Lt. Colonel (Retired) John Michael Keenan passed away quietly on November 13, 2019, at the age of 87.  John served honorably and with distinction for 26 years in the United States Marine Corps.  Early in his military career, John served as the senior Marine Corps officer during rescue operations of Phillipino victims of a devastating typhoon.  John was part of the first United States combat units sent to Vietnam, where his company received multiple commendations.  John received individual recognition and decorations for bravery for his service in Vietnam.  He spent the final years of his service directing the entirety of the Marine Corps dependents’ and active duty education activities. After retirement, John served as a College Administrator coordinating all off-campus education programs for the University of Maryland.

John was born on September 1, 1932, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to the late John and Catherine Keenan, and grew up in rugged South Philly.  As common in many immigrant families, he held multiple jobs to help support the family in addition to attending school, where he was an outstanding student.  Holding at times multiple jobs, John was still able to participate and excel as an athlete.  He earned a football scholarship to Villanova as a 185 pound defensive tackle.  John was the first person in the Keenan family ever to attend college, and the first to earn a degree.  He transferred from Villanova after his sophomore year to play football for Westchester State Teachers College (now Westchester University).