With great sadness, we announce that John William McKeown, aka Papa John, passed away suddenly on May 23, 2024, at the age of 77. John was born August 19, 1946, in Pawtucket, Rhode Island to Frances and John McKeown.

For the past fifty years his home has been in Bayside. He was a master welder and fabricator. He could build anything. He could drive anything. He was the man with the plan. John lived and loved life with passion. He possessed a sharp intellect, a righteous sense of justice, a warrior’s courage, and a clever sense of humor. He was a beloved patriarch; life partner, dad, granddad and great-grandad; he was a dearly loved brother, uncle, great-uncle, and best friend. John established deep relationships and earned the trust, respect, and admiration of many who would call him brother, and many others who would think of him as dad. He valued his family and friends over all else.

This extraordinary man was a legend in his own lifetime! He will be dearly missed.

His family will host a celebration of life on August 18, 2024, starting at 2 p.m. at the Bayside Grange.

“For small creatures such as we, the vastness is bearable only through love.” Carl Sagan.

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