John Keane

1945 - 2022

John Keane
September 18, 1945 - August 2, 2022
Music man, John Joseph Keane, left his treasured San Anselmo to join Heaven's choir of angels on August 2nd, 2022. John leaves behind his devoted wife Mary Jean, his loving daughters Jessica (Sridhar), Megan (Curtis) and son Chris (Jenny), stepchildren Kate (Joe) and Kevin, John's cherished grandchildren Maria, Danny, Keanen, Rowen, Vivek, Kaeley, and Brendan, his sisters Linda and Fran, sister-in-law, Bev (Don), and his nephews Colin, Brendan, and Marty.
On the other side of every goodbye there is a hello. John will be greeted in paradise by his late wife and teenage sweetheart, Sandy, his youngest son, Brian, his mother, Loretta, his father, Jack, and several dear friends who have gone before him.
A proud San Franciscan, John was born and raised in the Sunset District, a short walk from his beloved St. Anne's Parish. His guitar consistently close at hand, John was a member of the Traveler's band, entertaining at the St. Anne's Teen Club, and beyond. He carried his musical talents into adulthood, always at the ready to lead friends, family, parishioners, and colleagues in song.
An avid sports fan, John grew up blocks away from Kezar Stadium where he rooted for the Niners. In addition, he was a loyal SF Giants and Golden State Warriors fan. He loved to cheer on his children at their countless San Anselmo Rec, CYO and Marin Catholic games. He was also a loving Papa, unabashedly rooting for his grandchildren at their baseball, basketball, football, soccer, and lacrosse events.
John was a proud St. Ignatius Wildcat. A small but tough-as-nails defensive back, he played on SI's 1962 undefeated and #1 nationally ranked football team. John also played basketball, ran cross-country and was a class officer. John went onto SF State, where he was the editor of the Gator newspaper during the tumultuous Free Speech movement, when he even had to fight off protesters bent on ransacking the school's newspaper offices.
Always spiritual and committed to his Catholic faith, John entered the Jesuit's Novitiate. However, his true vocation was to be that of a loving husband, father, grandfather, friend, and gifted writer and communication executive.
John married Sandy DelGrosso after college and the two moved to Fairfax and St. Rita's parish to raise a family. John returned daily to his favorite city, San Francisco - first, years at the SF Chronicle and then true dedication to Bank of America, where he rose to Vice President for Corporate Communications and served for three decades.
His wife Sandy died all too young and John assumed the responsibility of being both mother and father for his young, growing family. Despite these challenges, John had a steely resolve and the quiet confidence and resilience of a Christian carrying his family's cross.
John's service extended to the rest of the Catholic community. He led the St Rita's 9 a.m. choir for years and vigilantly supported the school's fundraising efforts. He was a member of St. Vincent De Paul and was active in Cursillo. He was the president of the Marin Catholic Advisory Board for more than a decade and generously offered his communication skills to various non-profit organizations including St. Vincent's School for Boys, the San Francisco Boy's Home, Catholic Charities, and CYO.
His second wife, Mary Jean, was a godsend and brought company and laughter to his days. Walks, prayer, singing, old movies, and lots of time with the grandkids, made their favorite memories together. Mary Jean was always delighted to hear people remark, "John is the nicest man I have ever met."
Unfortunately in Spring 2019, John was diagnosed with early Alzheimer's disease that took an aggressive course. As he did so often before, John faced this newest tragedy with grace and courage. Although he lost speech early on, he still communicated with laughter and song, enjoyed sports games, prayer, old movies, music, sing alongs, and time with his wife, kids, and grandkids as much as possible. He passed peacefully at home surrounded by so many that loved him dearly.
While John's family and friends will no longer be blessed by his physical presence, his abundant spirit will continue to live on and grace those he leaves behind. May the good soul and heart of one John Joseph Keane rest in the peace of Jesus Christ.
Special thanks to John's amazing caregivers - Rosie, Renato, Victor, and Ramona, and the team at By The Bay Health Hospice. John was truly blessed to be surrounded by their unwavering support and love.
A Memorial Mass will be held at 12:30 p.m. at St. Rita's Catholic Church in Fairfax on Sunday, September 18th, John's birthday. All are welcomed to celebrate John's life. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider making a donation in John's name to a favorite of his charities: St. Vincent De Paul. Checks can be made to: "SVDP/St. Rita Conference" and mailed to: P.O. Box 564 Fairfax, CA 94978.
Assisted by Monte's Chapel of the Hills, San Anselmo, CA.