John J. O'Keefe, 84, of Naperville, IL passed away peacefully on 4.15.2019. Son of late John and Frances O'Keefe, he was predeceased in his death by wife Andrea, and daughter Jennifer. Born and raised in Chicago IL, he graduated from St. Rita HS, and then attended EIU to earn a BS in Education. He then served for the US Army in the Korean War. He taught for 32 years as a Chicago Public Teacher. He loved sports, trivia, and boxing. He is survived by his daughter Catherine of Phoenix, AZ and his brother Richard (Peggy) O'Keefe of Riverside, IL. As a resident of Naperville since 1969, there will be a graveside memorial service Saturday 6.8.19 at 11:30am at Sts. Peter & Paul Cemetery with a private service to follow. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Little Friends, 140 N. Wright St., Naperville, IL 60540. For more information, please email [email protected]

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Published by Chicago Tribune on Apr. 23, 2019.

Memories and Condolences
for John O'Keefe

16 Entries

Bob Kramarski

August 5, 2020

Mr O'keefe was my Teacher for 6th and 7th Grade for science as well as he was my 8th grade homeroom ''Science'' teacher at Byrne Elementary school in 84 85 and 86. He has always been my favorite teacher. We always talked about boxing and who might win an upcoming bout. He was a Zero-Nonsense Teacher as well as Person, However he also cared about us as his students. He would always tell me failure was not an option. I can honestly say I considered John a Very Good Friend. I feel blessed to have known him and to have Learned many things from him. He was a Mans Man For Sure. God Bless you Mr O'keefe R.I.P. Sir. and my Deepest Condolences to his Family. Best Regards,Bob Kramarski...

John Cuprisin

May 9, 2019

Mr. O'Keefe was my sixth grade teacher in 1968. His example inspired me throughout my life. I made contact with him a few years ago to tell him so. I thought of him often during college and the memory of his class remained with me my entire life. Thank you Mr. O'Keefe.

Connie Billa/Price

May 9, 2019

Rest in peace Mr. O'Keefe. He was my teacher in 6th grade at Kinzie elementary school. He was strict but fair he was my favorite teacher.

Patrice Gubricky

May 9, 2019

Mr O'Keefe was my 6th grade teacher at Kinzie Elementary in Chicago in 1974! He was so intimidating yet he was my best teacher ever! He made such an impression on me and I've never forgotten him over the years. My deepest condolences to his family and friends. RIP

Reggie Kljucaric

May 8, 2019

Out of all the teachers I have had in grade school, high school, and college Mr. O'Keefe was one I have never forgotten. He had a great way of engaging his students. I was a student of his at Kinzie Elementary in Chicago. My prayers and condolences to his family.

Nancy Jaster

May 8, 2019

Mr. O'Keefe was one of the best teachers I ever had. I was able to reconnect 30+ years after I was his student. He remembered me as well as most of my classmates. After my mom passed away, Mr. O'Keefe called me regularly to make sure I was okay. He was a wonderful man and the world needs more caring individuals like him. I will miss him. My deepest sympathies to his family.

Frank Andonoplas

May 4, 2019

He was a very strict man, but also had a soft side and greatly cared fur his students.
Rest In Peace Mr. O'Keefe.

Sandy Burica

April 28, 2019

Mr O' Keefe was the best teacher I had growing up. He gave me my love of science and my friends and I always remember the sweet things he said such as bet your boots!. I saw him a few times in later years in the area and he had not changed at all. He will continue to remain in my thoughts and prayers. God bless you Mr O'Keefe! Bet your boots well see you later!

Donna Frank

April 28, 2019

Rest In Peace Mr. O'Keefe. You were my most memorable teacher. The amount of respect you earned as our 8th grade teacher at Kinzie was amazing. When you came back to school after a medical leave and our class bought you a watch, the look on your face and tear in your eye will always stay with me. Condolences to your family. Love, Donna (DiNovo) Frank

Gary Wilder

April 26, 2019

Absolutely the best teacher I ever had. Rest In Peace Mr. O'Keefe.

Paul Vimarco

April 26, 2019

Mr. O'Keefe was my teacher in 5th and 6th grade at Kinzie in 1974-75 and 1975-1976. Like many students, I was at first intimidated by his reputation as a hard nosed educator, but found out quickly just how good a teacher he was. He is one of the best teachers I had ever had in my entire school career. He inspired me to work hard and succeed. Thank you Mr. O'Keefe. Rest in peace.

William Mackey

April 24, 2019

The year was 1962 and Mr. O'Keefe was my 2nd and 3rd grade teacher at Kinzie School. He was a dedicated and gifted educator who inspired me to become a teacher. If I could say one think to Mr. O'Keefe, it would be, "Thank you for making a difference." May God grant you eternal peace and comfort your family.

Sheila Hansen

April 23, 2019

John was an excellent and interesting teacher, who was respected by staff and students at Byrne School. I always enjoyed chatting with him. So sorry for your loss.

Sharon Turner

April 23, 2019

It was a pleasure to work with John . He was one of a kind !! RIP

Marguerite Matthews

April 23, 2019

I will always remember Johns humor. Not to mention his teaching, class control, and physical bearing. We talked opera and he could crack me up when he would speak Italian to me. At least I think it was Italian. May his memory be eternal.

Michele Smith

April 23, 2019

John will always have a special place in my heart. Remembering all the many lunch dates Louise and I had with him as we laughed til our cheeks hurt. The classroom control he had was astounding, using sign language as the students stood in the halls like soldiers. Two of my kids held John as one of the best teachers ever ~ we will miss him

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