John A. Keogh

John A. Keogh, age 96, passed away on Friday, December 22, 2023. John was born in Newark, NJ, on February 23, 1927. He served in the U.S. Navy Armed Guard in the North Atlantic convoys as a gunner's mate aboard merchant ships SS Harriet Tubman and SS American Fisher during World War II.

John and Beverly were married March 29, 1952, and settled in Beachwood, New Jersey. He retired from Allstate Ins. Co. after 34 years of service in sales, then moved to New Smyrna Beach, Florida. After a number of years, settled down in Port Orange, Florida.

He was Mayor-Commissioner of Beachwood, New Jersey, and was also a partner in the Village Green Strip Mall and Cobblestone Strip Mall. He also held other real estate properties.

John was active in Berkeley Township and Beachwood Rotary Club and was its first secretary. He also served as a member of Harmony Lodge F&AM #18 Toms River, New Jersey, over 70 years, Scottish Rite 32nd degree, Trenton, New Jersey; Shriner Crescent Shrine Center, Trenton, New Jersey.  John also served as a potentate's aide. He formed the ambassador unit and was its director. He was affectionately called Mr. Ambassador. Past president of the Ocean County Shrine Club of Toms River, New Jersey. Past president of the New Smyrna Shrine Club, New Smyrna Beach, Florida.  Royal Order of Jesters, Court #166 and Bahia Shrine Center, both in Orlando, Florida. Eagles #4089 and VFW Post 361, both in Port Orange, Florida.

His hobbies were real estate, stock market, traveling, taking cruises, and just enjoying life.

John's was predeceased by his beloved wife of 55 years and by his son Robert and daughter in law Jacqueline, both of Kentucky. 

Survivors include his son, Benjamin and wife, Donna of Lanoka Harbor, NJ; his two beautiful granddaughters, Megan (Keogh) Pollard and her husband, Kyle of Hackettstown, Erin Keogh of Beachwood, his longtime companion, Nancy Edwards of Port Orange; his sister Marilyn Russell of North Carolina and a many nieces and nephews.

Interment at Arlington National Cemetery with military honors.

Memorial donations may be made to Shriners Hospital, 12502 Pine Drive, Tampa, Florida 33162-9499 or any disabled Veterans organization of your choice.