John C. Keaney, Jr., 80, of South Portland, died  on June 18, 2024 at  the Gosnell House with his family by his side. John was born in Portland, Maine on February 14, 1944 the son of the late John C. and Grace (Severino) Keaney. He grew up on Melbourne Street on Munjoy Hill and graduated  from Cheverus High School in 1962. After high school, John met the love of his life, Mary Lane, whom he married after graduating from Murray State University in 1967 with a degree in Education. Later John received his Master's Degree in Education from the University of Southern Maine.  He taught in the Portland school system for 25 years.

John had a passion for cooking,  especially for his family. Meatballs and sauce as well as pizza and anything Italian were his staples. His hobby extended into the Portland community where he volunteered at the St. Vincent de Paul Soup Kitchen assisting in preparing meals and sharing hope  for those in need. He also enjoyed preparing food for St. Peter's Church Italian Street Bazaar in Portland and it's Super Bowl parties.

John started playing golf early while caddying at the Portland Country Club and in retirement he played in the Construction League at  Riverside Golf Course. John was an avid New England sports fan and had a passion for horse racing. His greatest love was the time he spent surrounded by his family. He will be remembered as a loving husband, devoted father and doting grandfather, who always held a second job to provide for them.  Working hard was what he knew from the age of eight.  John lived his life with the belief that it was better to give than to receive and everyone who knew him benefited from that.

John was predeceased by three brothers, Thomas, Francis and Joseph. He is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Mary Lane; a son, John C. Keaney III and his wife, Kristin; two daughters, Christine Keaney and Marybeth Keaney and her partner, Jim Masciovecchio;  grandchildren, Olivia and Wyatt Sawyer; brothers-in-law and sisters-in law, George & Thea Lane, Mike & Sue Lane, Phil & Cindy Lane and Bruce & Susie Lane and many nieces and nephews.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the staff of the Gosnell Memorial Hospice House and the staff of Maine Medical Center for the care, love and compassion shown John.

A private funeral service will be held at a later date.

If desired, contributions may be made in John's memory to: St. Vincent de Paul Soup Kitchen, 307 Congress Street, Portland, Maine 04101.  https://www.svdpme.org