Wilbur F. McKeehan

Wilbur F. McKeehan, son of Joseph Frank and Constance Caroline (nee Wilbur) McKeehan, passed quietly in his sleep at 102 years of age on September 12, 2023. He is survived by his brother, Dr. Frederick R. McKeehan; his four children, David (Beverly), Thomas (Ann), Barbara (Anthony), and Laura; his eight grandchildren; and his eight great-grandchildren.

Wilbur earned a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry from Antioch College. Upon graduation, he joined the Navy and was a commissioned Ensign. He served as a Naval Radar Officer for LST Group 62 in the Pacific during WWII. Wilbur endured a life-threatening injury of his right arm in the days leading up to the landing of marines at Iwo Jima. He was awarded the Victory medal among others. Upon recuperation, he married Jacqueline from Niagara Falls. Shortly after, Wilbur earned a Master of Science degree in Chemical Engineering from University of Rochester in association with Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.

His career began with General Electric in Albany, NY, where he served in various management positions. Wilbur also independently embarked on creating inventions and sold them under his company, Wilmac. He was a member of the Sigma Xi science fraternity; a chair of the local University of Rochester Alumni Scholarship Committee; an amateur radio operator (K2CAE); and an Elder with the United Church of Christ at Valley Forge. Wilbur and Jacqueline became longtime residents of Berwyn,PA. After his wife became a resident of the Sunrise of Paoli, " Wil and Jackie " performed there together. While she sang, he would accompany her on the piano. When his wife passed, Wilbur continued volunteering there for over 15 years. He was affectionately known as " The Piano Man."

Wilbur’s lifelong musical talents included playing various instruments ( jazz clarinet, accordion, violin) and singing in the church choir.

Wilbur lived a full long life and will be honored with a Celebration of Life Ceremony at United Church of Christ at Valley Forge on June 1, 2024 at 10:30am with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, a gift to Planned Parenthood is appreciated, in remembrance of his volunteer services with them and his strong belief of a woman’s right to choose.