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John O'Keefe Obituary
Born in Wayland, Mass., on Oct. 27, 1945, he was the son of Thomas and Madeline O'Keefe.
In 1964, he graduated from Wayland High School. He then continued his education at Nathaniel Hawthorne College, graduating with a bachelor's degree in English.
Shortly after graduating, John opened his first pub in Claremont. From there he went on to own and operate more than 30 successful establishments in southern New Hampshire. His popular bars became staples in the Manchester area for more than four decades. He not only took great pride in his business but truly relished the many great friends he made throughout the years.
An avid sailor, John was most happy behind the helm of his boat on the open sea. Over the years he had the pleasure of sailing the beautiful coast of Maine and the islands of the Caribbean, as well as making an epic transatlantic voyage, sailing his boat to Ireland and back.
Family members include his loving wife, Jill; his children, Jennifer and Jonathan; his sister, Cathy and husband Larry Scott; his grandchildren, Joslyn and Liam; and many dear friends.
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SERVICES: Calling hours are Friday, Jan. 17, from 3 to 7 p.m. in Goodwin Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 607 Chestnut St., Manchester.
A memorial service is planned for Saturday, Jan. 18, at 10 a.m in the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Manchester Animal Shelter, 490 Dunbarton Road Manchester, N.H. 03102.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John O'Keefe
Donn Demers
January 10, 2021
Still in our mind and prayers
Guy Frenchy Mathieu
August 12, 2020
John i always think about you you always where a good friend I stop working at the pup after my stoke sorry to let you down
shirley gordon
January 28, 2020
Dearest Jill,
So very sorry for your loss.
Brenda & Rob Simard Martin
January 24, 2020
Sorry to hear of Johns passing..good times where had by anyone who knew him..He is sailing in heaven now...RIP
Rachel Scribner
January 19, 2020
You are very missed John.
RIP❤
David Cooley
January 18, 2020
Great friend to the Cooley and Hamilton families. Our prayers are with you.
January 18, 2020
Many good memories with John, RIP John O'Keefe, my best to Duddy.
Doc Merrick
Anne Ackerson-Higgins
January 17, 2020
I will always remember the great times at Poor John's Pub. Rest In Peace, John.
January 16, 2020
RIP John Many great memories and times were had. Condolences to the families and friends Of John Okeefe
DONN/Hank Deners
January 16, 2020
May fond memories endure the O'Keefe family.John was a great friend to all who knew him, he's in our prayers and will be missed by all.
Maureen Barrett
January 16, 2020
My fondest memories are of Poor John's Pub. I had the best time there.
STEVEN YEATON
January 16, 2020
One of my true great friends I will miss you John. Thank You for all the great sailing trips you took me on as well.
LuAnn Watson
January 16, 2020
Jill and Family,
So sorry to hear of John's passing. He was a wonderful man. Cherish the memories. Sending Prayers.
Kristen Erkkila
January 16, 2020
So very sorry for your loss. Sending love and healing vibes from the Erkkila family.
Steve Rowland
January 15, 2020
Cousin John, we sailed in and out of each other's lives as the winds of family and life took us to different destinations during our life. During the last two decades our paths crossed more often and finally came together, sometimes sailing the same course like the Dismal Swamp, down the east river or up the Indian River into Newport News. Then again, there was McGarvey's, the golf tournaments and the Friday night french fries. Sail on in peace cousin John. Our paths will meet again, cousin Steve.
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