Yorktown Heights, New York
Leading by Example
Barry J. McKeon and his wife, Ginnie, were high school sweethearts. They met working at a movie theater in Levittown, N.Y. -- he was an usher, she sold candy. His best friend dates back to kindergarten. "That's how he was, he was just loyal," said Tom Shannon, the kindergarten pal from 42 years ago.
Mr. McKeon, 47, was out the door at 6:30 each morning for his trip from Westchester County to Fiduciary Trust International, at the World Trade Center. When he walked back in the door, 7:30 p.m. at the earliest, if one of his four children needed help with homework, he was ready to sit down and help out.
A gifted athlete (and avid golfer), Mr. McKeon always led by example, Mr. Shannon said. "I'm totally convinced if Barry had thought of himself on Sept. 11, he'd still be alive," he said. "If he saw someone struggling, he'd be the last one out."
Barry was a wonderful friend, colleague and mentor. He was so happy all the time, had an infectious laugh, loved his family, and said a perfect vacation was in his hammock in his back yard with a beer in hand after a day of golf.
Laureen Ryan
September 11, 2021 | New York, NY | Friend
I lived on Pleasant Lane in Levittown from 1965 to 1973. I was born in 1962. I know of Barry only as a mysterious older kid. Our good friend Barbara Stuart Burke and the Turtorros were our close friends. I do remember Mrs McKeon as a nice older woman who always let us run on her lawn to get a foul ball. She was very old. At least 40 or so. I didn´t know what a first class family they were but in the end all of the families I knew in that neighborhood were the best. So sorry for...
Frank Mulvey
August 19, 2021
Barry still remember what a wonderful person you were in high school. You were an inspiration. God Bless your memory!
Jim Longobardi 9/11/2017
September 11, 2017
Barry and I were roomates in the first two months of West Point from July to September 1973. We saw each other almost every day at class for the next two years. I admired his ability to juggle the pressures of football and academics. I remember Ginnie, who visited several times the summer of 1973.
Robert Richardson
September 11, 2016 | Punta Gorda, FL
I just came across this obit as I was thinking of people I should reconnect with. I am dismayed to see that Barry has passed. Barry was always good to be around. In those days of 6am breakfast formations at West Point, Barry's sense of humor I always appreciated. The company D2 class of 1977 guys will always remember Barry. Alt, Zack, Birmingham, Cornwell and Hall, we all loved Barry.
With Honor and respect I salute Barry and his lovely wife Ginny.
Bob Sprague
June 27, 2016 | Cincinnati, OH
In Memory
With Honor & Respect.
S J. Friscia III
October 20, 2014 | Staten Island, NY
When I see his smiling face in this pic it reminds me of all the good times we had when we worked together. He was quick with a joke and a smile and always made you feel good. My deepest sympathies for Ginnie and his family.
Mitch Zachary
September 14, 2014 | Palm Beach, FL
Thinking of the McKean family, on 9/11, and so often during the year. We grew up together on Pleasant ln. He was always a great guy, and wonderful family.
Rita Sherwood
September 12, 2014 | Port Charlotte,, FL
On this 13th anniversary, I remember Barry once again.
He was a good person with courage and a great heart.
From our time growing up in Levittown having wonderful times together, camping with Tom Shannon, and stickball all summer long... so much life with passion.
He had a lot of love for Ginnie and children.
A good man taken too soon.
My regards to the family.
Such a loss, and I was but a friend.
David Phillips
September 12, 2014 | Henderson, NV
