Patrick J. McKeon
1932 - 2013
Patrick J. McKeon
1932 - 2013
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Patrick McKeon Obituary
Pat was also predeceased by brothers John R. of Bangor, ME and Thomas J. McKeon of San Diego, CA. Surviving are wife, Helene; children, Roxann North Stockberger (Randy), Riverside, CA; Theresa McKeon Griffin (Dale), Lake Mathews, CA, Cheryl North Preish (Steve), Corona, CA; Patricia McKeon Huset (Larry), Costa Mesa, CA; Patrick Joseph McKeon III (Cindy), Escondido, CA; John Martin McKeon (Leila), Salem, MA; and Michael James McKeon (Rebecca), Mission Viejo, CA; nine grandchildren, seven great grandchildren and siblings Ann McKeon Koons, Bethlehem, PA; James P. McKeon, Portland OR, and Robert J. McKeon, Emmaus, PA.
After serving in Guam during the Korean War, 1st Lieutenant Patrick McKeon began a career in chemical engineering for Pearsall Chemical, NY, Shell Chemical, CA, and McDonnell Douglas, CA. Later he and Helene began two pet shops in Tustin and Garden Grove "Pat's Pets" and in the late 80s became the owner of Victoria's Orange Restaurant in Riverside. Pat took on a career in computer technology in his late 60s, where, as an employee of Lockheed Corporation, he completed the software for the Foothill Transportation Corridor's toll road.
Throughout his life, Pat had many interests, including reading, Irish poetry and song, chess, bird raising, and a life-long love of learning which continued until the day of his passing. He was educated at G.A.R. Memorial High School in Wilkes-Barre, PA; Phillips Academy in Andover, MA; Princeton University, Leigh University and Cal State Long Beach. Throughout his life his great love of reading and learning lead him to donate over 2000 books to the Riverside Main and Corona Libraries.
A celebration of Patrick's life will be held at the Griffin residence in Lake Mathews on Saturday, July 20th from 1:00 – 6:00. Private burial will be at Riverside National Cemetery with Military Honors.
Condolences can be left at http://obits.dignitymemorial.com/dignity-memorial/obituary.aspx?n=Patrick-McKeon&lc=2391&pid=165137298&mid=5553844
"When Irish eyes are smiling they can steal your heart away."
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Theresa Griffin
August 1, 2013
You are always just a thought away.
Theresa McKeon Griffin
July 14, 2013
Dear Dad,
The last ten years have been a gift. We got to know each other so well during this time and I've come to understand the heartache and victories in your life. Fortunately, over the past forty years, the victories have been many.
Your love of learning, your unyielding commitment to your sobriety, which would have been 49 years next month, and your love of Helene and your family made you the best man you could have been, given the trauma and drama of your early years.
I miss you terribly but I know you are still with me because I hear your laugh every now and then.
Love,
Theresa
PS Say hello to my relatives over there and do me a favor and ask my great grandmother where the heck she was born, LOL!
Helene McKeon
July 14, 2013
Dear Pat,
We knew God put us together. Often you and I would look at each other and laugh so hard about how God "fixed us" and sure gave us our comeuppance by putting us together!
You and I GREW UP together WITH our children and what a wonderful family we have: our children, your children and my children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. This is what you left for us on this earth. What a triumph!!! You also left us with your honesty, your courage, your willingness to never stop trying and keep growing as a person, father and husband.
You were a good husband; you always knew you were "my one and only."
We both are on different journeys know. I know you are with me, telling me "you can do it Brown-eyes. We have always been each other's support.
I WILL LOVE YOU FOREVER AND EVER.
Your loving wife,
Helene
Mike McKeon
June 20, 2013
Dad, I looked up to you so much and you were a great role model. You were not a perfect man (who is) but you always tried to better yourself and you did a great job. You were a man of character with the want/need to learn. I will always admire that.
You experienced so much in your life which allowed you to always give me the advice I needed, when I needed it, I am going to miss have your ear when I need to talk.
I miss you but know that you are in a better place watching over us. Please keep an eye on "brown eyes" for me.
P.S. sorry about the basketball!
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Cindy Mckeon
June 19, 2013
Dear Pat,
From the moment I met you you made me feel like family. Thank you for always loving me and my family. And even though I truly believe that you are in a better place filled with love and laughter we all wish you could have stayed with us a while longer. Your spirit will live on in your children and grandchildren and great grandchildren.
I know you are watching over all of us and that gives me great comfort.
You were truly loved and will be truly missed.
Debbie Rushkowski
June 19, 2013
Theresa, I just read your post that you miss your Dad, with the obituary link. I am so very sorry for your loss. I had no idea that your dad was even sick, let alone that he passed away. My thoughts and prayers are with you everyday, but especially now my dear friend!! With love and blessings, Debbie
"Joe" Pat McKeon at about five.
June 10, 2013
Frederick Koons
June 7, 2013
To whom it may concern, or not
The earth skipped a beat and the stars suffered a misalignment, something became amiss in the universe the day Joe (Pat) left for places beyond. He was one of a kind, something special, at least in the universe that I know. He was a big part of my life because he had a special place in the heart of the woman I love, my dearest Nan. His departure took a piece of that dear heart with him and left a hole in my own.
When Nan and I first met I recognized that above all else that to engage that dear heart, to enter its depth, meant to love the two things she held most sacred, the Catholic Church and her five brothers. And since Joe (Pat) was the oldest of the five, I was acutely aware that it was his approval that was most required if I was to become his sister's husband. When Joe and I shook hands for the first time I instinctively knew I had his approval and a friendship was created.
Ours was a friendship of deep admiration and mutual respect. His was the most incisive intelligence that I ever encountered. Most people of deep intelligence focus it in one or two directions; he could focus his in many directions and whether it was the military, chemistry, birds, books, chess, the preparation of food, or computers he mastered it. I was always deeply impressed.
One of the things that I hold most dear in my life is the mutual respect he accorded me. I recognized that his intelligence surpassed my own but he always gave me the impression that we were equals and always treated me with mutual admiration. It was a pleasure to be in his company and enjoyed the many laughs he gave me with his cantankerous, often outrageous, but never hurtful humor. Though we were separated by 3000 miles, I will miss his presence in this life and look forward to meeting him again in the next.
Fred
John McKeon
June 5, 2013
Dad, You always make sure to tell me how proud of me you are and how much you love me. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for making sure I know this. It's more important to me now than ever. We will see each other another day. I love and miss you.
John M McKeon
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