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John Keohane Obituary
One year, before he moved to New Jersey, he took his mother to New York. One year he took her to Washington for a tour of the White House. Some years, she would simply visit his apartment and cook. This year, for their annual vacation, Mary Keohane and her son, John, 41, were planning to meet in Florida on Saturday, Sept. 15.
He had loved the idea of travel since he was a boy building model airplanes and visiting his grandmother's house, which sat in the flight path of San Francisco International Airport. As an adult, Mr. Keohane — an energetic, good-humored yet quiet lawyer at the Zurich company, according to his sister, Darlene — liked to say he had visited everywhere except Antarctica.
Mary Keohane's bags were already packed when her phone rang in Northern California around 7 a.m. on Sept. 11. It was her son saying he had safely left 1 Liberty Plaza, where he worked, and met up three blocks away with his partner, Mike Lyons, who worked nearby.
Hearing a loud noise, Mr. Keohane told his mother that a third plane had hit a building. The connection was lost. The second tower was collapsing, spreading darkness through the streets — Mr. Keohane became separated from Mr. Lyons and was hit by debris. Weeks later, the Keohanes received a letter from a priest at a downtown church, saying he had found Mr. Keohane about two minutes later and performed last rites.
Profile published in THE NEW YORK TIMES on December 25, 2001.
The hardest part perhaps for John Keohane's family and loved ones is that he came so close to surviving the attack at the World Trade Center.
He made it out of One Liberty Plaza, where he worked as assistant general counsel for Zurich Insurance Co.'s Global Energy Division. One of the towers collapsed, and he was killed by debris about four blocks away.
Keohane, 41, lived in Jersey City, N.J., and loved New York. As a child, he dreamed of being a pilot. As an adult, he traveled extensively and loved politics.
Darlene Keohane remembered staying up with her brother until 3 the morning after the presidential election, surfing channels and talking excitedly about the race.
Every year, he would take his mother, Mary, on a vacation. Mary Keohane had plans to take a plane to New York last Saturday from her home in California and then spend a week in Florida with her son.
61 Entries
Patrick Donohue
September 11, 2024
Mary and Darlene, I thought about John first thing this morning. It was such a sad and horrific way for John to be taken. I really didn’t know that John was a victim of the terror attack on our country for at least a few years until I saw his death certificate that I needed for some compliance issue. I was shocked and felt very badly that I never really had a chance to tell you both how sorry I was. He sounds like he was a wonderful man who loved life.
Hal Eckert
September 11, 2023
I worked with John at Zurich Insurance - North America for several years before 9/11 and got to know him. He was brilliant well rounded personable man. I will never forget. He was coming to Chicago the afternoon of 9/11 to see us
But fate took him and all the others.
So sad and senseless
✝
Tim and Linda Keohane
September 11, 2022
Our sincere sympathy to The Family. We lift you in prayer.
The Kindred Family
November 17, 2018
We send our deep thoughts of sympathy to your family. Daily may God continue to give the needed comfort and help. John touched the lives of others in positive ways and will always be remembered.
How you can show support
Ksy Leighty
September 12, 2018
I gave blood today 17 years after that tragic day. My pint was given in memory of John Keohane. What an honor I had today.
Kay Leighty
Jack Keohane
December 31, 2017
Hi Jack,
I never knew you nor had any connection with you in this life apart from our surnames, which I found yesterday. You are the only other Jack Keohane I have seen records of . I will make sure that the legacy of a Jack Keohane will not be cut short by evil. My birthday was September 12th 2001, so as one Jack was lost, another arose. Fly high Forever.
Richard Keohane
September 11, 2015
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Lyn Cavallero-Silva
September 11, 2015
Jack
Always in my heart and never forgotten.
Thoughts and prayers for your family too.
Ann Worel Kester
September 11, 2015
I knew John in college at Sac State. Our group of friends from the dorms had so much fun together and remained close through college. Unfortunately we lost touch and for that, I am truly sorry. When John was around, things were always fun. I can see his beautiful smile and hear his laugh like those days were yesterday, not 30+ years ago. He was the friend you always wanted to be around. The world lost a wonderful, kind, loving person on that day. Love to his family and friends......
I will always remember you, John!
Hal Eckert
September 10, 2015
John
You remain in my thoughts. It was great working and getting to know you at the Zurich Group.
Scott Castillo
October 16, 2013
Still thinking of you, Jack. You will never be forgotten.
Barbara Michell
October 2, 2012
Dearest John,
I have lost one of the best people in the world. I will always remember our friendship with warmth and love.
Miss you so much.
Barbs xx
September 30, 2012
"Jack" Keohane,
I have been looking at your picture and telling people that I has a namesake that died on 9/11/01. I sold my business and re-entered military service after that day. God Speed!
SFC John Keohane, US Army
Scott Castillo
September 13, 2011
I don't know why I've avoided this. Jack was like a brother to me, and to this day, I can't believe he's gone..it's been 10 years since he passed away from us, and it still feels like he's here. He was my best friend growing up. We did everything together. I've known him since 7th grade, and we did everything best friends did, and although life has it's reasons, we each followed our own dreams as we grew older. Mr. and Mrs. Keohane and Darlene, I'm sorry I wasn't there for his service.. I grieve for Jack and I miss him so much, and I know that words can't replace him, but I feel that he still lives on, and he will never be forgotten. Jack, cubiclelitus pivotosis still makes me laugh..to this day. God bless you, my brother.
September 11, 2011
I still have fond memories of Jack from our days at Sinaloa. Even then, he was a kind and patient person. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and loved ones.
I'm very sorry for your loss and hope that you have found a sense of healing in the years since his passing.
Denise Martin
Susana Reyes
September 10, 2011
I knew John from law school at McGeorge School. Always remember him coming to class with his coffee, pendelton shirts and jeans ready for the professors' lectures. He would sit in the very front row and I remember he was very apt on knowing the law and always prepared for class. So sorry for your loss. The legal world lost one of the nicest and smartest men I knew.
Barbara MICHELL
September 10, 2011
To my special friend JK, I miss you.
Barbs xx
September 10, 2011
To the Keohane Family,
I worked with John at CIGNA for many years, John in Philly and me in London, over the years our friendship grew. John I think about you constantly, and the tears fall, then I think of all the laughs that we have shared and my heart soars. The pain never goes away. I miss you so much.
John you will never be forgotten for you are loved by so many people.
My prayers and thoughts are with your family and friends at this difficult time.
Lots of love Barbs
Lyn Cavallero-Silva
September 9, 2011
Still thinking of you my friend. Special memories that bring a smile to my face. I hope your family knows that you and they will never be forgotten.
Gabrielle K
September 6, 2011
I have to share the funniest story about Jack. He and I were side-by-side for many yearbooks and classes at Sinaloa and San Marin due to our last names.
One day during our combined boys and girls PE dance class he asked me to polka with him.
We were going along fairly well, when I realized the zipper kept coming down on my jeans. I was mortified. I then had to casually polka us towards the bleachers and spin around and zip up, over and over. I couldn't tell him what was happening, but he figured it out and we both just kept on going. When the music was finally over we had the best laugh with all of our friends.
I could not have done this with anyone but Jack. He had a great sense of humor and was always very sweet to me.
I always send him blessings during the 9/11 anniversary and have a giggle thinking about him and one of the funniest times in high school.
Rick Bortnick
September 4, 2011
10 years and its still hurts like it was yesterday. See everyone on Saturday. Safe travels.
Leslie Kelley
April 1, 2011
For the 10th anniversary of this senseless tragedy, I'm working with Seattle Voices to create artwork to honor vicitims of 9/11. I have the priveledge of creating artwork to remember and honor John. I hope my work will bring some sense of peace to Mike, Darlene, his mother and father and his friends. It sounds as though he was an amazing man. I have loved learning about him and will keep all of you that knew him in my thoughts.
Rick Bortnick
September 11, 2010
September 11, 2010
John, you're always here and never far away. And yet we miss you greatly. We'll never forget your kindness, friendship and teachings. Thank you for all you did and continue to do. Dear friend John.
Rick Bortnick
September 11, 2010
September 11, 2010
John, you're always here and never far away. And yet we miss you greatly. We'll never forget your kindness, friendship and teachings. Thank you for all you did and continue to do. Dear friend John.
Mark Reynolds
September 11, 2009
Least we not forget, today or ever, our frailities in this life. Your loving memories remain always within our hearts, dear John. Always.
Mark Reynolds
September 13, 2007
Yesterday, I was going through my archived e-mails and came across the last correspodence from John I received,dated June 12 2001. While I celebrate John's intelligence and humanity, coming across his e-mail, for a brief moment, made me miss him. In life we meet individuals that inspire us to be better than we potentially are or could be. John was one such person in my life. John remains with us and the celebration of his life continues in all those who were fortuante to know him.
P Tabbernor
November 24, 2006
In remembrance....
Linda Poplaski
November 2, 2006
To the Keohane family... My heartfelt sympathy to you and may the Lord be with you. Such a tragic loss. God bless you all.
Kristine
October 31, 2006
As I cross-stitched your name on the memorial that I am doing for all of the victims, I prayed for you and your family. Please know that your death was not in vain. We will always remember. God Bless.
Lyn Cavallero-Silva
September 11, 2005
Still in my thoughts and prayers--I miss you Jack! You will never be forgotten.
Your forever friend,
Lyn
DENISE MARTIN
September 11, 2005
Jack & I were friends while attending Sinaloa Jr. High in Novato. I had only recently heard that we lost him on 9/11. I was hoping it was some kind of mistake. I'm so sorry to hear of his passing.
He was a good and kind person. My prayers go out to his family and friends.
Denise (Jacobi) Martin
Rick Bortnick
December 10, 2003
Hi Don, Mary, Darlene and Deb,
John's dear friends have been closing ranks for the holidays. We all miss him, and wish he was with us. I'm in London now. He'd have loved to be here for X-mas. We feel his spirit and soul. Alas, we miss his smile and humor.
Hope you're all well. Love to each of you.
Rick
Keely Andrews
September 13, 2003
I am honored to wear a bracelet bearing John's name, which I also had recently inscribed with his partner Michael's name. My mother gave my sister and I both a bracelet, bearing the name of one who had passed away in tragedy of September 11. I wear John's bracelet every day, and have read all about John's loving memory from those whose lives he touched. John you are an inspiration to me to be a better person and to love deeply; every time that I see or feel your name upon my wrist I am inspired to live life for all that I can. Thankyou for the wisdom you give to all you have left behind here on earth.
bruce schneider
September 12, 2003
Hi Mary, wish I could have met John.What a wonderful son he was to to love you so.God bless you and keep you. Bruce.
Laura Broder
September 11, 2003
Missing you, John and Mike, today and always....
Laura
Michael Tulumello
September 15, 2002
To everybody who knew John,
My name is Mike Tulumello, and I am an EMT here in San Diego.On September 11th of this year, a local radio station held a tribute to all those who died on September 11th. They had purchased a bell that was used in a New York church for many years, and named it the freedom bell. When the day came, myself and many other san diegans stood in a 3 1/2 hour line. When we got to the front we recieved a little badge with the name of a person who died on September 11th, as well as where they died, and their age. Upon recieving your name badge, you would walk up to a stage, step up to a microphone, and read the information that was on the card. After that we walked to the bell, and rang it. We wore our badges proudly, and for that day we all represented one person that was killed on that terrible day. I would like you all to know that I was proud to have represented John Keohane that day, and I will always have him in my heart. For about six hours there was no music, and no commercials on that radio station. Only the sound of a name, age, location, and an echoing bell. I'm sure that John was with me that day, and I'm glad I was able to learn more about him on this website. Thank you, and I am very sorry for your loss. Please accept my condolences.
Mike Tulumello
Janet O'Leary
September 12, 2002
To all who knew Jack,
He was my first friend and he will always be that for me. Jack's picture rests on a shelf in our family room, overlooking the antics and chaos of our lives. My 5 year old and 3 year old know who Jack was and tell people who the picture is of when asked. I often think that he is chuckling at us and smiling and shaking his head in amazement. There is no question that I will always be sad that he is no longer with us. Today a friend gave me a Tulip bulb and some mulch. It is for Jack, and my kids and I will plant it in our garden. When it blooms we will smile and think of Jack. I think he would have liked that.
Mark VanHelden
September 12, 2002
Hi John and John's family.
Yesterday and in the days leading up to it, as most people were remembering the horrible events of a year ago I thought of John often. I joined CIGNA (now ACE) in 1994 and I'll never forget when I had to contact John in Philadelphia for the first time as he was the D&O claims person there. I was a little nervous as I was new to the company and John was in "Head Office". When I said my name I stuttered and he right away put me at ease even though he was way above me in position. I think John was like that with everyone he came in contact with. John was very helpful in my early training with the company and we had many opportunities to speak on the phone and also meet in person at conferences and worldwide meetings of CIGNA people plus a number of visits that John made to the Canadian office.
I will also never forget our trip together to promote CIGNA's D&O business in Calgary and Vancouver. John and I did presentations to all the brokers out there and by the end we could almost say each other's piece of the presentation. I think John's went something like this: I'm here to talk to you about the Corporate Management Educational Series which is a series of seminars designed for senior managers ... John - forgive me if I botched the opening line. I also remember towards the end of our trip and we were joking about a person we had met named "Bren" and after that John and I whenever we spoke said "Way" - it's an inside Joke.
Anyway, John, I miss you and I am sorry you had to leave this earth early. To your family that remains, my deepest condolences to you even though I am a year late. I was not able to make John's memorial service last year mainly due to family commitments! May God bless you and keep you when you are in mourning.
Regards, Mark VanHelden
Erin McCarthy
September 7, 2002
I knew Jack while attending Sinaloa Jr. High and San Marin High Schools in Novato. I did not know him well, but do remember we had at least one class together. God bless you, Jack on the upcoming anniversary of your passing. May you rest in peace.
Alannah Hurley Chase
August 20, 2002
Dear Jack,
I am a cousin who did not have the opportunity to meet you. Our family has prayed for you and Mike since 9/11 and wish there was more we could do to ease the pain for your mom, dad and Darlene. At the Keohane family reunion this past June 02 I learned that we share the same birthday. On our birthday last month I thought of you as I blew out the candles. I will think of you on all the birthdays to come. May your spirit bring comfort to your family, most especially your mom, dad and Darlene.
Love, your cousin Alannah
Dottie Lyons
June 18, 2002
Dear John, Our world lost a light
when you passed on, yet the love
you shared, especially with my
brother, Michael, will never be forgotten. I hope that both of your
hearts and souls are together again.
I coninue to pray for the comfort and healing of your family.
J Creamer
May 30, 2002
Jack and Mike,
I pray to God that you have found each other in that great beyond and are never separated again.
Peace
Rick Bortnick
May 13, 2002
John:
You were as good and loyal a friend as God ever placed on this Earth. We are all better people for having known you and being lucky enough for you to have befriended us. Your soul will live forever in those who love you.
We are here for your family. Just as you cared about and for your friends, so too do we care about and for Mary, Don, Darlene and Debbie. They are your gifts to us.
Keep the faith.
Rick Bortnick and family
Linda Maria-Sperow
May 6, 2002
Thank You For the Memories
Jack,
(I only knew you as my cousin,in our youth.)
I promise to be here for your Mom, Sister, Father and our Grandmother.
I have only pictures of our family holidays shared... and as always your smile prevails. It was my loss to not have known you as the successful adult you had become.
A tree has been planted and surrounded by spring bulbs as a living memorial to you our cousin.
With Love,
Linda
Michael Iezzi
April 19, 2002
Father we entrust our brother John to your mercy. You loved him greatly in this life: now that he is freed from all its cares, give him happiness and peace forever. Welcome him now into paradise where there will be no more sorrow, no more weeping or pain, but only peace and joy with Jesus your Son, and the Holy Spirit forever and ever.
Vicki Lehman
March 27, 2002
I had the pleasure of working with John at White and Williams. He was a very thoughtful, kind and caring man. Often when he travelled, he would bring me back a magnet from where he was because he knew I collected them. I will always remember him. May you rest in peace. God bless your family.
Sandy Blazejewski
March 26, 2002
I only knew John briefly while he worked at my law firm of White & Williams, LLP. We spoke briefly while passing in the office. He was a genuine guy who was always polite & pleasant. May God always keep you in his arms & bless your family!
Hal Eckert
March 2, 2002
John,
In the short time I worked with you at Zurich North America from January 2001 until September 11th, we developed a wonderful professional and personal relationship. I could tell you were a special person which I will remember for the rest of my life.
God bless you,
Hal
Hal Eckert
March 2, 2002
John,
In the short time I worked with you at Zurich North America from January 2001 until September 11th, we developed a wonderful professional and personal relationship. I could tell you were a special person which I will remember for the rest of my life.
God bless you,
Hal
Mike Lyons
February 18, 2002
Dear John:
You are greatly missed and deeply loved. Your kindness & compassion lives on in all those you touched.I am a much better man for having had the honor to be your life partner. May the angels welcome you to to paradise.
Love,
Mike
February 11, 2002
DEAR GOD SHINE YOUR LIGHT ON THIS BEAUTIFUL YOUNG MAN JOHN KEOHANE AND MAY HIS SOUL REST IN PEACE WITH GOD AND HIS ANGELS..GOD BLESS HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS..GOD BLESS AMERICA AND NEW YORK AND MAY WE NEVER FORGET 9/11/01..MAY JESUS AND ST.JOHN GREET YOU AT THE GATES OF HEAVEN...AMEN
James Keohane
February 4, 2002
Our prayers and condolences to John's family.
A cousin, Jim Keohane
Kitt Turner
January 15, 2002
I had worked with John by phone and email for a number of months, we met for the first time in person on September 10th. Every phone call with John was pleasant and a pleasure. He had energy, excitement and verve. It is true, only the good die young.
Lyn Cavallero-Silva
January 2, 2002
Jack you will always be my "forever friend" because you will always be in my heart. May God watch over your family and grant them peace.
Teresa Jahn
December 27, 2001
We are very sorry for your loss of John. Our hearts cry with you.
America Cries
We see your sorrow-
and our hearts cry....
We can not erase your pain
but you do not have to face the anguish alone-for we-
-the American people-
are beside you.
We so desperately want to have the touch that brings you comfort,
the strength that gives you courage,
and the words to lighten your spirits.
And when we are left speechless
may the silence of our nation weave love into your hearts
to ease your sorrow.
May you find healing through our nation's strength as we-
-the American people-
face this difficult time together. Our hearts are with you. Teresa Jahn
Dixon, IL
Martin Kurtovich
November 21, 2001
I knew Jack and his family 25 years ago, living two doors down from them on Apollo Court in Novato, CA. He was always an admirable person. May he rest in peace.
MARY AND SANDY VIAS
November 13, 2001
LOSING YOU, OUR COUSIN, HAS MADE THE
TRAGEDY VERY PERSONAL. OUR THOUGHTS
AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU AND THE
MEMBERS OF THE FAMILY WHO FEEL THE
LOSS EVERY DAY.
Kindra Robinson
October 19, 2001
I will keep you and your family in prayer.
Lynne Major
October 4, 2001
My prayers are with all who loved John and will miss him dearly.
Lynne
Barbara Bolin
September 24, 2001
MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS GO OUT TO YOU ALL.MAY GOD BLESS YOU ALL.
JOHN MAY YOU REST IN PEACE.
John Keohane
September 20, 2001
I did not meet Mr. Keohane, but,
I want to say my thoughts and
prayers are with him and his family.
Keohane is an infrequent Irish name.
For us, and we would guess for
him, it is County Cork.
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