George Richard Keddy

George R. Keddy, 93, of Hampden, passed away on Friday, November 22, 2024, at his home surrounded by his family. George was a retired 35-year government employee and long-time resident of Hampden, Wilbraham, and Longmeadow, MA. He was born in Boston on March 10, 1931, the son of the late Gordon and Mary (Fisher) Keddy. He graduated from Boston Technical H.S. in 1948 and later attended AIC and Holyoke Community College. George entered the U.S. Navy in 1949 and served on two submarines, the U.S.S. Sea Robin (SS407) and the U.S.S. Sea Dog (SS401). In 1954 he moved to Springfield, MA where he worked for the U.S. Postal Service until 1967 and then transferred to the Internal Revenue Service as a collection officer. He later became an Offer in Compromise Examining Specialist. Since retiring in 1986 George assisted many clients throughout the northeast as an enrolled agent while representing them regarding tax problems with the IRS and Mass DOR. He considered it a pleasure to be able to help them in resolving their tax issues. George was an avid billiard player at the Ludlow Senior Center where he made many good friends. He also enjoyed playing duplicate bridge in Longmeadow and East Longmeadow with his good friend and partner, Tom Witowski. George was a charter member of the Ludlow Tennis Club and thoroughly enjoyed a day at the races in Saratoga Springs, N.Y. and Gulfstream Park, FL. He was a proud and faithful communicant of St. Cecilias Church in Wilbraham. Despite the loss of several family members, George believed that life and God were always good to him. He is survived by his beloved wife of 38 years, Genevieve (Jensen) Keddy of Hampden whom he loved dearly. George leaves his loving sons, John M. Keddy, of Melbourne, FL, and Lawrence G. Keddy of Thailand; two cherished grandchildren, Dylan G. Petitt and his wife, Jenna of North Attleboro, MA and Natalie Keddy of Thailand; three great-grandchildren, Jordan Emery, Jacob Paradis and Brooke Petitt; and one great great-granddaughter, Stella Citkins Emery. George also leaves his loving stepchildren, Stephanie Schipper, Amy Zander and Dr. Andrew Hersman and their spouses and children. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his first wife, Elizabeth Keddy, who died in 1980, his loving daughter, Diane E. Petitt in 2017 and two grandchildren, Jessica Emery (2009) and Patrick Petitt (2013). Family and friends will gather on Tuesday, November 26, 2024, at 9:30 am. at the Byron Keenan Funeral Home and Cremation Tribute Center, 1858 Allen Street, Springfield, followed by a Liturgy of Christian Burial at 11 am in St. Cecilias Church 42 Main Street, Wilbraham. Burial and military honors will follow in St. Thomas Cemetery, West Springfield. Calling hours will be held on Monday, November 25, 2024, from 4-6 pm at the funeral home.
Services
Calling Hours
Monday
November 25, 2024
4:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Byron Keenan Funeral Home
1858 Allen Street
Springfield, MA 01118
Gathering of Family & Friends
Tuesday
November 26, 2024
9:30 AM
Byron Keenan Funeral Home
1858 Allen Street
Springfield, MA 01118
Liturgy of Christian Burial
Tuesday
November 26, 2024
11:00 AM
St. Cecilia's Church
42 Main Street
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Burial with Military Honors to Follow
St. Thomas Cemetery
420 Kings Highway
West Springfield, MA 01089