Patrick J. McKeon

Patrick (Pat/Joe) McKeon, 80, passed away peacefully at his home in the Lake Mathews area of Riverside County on Sunday, May 26, 2013, of natural causes. He was born November 6, 1930 in Ashley, Luzerne County, PA, to Irish immigrant Patrick Joseph McKeon, Sr. and Rita Elizabeth Conway. He was the devoted husband of Helene Cristich for over 45 years, and was previously married to Theresa Barger, of Wilkes-Barre, PA, deceased.

Pat was also predeceased by brothers John R. of Bangor, ME and Thomas J. McKeon of San Diego, CA. Surviving are wife, Helene; children, Roxann North Stockberger (Randy), Riverside, CA; Theresa McKeon Griffin (Dale), Lake Mathews, CA, Cheryl North Preish (Steve), Corona, CA; Patricia McKeon Huset (Larry), Costa Mesa, CA; Patrick Joseph McKeon III (Cindy), Escondido, CA; John Martin McKeon (Leila), Salem, MA; and Michael James McKeon (Rebecca), Mission Viejo, CA; nine grandchildren, seven great grandchildren and siblings Ann McKeon Koons, Bethlehem, PA; James P. McKeon, Portland OR, and Robert J. McKeon, Emmaus, PA.

After serving in Guam during the Korean War, 1st Lieutenant Patrick McKeon began a career in chemical engineering for Pearsall Chemical, NY, Shell Chemical, CA, and McDonnell Douglas, CA. Later he and Helene began two pet shops in Tustin and Garden Grove “Pat’s Pets” and in the late 80s became the owner of Victoria’s Orange Restaurant in Riverside. Pat took on a career in computer technology in his late 60s, where, as an employee of Lockheed Corporation, he completed the software for the Foothill Transportation Corridor’s toll road.

Throughout his life, Pat had many interests, including reading, Irish poetry and song, chess, bird raising, and a life-long love of learning which continued until the day of his passing. He was educated at G.A.R. Memorial High School in Wilkes-Barre, PA; Phillips Academy in Andover, MA; Princeton University, Leigh University and Cal State Long Beach. Throughout his life his great love of reading and learning lead him to donate over 2000 books to the Riverside Main and Corona Libraries.

A celebration of Patrick’s life will be held at the Griffin residence in Lake Mathews on Saturday, July 20th from 1:00 – 6:00. Private burial will be at Riverside National Cemetery with Military Honors.

Condolences can be left at http://obits.dignitymemorial.com/dignity-memorial/obituary.aspx?n=Patrick-McKeon&lc=2391&pid=165137298&mid=5553844

“When Irish eyes are smiling they can steal your heart away.”