Reverend Thomas S. McKeown, STH ’53 [Par Wheelock ’85]
This obituary was originally published by the Telegram and Gazette and can be found here .
The Reverend Thomas S McKeown died on July 10, 2022 at The Overlook in Charlton, MA. He was just days from his 94th birthday. He was predeceased by his beloved wife of 67 years, Irma L (Vandervelde) McKeown and his daughter Betty McKeown. He leaves behind his children Lucille Gallagher of Douglas, Paul T McKeown and his wife Bonnie of Upper St Clair, PA, Steven K McKeown and his wife Maureen of Leicester, Sharon Hall and her husband James of Charlton, and Mark McKeown and his wife Lina Mateus of Franklin , fifteen grandchildren; James Gallagher, Andrew Georgantas, David Gallagher, Peter Georgantas, Althea Georgantas, Matthew Hall, Meaghan (McKeown) Meador, Elizabeth Hall, Timothy Gallagher, Lauren Hall, Thomas McKeown, Nicholas (Zeke) Georgantas, Sean McKeown, Shannon McKeown, and Ryan McKeown, as well as seven great-grandchildren ; Michael, Julianna, Maia, Brayden, Collin, Coreymae, and Aubree. He also leaves his son-in-law Nicholas Georgantas , two sisters; Irene Porzio and Barbara Egan, many cousins nieces and nephews. He had a wonderful extended family including the Vandervelde clan who he enjoyed visiting on trips to the mid-west. Thomas was born at home on July 15, 1928 in Allston/Boston, MA. He was the son of Thomas and Elizabeth (Pauley) McKeown who were immigrants from Northern Ireland. He graduated from Boston English High School, Morningside College (Sioux City, Iowa), and Boston University School of Theology. He was ordained in 1951 in the New England Conference of the United Methodist Church. His life was spent in service to God and the church. Along with his wife and partner in ministry, he served parishes in Cambridge, MA (Trinity 1951-1953), Chicopee, MA (Faith 1953-1963) Worcester, MA (Aldersgate 1963-1986 merged from Trowbridge, Park Avenue and Cherry Valley). He served as District Superintendent of the Metro Boston District from 1986-1992. Throughout his career, he served in many positions within the church as well as the communities in which he lived and served. He had a passion for developing youth and family ministries in the churches where he served. He was especially proud to develop The Webster Square Day Care Center in Worcester to serve a need for families in that community. He and Irma worked on many mission teams around the US and in Chile well into retirement. He was a lifelong member at the YMCA where he enjoyed volleyball, racquetball, family swims and youth splash parties. He was a gardener, woodworker and workshop tinkerer. His family will remember him for his laughter and fun, especially the family camping and traveling adventures. He loved games of any kind and spirited competition.