John C. McKeone, Sr

John C. McKeone, Sr., 72, of East Hartford, loving husband of 49 years of Elaine (LaRocque) McKeone, peacefully entered into eternal life on Wednesday, May 21, 2014 with his caring family by his side at St. Francis Hospital, Hartford. Born in Lewiston, ME on October 31, 1941, a son of the late Charles E. and Irene (Bonenfant) McKeone, he had been a resident of East Hartford since 1966. He was a graduate of Holy Cross Elementary School in Lewiston, ME, Class of 1955 and Lewiston High School, Class of 1959. John was a proud veteran of the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. Prior to his retirement, he was employed by Pratt & Whitney Aircraft, East Hartford for 33 years as a Machinist. A devout Catholic, John was a faithful communicant of Our Lady of Peace Church, East Hartford and was a former CCD & CYO teacher with his wife, Elaine. John was a coach for the Knights of Columbus Little League baseball team for 22 years in the East Hartford Eastern League. John was an active member and past Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus-Council #2533, Glastonbury where he held all positions. He later was very active at the state level for the Knights of Columbus as he was a former District Deputy, achieving Star District for all his four years (1986-1990). He was also elected to the State Council where he once again held all positions, ultimately being State Deputy from 2002-2004. He was past Faithful Navigator 2005 of the John F. Whealon Assembly #2325 and was appointed former District Master 2006 of the Bishop Healy Provence for Fourth Degree. Besides his beloved wife, Elaine, John is survived by two sons, John C. McKeone, Jr. and his wife, Angela, of Manchester, Gary P. McKeone and his wife, Stacy, of East Hartford; a sister, Pauline Lavoie of Vernon; three special grandchildren, Tyler McKeone and Meaghan McKeone both of Manchester, Gianna McKeone of East Hartford; one niece, Michelle Inghilleri and her husband, John, and their children, of Ellington; and several godchildren and dear friends. Funeral services will be Saturday (May 24th) with a Mass of Christian Burial celebrated at 10:30 AM at Our Lady of Peace Church, May Road/Brandon Road, East Hartford. (Everyone is asked to please go directly to the church on Saturday morning). Military honors will be held immediately after the Mass outside the church. Private burial will be held at the convenience of the family in Lewiston, ME. Relatives and friends may call at the D'Esopo-East Hartford Memorial Chapel, 30 Carter Street, East Hartford on Friday (May 23rd) from 3-7 pm. John's passion was to assist Seminarians become priests, so in lieu of flowers memorial contributions in John's name may be made to the Knights of Columbus Council #2533 Vocations Fund, 2533 Main Street, Glastonbury, CT 06033. For on-line expressions of sympathy to the family please visit www.desopo.com.