August 3, 1948 — October 29, 2025
Michael A. Keenan, age 77 of Plaistow, NH., passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Wednesday, October 29 at High Pointe Hospice House in Haverhill.
He was born in Stoneham on August 3, 1948, to the late Henry J. and Dorothy C. (Murphy) Keenan of Medford.
Michael grew up in Reading from an early age and enjoyed playing baseball with friends. Michael and his brothers would also play and raise hell at the local town dump that was around the corner from their home. Michael attended his freshman year of high school at Central Catholic in Lawrence by hitchhiking. He transferred to Austin Prep and was a member of the first graduating class of 1966. Meeting Diane in 1966, they later married in 1967 and started their family.
When he received his draft notice for the Vietnam War, Michael chose to enlist in the United States Marine Corps in 1968. He served honorably with the 3rd Battalion, 1st Marines, 1st Marine Division, Fleet Marine Force as a mortarman, achieving the rank of Corporal (E-4). He spent 1969 and the spring of 1970 in country before returning stateside, where he continued his service in the Marine Corps Reserve.
After completing a degree in metallurgy, Michael spent seven years in the steel industry, working from Chestnut Hill to East Hartford, Connecticut. Eventually, he discovered his true calling as a skilled carpenter—a trade in which he found both artistry and purpose. With an eye for design and two willing sons to lend a hand, he built everything from custom beds for his children, a mirror hanging on the dining room wall to a corner cabinet for his wife’s treasured pieces. Larger projects followed: a sprawling deck and pool for his family, and later, an addition to their home.
Michael and Diane’s home became a gathering place for friends and family alike. Summers were marked by lively Fourth of July celebrations by the pool, followed by a family walk to the parade and fireworks.
In retirement, Michael cherished his time at Ossipee Lake, where he delighted in the company of his growing family. Sitting with his feet dug into the sand, he would often reflect—ever thoughtfully, he would wonder aloud what others were doing at this point.
Michael was known for his vast knowledge of literature, his love of crossword puzzles, and his delicious Bolognese. His life was defined by craftsmanship, devotion, and a deep, quiet generosity that touched everyone fortunate enough to know him.
He was the beloved husband of Diane E. (Beane) Keenan. He was the loving father to Michael P. Keenan and his wife, Kimberly of Reading, Christiane (Keenan) Faulkner and her husband, Brock of Wakefield, and James B. Keenan, and his wife, Dawn of Haverhill. He was predeceased by big sister, Betty Ann Richardson and big brother, Matthew Keenan, and infant sons Joseph and John. He is big brother to and survived by Kathy Mack of Falmouth, Stephen Keenan and Peter Keenan both of Florida. Michael (Grampy) is also survived by his eight grandchildren; Emily, Tyler, Patrick, Natalie, Haley, John Joseph (JJ), Lauren and Ethan and a great granddaughter, Vanessa.
Visitation for relatives and friends will be held at McDonald Funeral Home, 19 Yale Ave., Wakefield, MA on Tuesday, November 4, 2025 from 4:00 – 7:00pm. His funeral mass will be celebrated at St. Joseph Church, 173 Albion St., Wakefield, MA on Wednesday, November 5, 2025 at 10:00am with interment to follow at Oak Grove Cemetery in Medford, MA.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Wakefield Food Pantry. Michael was passionate about children not going to bed hungry.
