August 14, 1941 – October 3, 2023
LANCASTER – Matthew D. Keenan, 82, passed away Tuesday, October 3, 2023, at Country Village Genesis Eldercare Center, Lancaster, after a time of failing health.
Matthew was born in Brighton, MA, on August 14, 1941, the son of Henry Joseph and Dorothy Christina Murphy Keenan. He was raised in Reading, MA, and was a graduate of Reading Memorial High School.
He loved education and attended numerous colleges, attaining several degrees. He attended Merrimack College in N. Andover, MA; majored in philosophy at St. Johns’s Seminary in Brighton, MA; acquired a master’s in special education at Northeastern University; acquired a Ph.D. at St. Louis University in psychiatric social work and psychology.
For 41 years, he operated psychiatric practices in Copley Square, Boston and in Yarmouth Port, MA on Cape Cod. Matthew took pride in helping people and often assisted his patients in small business development so they could lead healthier and more productive lives.
In 1966 he married Susan Elizabeth Haynes, and they resided in Melrose, MA. Together they started the Open Door Society, now known as the Adoption Society of New England. The society provides assistance to all member of the adoption experience.
He enjoyed traveling and toured extensively throughout North America and Europe. Ireland and Alaska were two of his favorite places visited; he enjoyed making new relationships during his travels.
Matthew had other interests, including kayaking, canoeing, camping and he loved community theater.
A graveside service will be held Thursday morning, October 12, at 11:00AM in the Oak Grove Cemetery, Medford, MA. Reverend Matthew Mason, pastor of St. Michael Parish in Exeter, will officiate.
