad. Thank you and Mom for all the lessons.

Love,

Lish

June 17, 2012

Happy Fathers Day

Love and miss you every day.

Mike

Deb

March 2, 2012

Another year has passed...I am wondering if mom has had enough of you yet...lol...miss the both of you so much and look forward to the day when we will all be reunited in that place with no sadness...illness or worries...BTW...your chair is Bruisers favorite place in the house...Love you more PA!

March 2, 2012

No words today can say how much I miss you.

Mike

Alicia Evilsizer

March 2, 2012

It is hard to believe two years have past. I have my shamrock with your picture on the visor of your car and talk to you every morning on my way to work. I miss your twinkle, throat clearing, and content, grateful personality and your ability in spite of declining health to always stay positive. Dad, stop arguing with Mom!
Love you,

Lish

Alicia Evilsizer

September 8, 2011

Your message says it all my little brother. I hope he had a Jim Beam and Pepsi and stirred it with his finger. Miss them both everyday. Thank God we have each other.

Love you all,

Lish

September 8, 2011

Another birthday without you...it is so hard to think about so instead I remember all the good ones we shared as a family...I think of you every time I make a chocolate cake because I know they were your favorite...and that usually was all you wanted as a gift from me...we love and miss you everyday...your spirit lives with us always...xoxoxo

September 7, 2011

We Love You
We Miss You

Happy Birthday

Alicia Evilsizer

June 20, 2011

Dad,

I miss driving to the other side of Vista to buy you a jelly doughnut stuffed with enough jelly to satisfy you. Stopping at McD's for your coffee with 5 creams and sugars (making sure you had extra for later). I miss watching "The Wheel" and so much more. Most of all I miss you and Mom.

Thinking of you today and everyday with love,

Lish

June 19, 2011

Dad,

Happy Father's Day

We Think Of You Every Day With Love In Our Hearts

Lish

March 2, 2011

Dear Family and Friends,

I miss bringing him KFC,driving across town to buy him jelly doughnuts with lots of jelly, McDonald's breakfast with a senior coffee,with three creams and sugars. I miss CNN being on the TV all day and Mom saying "Jack, has anything changed in the last 30 minutes?", it drove her crazy. I miss watching The Wheel and House. I miss his advice, love and always being in his chair (often napping)with his wild white hair. I miss him! Monday, I felt sadness for my loss and had a good cry. Tuesday, I celebrated the birthday of Kimberly and today, I decided to be joyful in my belief that there is a huge party going on in Heaven (Jim Beam, Pepsi and Cheezit's a plenty). Today I celebrate a life well lived.

Dad,

Tell Mom I miss her and all my family I look forward to my big party when I arrive. I want chocolate cake and pudding. I keep you all in my heart and talk to you daily. I hope you are all listening. Love you.

Deb

March 2, 2011

Dad...it's only been a year since we said our last words but it seems so much longer...I can no longer watch "Wheel of Fortune" because it makes me too sad to not have you in your chair guessing most of the answers before me...There are so many things that made living here with you special...reminding us to close the garage when it rains and for Nick to take shorter showers...I still do those things now and always think of you when I do...your sense of humor and all your little jokes...No one could have ever had a better dad than I did...you are the best and I look forward to being with you and mom again one day!!
Love you with my whole heart,
Deb

March 2, 2011

Dad,
One year ago today our lives were changed forever.
You're still here in our hearts and minds,
still making us laugh cause your stories live on.
We hold you in our thoughts and we can feel you.
This gives us strength and courage.
The tears we have cried for you could flood the earth
and we know you have wiped each one away.
For you our Father, we promise you this.
We will go on with our life’s and make you proud. We will always hold you in our hearts.
We promise to miss you every day until we meet again,
but this is not our end and we can't hold our heads underwater....We need to breathe.
We need to love and miss you, but we also need to live because through us you will live,
you will still laugh and love,
you will still sing and dance,
you will still hug and kiss.
You will forever be in our lives,
You will forever be our father, a son, a brother , uncle , a grand and a great grandfather a father-in law and a friend.
We miss your shining face
We will cry and smile
but at the end of the day we will be one day closer to you....
We Love You
We Miss You
Lish, Mike, Katie, Jake & Deb
And All Of Your Family

September 7, 2010

Happy Birthday My Father
I Love You
We All Miss You Daily

mike

mike

June 21, 2010

I know you said not to make a big fuss over your passing…I must say the first father’s day was tuff.
I Miss You So Much
I love You

March 20, 2010

My prayers and sincere sympathy are with the family. In fond remembrance of our early days in South Troy.
Bill (Monkey) Osterhout

March 20, 2010

Sorry to learn of your loss. My prayers and sincere sympathy are with the family. In fond remembrance of our early days in South Troy.
Bill (Monkey) Osterhout

Sheryl Gilbert Turner

March 16, 2010

Alicia, it's been many years but I remember you fondly and am sorry to hear about your dad. God bless you and your family until you're reunited.

Susie

March 16, 2010

Jack was such a great person he will be missed but not forgotten. I have some great memories, we had alot of fun in Mexico and the laundry. So sorry I will not be able to attend the service.

Dave Heinrichs

March 13, 2010

Mike and family,

Our prayers are with you during this time.

Bob Ziegler

March 13, 2010

I had never had an opportunity to meet Mr. Killeen but from what I know of him from Mike it is my loss because he sounded like a joy to be around. My condolences to the Killeen family

Kevin Maser

March 11, 2010

We too met Jack, when most of his peers were relaxing in retirement, when he brought his passion and joy to an effort to pass a much needed School Bond. His engaging smile and gregarious personality contributed tremendously to the community effort and taught us all to "just do it". Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and hope that they will take great comfort from knowing how many people his kindness touched.

Kevin, Nancie and Molly Maser

Kevin Maser

March 11, 2010

We too met Jack when, at a time in his life where most of his peers had left it to others, he involved himself in community activism to help pass a much needed School Bond. Jack's passion for the work, infectious smile and energy for life serve as a reminder to us to "just do it". He will always be in our hearts, we share our thoughts and prayers with his wonderful family and hope you draw comfort from knowing that he touched so many.


Kevin, Nan and Molly Maser

Cindy DeVries(Craker)

March 10, 2010

Always remember the good times and keep John in your Heart. I know he will be missed by all. I will keep you all in my Prayers.

Steve Spann

March 10, 2010

When I first met Jack he was sitting under the umbrella in Mike's backyard, popping Cheez-its one at a time. I noticed immediately that this was a friendly and gregarious man, a lover of life. But what struck me most, soon thereafter, was his strange habit of mixing Jim Beam and Pepsi. I thought, now here is an interesting fellow. And whenever I thought of him, that is the picture that came to mind. I knew that there was much more to the man than that, but that is the character that is etched upon my mind.

Don Brown

March 10, 2010

Mike and Family,

You have our deepest condolences and sympathies for your loss.

Don and Del

Kate

March 10, 2010

You are in everything I am and do Dad. Thank you for a wonderful childhood and adulthood. Thank you for instilling in me your entrepreneurial spirit, your left- brain thinking, and your unquenchable search for knowledge and invention. Thank you for making me believe in myself and empowering me with confidence. Thank you for showing me how to recognize a man who adores me, and to accept nothing less.
I am forever in debt for being blessed with such an amazing father. I will remember what you modeled for me: that the blessed are obliged to help others. This is your legacy. It lives in me and in Emma, and, having received the blessing of having you as a father (and grandpa), we are obliged to pay it forward to current and future generations.
I have loved you all my life, and am comforted that you always knew it, as I know you always loved me too.

Lou and Linda Le Roy

March 10, 2010

As I reflect on my wonderful life I can't help but think of Jack. Jack was a wonderful coworker snd personal mentor. I know that Jack is sitting at the side of our Lord and will soon make many new and reaquaint with old friends. My prayers are with Jacks family. I want you to know how much I enjoyed my brief time in this life with your father. God bless all of you.

Nephew Jack Danahy

March 10, 2010

This wonderful man took me in when I moved west in '73. How I eagerly await a Jim Beam and coke with him in eternity.


FOR: Beloved uncle Jackie

Don’t grieve for uncle Jack - he's free
just following the path God made, you see.
God took Jack's hand when He made His call
At least for now, Beans left us all.

As for me, I'd wish a much longer stay
To laugh and love - and work and play.
Stuff left undone must stay that way
We'll all find out on that appointed day.

Not how did Jack die but how did he live?
Not what did he get but what did he give?
These are the things that measure the worth
Of woman or man, regardless of birth.

Not what was his church or what was his creed?
But was he really a friend to those in need?
Was he always ready with word of good cheer
to bring back a smile or wipe off a tear?

So if Jack's parting left you a void
Then fill it with remembered joy.
His life was full, he savored much
Good friends, good times, for all he touched.

Perhaps the time seemed all too brief
Don’t ruin it now with undue grief.
Lift up your hearts with the love of a friend
God wanted Jack now but you'll see him again.

Steven Hoinsky

March 10, 2010

Brother Mike and Family,

Please accept our condolences and deepest sympathy on the loss of your father. Though we never had the pleasure of meeting him, it is clear we know him through our friendship with you. May your memories of both he and your wonderful mother Patty warm your hearts always.

Steven and Lorie

Bob Nolan

March 9, 2010

My Condolences To The Entire Killeen Family............Bob Nolan And Family,Tamara,Kathleen,Christine and Nicholas Nolan........

Jan Scism

March 9, 2010

I just want to give my condolences to Jack's family. I met Jack when he was active in helping with school board bonds and elections. We had many wonderful talks and he even called me a few times to talk about the situations in the Vista school district. I loved talking to him and will always remember him. My thoughts and prayers to you all even though you don't know me.

Showing 1 - 39 of 39 results

Make a Donation
in John Killeen's name

How to support John's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor John Killeen's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more

Sign John Killeen's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

March 3, 2025

Deb posted to the memorial.

May 12, 2023

Kate posted to the memorial.

September 7, 2021

Mike Killeen posted to the memorial.