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Robert James McKeown
Robert James McKeown
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Robert McKeown Obituary
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Born in the Bronx, NY, on July 14, 1939, Robert was the son of Henry and Anne (Morris) McKeown, who had emigrated from Ireland in 1920. He attended St. Benedict's School, where he proudly played the fife in the Fife and Drum Corps, and graduated from St. Helena High School in 1957. He went on to earn a Bachelor's degree in History from Iona College in 1962.
Robert served in the Army National Guard of New York and was honorably discharged in 1967.
He began his professional career at the Equitable Life Assurance Society, where he would meet his future wife, Janet Grimley. They were married on September 20, 1969, and shared 56 years of devoted marriage.
Robert is survived by his beloved wife, Janet, and their three children: Mark (Heather Adams), Eileen, and Kathleen (Sean Kunzler); and by his cherished grandchildren, Ryan Robert McKeown and Henry McKeown Kunzler. He is also fondly remembered by many nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, and close relatives in Ireland.
He was predeceased by his parents, his sister Bridget, and his brother-in-law Robert Coyle.
Memorial mass will be held on Saturday, July 12, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Matthew Catholic Church
535 Sneed Road, Franklin, TN 37069
To leave a condolence, or share a memory of Robert, please visit the Tribute Wall.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
2 Entries
John Kerrigan
June 8, 2025
Deepest condolences and love to the McKeown Family. My memories of Bob go back to the days when Janet and Bob were dating in the 1960s. I was probably in kindergarten or 1st grade (~1967-8) when I first met Bob with Janet at Aunt Bessie´s house. Big Irish guy with a wonderful sense of humor and big laugh. I also remember when they lived on a small farm in upstate NY and visiting there too. Bob always fun (great sense of humor) and light hearted will no doubt be very much missed by all who knew and loved him.
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Valerie Kerrigan
June 8, 2025
My deepest sympathies, much love. He was truly one of my favorite people at family gatherings as a kid. My daughter adored him for the same: he was great with children, had that magical Irish charm, and enjoyed creating magic! My daughter's favorite memory is how Uncle Bob turned a shopping cart into a pirate ship during a grocery store trip! I am so sad it was your turn to walk the plank. Say hello to my dad in heaven, have a Schlitz, nah have a good Irish stout! -Valerie
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5115 Maryland Way, Brentwood, TN 37027
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