September 29, 2022
Keefe, Dr. John F.
Dr. John F. Keefe, 86, passed away peacefully after a long illness on Friday, September 23, 2022.
John, former Chief of Medicine, Vice President of Medical Affairs and Critical Care Director at Good Samaritan Medical Center, was the son of the late William and Helen Keefe of Roslindale, MA. He is predeceased by his beloved sisters Patricia Joyce and Anne Lyons.
After graduating from Boston Latin, John went on to study Pre-Med at Boston College, Class of 1957, followed by Yale University School of Medicine where he specialized in Clinical Cardiology. He then completed his residency at Georgetown University Hospital before serving in the U.S. Army medical services as Captain at Fort Stewart in Georgia. Following his service, John accepted a fellowship in cardiovascular disease at Tufts University Medical Center and embarked on his lifelong career in Clinical Cardiology retiring only recently.
John had a big heart, was kind, and a mentor to many. He was an avid golfer and was devoted to his family and friends. He also volunteered at a local cat shelter and was very involved in rescuing animals. All who knew him know he was devoted to his 3 rescue ducks, 4 dogs, and 2 cats whom he discussed at length at any opportunity.
A life well-led; he will be missed by many. He is survived by his life partner, Sheryl Goodall, his loving son Kevin Keefe, his wife Amy, and 4 children; Jimmy, Tommy, Kelly and Claire; his beloved daughter Kathy Moberg, her husband Chris, and 3 children; CJ, Brian and Matthew; 3 great grandchildren; Madeline, MacKenzie and Felix. He is also survived by his loving sister Mary (Mae Mae) Venditti and husband Carlo as well as his brother William Keefe and his wife Pamela. He will be missed by his many nieces and nephews who loved him dearly.
The family would like to extend their gratitude to Compassionate Care Hospice including Lisa, his primary nurse, and her colleagues Gabe and Patrix for their extraordinary care. The family would also like to thank and recognize his additional caregivers; Stefanie, Anne, Lisa, and Renee who each offered their kindness, good humor, and encouragement every day.
A Celebration of John’s Life will be held at Trillium in Canton, MA on Sunday, October 23rd, 2022, from 1 to 3:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or the Animal Rescue League of Boston, both organizations John felt strongly about.
Comments(20)
I was his medical assistant at his office at oak street in Brockton. He was the nicest man, kind, compassionate and love to tell stories. He will be missed by all his former colleagues. Rest in peace Dr. Keefe…until we meet again!
I am so very sorry for your deep loss Sheryl and the rest of John s family and friends.
Nancy Harper
It is with deep sadness that we celebrate the loss of a great man,friend and amazing
Physician. You will be missed !
Godspeed, John. Rest peacefully.
Love you.
Deb Dushku
Sheryl- I am deeply sick for the loss of your dear John. God Bless you with comfort and peace at this painful time. Love you ❤
May John Rest In Peace
A true friend and outstanding physician
A compassionate caring man
I will miss our daily talks
I was only lucky enough to know Dr. Keefe for a short time, but his presence in my life has forever changed me. Although I was there to help care for him, he made a point to also care for me. He was the most kindhearted, generous, and loving man I have ever met. He was the epitome of unselfishness and putting those he loved above all. I have been so blessed to share time, laughs, and banter with such an amazing man as he.
Dr. Keefe, you will live in my heart for eternity. You will always be my favorite PITA (even though that couldn’t be further from the truth). I love you and miss you so very much. You told me you would find my Daddy on the other side, and I truly believe if anyone will it would be you. Have a beer with him and make sure he knows his rebellious teenage daughter didn’t turn out all that bad.
Sheryl: I am so sorry. If there is absolutely anything I can do for you, please let me know. The love John had for you was beautiful to witness, as well as your love for him.
To all of his family, friends, and loved ones: Nothing was more important to him than all of you. I’m so sorry for your loss. I know he is watching over all of you.
Sheryl and the Keefe Family,
Unfortunately I was just made aware of Dr. Keefe’s passing. Please accept my sincere condolences. He was a special person to me and many others I am sure.
I met Dr Keefe at the Thorny Lea GC in 1991 and we stayed in touch ever since. He was part of a very special group of Drs(DREW,FINE,MAHONEY AND TYER)! He was the ring leader and such a group will never be assembled again. He helped me every time I was ill, both in the hospital and over the phone. If he was compensated for everyone he helped during his career, he would be a wealthy man. If respect replaces money, he was already there.
My sincere condolences, I will miss my phone calls with the Dr from this day on.
Sincerely,
Peter Norton – PGA
Dr. Keefe you will be missed by so many who worked with you at Cardinal Cushing , Caritas and Steward hospital. You were always kind and had a great smile. Enjoy the golf in heaven . Sheryl I know your heart is broken but he will always be with you watching over you.
I first met John in 1968 during our Cardiology fellowship at Tufts and we became lifelong friends. He would tell many long stories with his great Irish wit. Thereafter, we practiced Cardiology together for 30+ years at Cardinal Cushing General Hospital. His knowledge of Medicine, his compassion for patients, and his teaching skills with our nurses and our technicians were extraordinary. We all admired his dedication. He loved his game of golf and was devoted to his family. This was all colored by his many long stories of his life’s experiences with his witty sarcasm. He was everybody’s friend, especially his patients. Later in his career we were all impressed with his leadership skills as Chief of Medicine at the Good Samaritan Medical Center. John will be missed by all.
Dick Regnante
Dr K I will miss you and was so grateful to have known you.The laughs and jokes at work made the day easier.you had the greatest sense of humor and we’re so kind and loving to all.Thank you for touching my life rest in peace.
John
I truly hope your field of dream with all the creatures of the world were met
Grumpy old woman
My dearest Dude, you will be missed more than words can say. You were an amazing physician and an even more amazing friend. Go hang out with Mr. Beverley, and talk up a storm.
Sheryl, love and light to you and yours. And remember how blessed we ALL were to have known our Dude!
Dr Keefe (John as you would have me call you), I have the outmost respect for you, anything we needed at the hospital you got for us, I was lucky enough to see your work and how compassionate you were to all. You were never above anyone and treated us all as equals. Sheryl, I know John loved you dearly and I ask God to look over you and give you peace! He spoke highly of his family and was proud of you all!! He will be missed a well respected man and friend!!!!
Dear Sheryl and John’s family,
We are so very sorry to hear about John’s passing.
You are all in our thoughts and prayers. John was a wonderful man who always had a smile. He was a great mentor and friend.
My experience with Dr Keefe was a brief one back in the mid-Seventies at CCGH but his influence remained with me for a lifetime. I learned so much from him and his colleagues, Dr Regnante and Dr Drew, that served me throughout my career. In me and many others like me, I’m sure, he lives on.
Sincere condolences for your loss.
Jim Gallagher
I just learned of John’s passing. My thoughts are with all of you. He was my dad’s closest friend for many years. So many stories of their antics, hardships and most importantly their bond. His presence was felt greatly.
I am ever so grateful for knowing and working with Dr. Keefe.
He provided exceptional care to his patients and was a great leader and educator to the healthcare team. His brilliance and compassion will always be remembered. Thank you Dr. Keefe for being such a great mentor and colleague. RIP. Judy
Dear Sheryl and John’s family: I am so sorry to hear of his passing. He will be greatly missed. I worked with him when I was chair of family medicine and he was a kind and great mentor to all. We all learn so much from him. I have always admire his brilliant mind. The world has been a better place with him in it. May he rest in peace. With deepest Sympathy; Winny Ou
John,
So glad I knew you. A kid from “Rozzie”who treated everyone with respect and kindness.
I will miss you, especially your sense of humor.
Rest in peace my friend.
Kevin