John M. Keane

John Michael Keane, 83, passed away in Frankfort, Illinois, on February 2, 2026, surrounded by family.

Born on the South Side of Chicago on November 23, 1942, to Irish immigrant parents Denis and Ellie, John was the younger brother of Helen Marie and Marty. He graduated from St. Sabina in 1956, St. Rita High School in 1960, and Lewis University in 1964, later earning his Master’s degree from DePaul University. A resident of Frankfort for over 50 years, John served as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion at St. Anthony Catholic Church. He was a career educator who served as principal of Lee R. Foster Elementary School in Oak Forest for over 30 years and was a longtime member of the Oak Forest Rotary Club. Within Rotary, he took great pride in hosting international exchange students and coordinating the club’s annual pancake breakfast and blood drive for many years.

John’s Irish heritage was deeply important to him. The annual St. Patrick’s Day parties with his sister, brother, and their families were among his favorite times of the year. An avid student of history, he had a particular interest in World War II tanks and model building. His other interests included bike riding, reading, and cooking, though there was nothing he enjoyed more than a visit to his favorite restaurant, Vito & Nick’s. Above all, he valued time spent with his family.

John is survived by his wife of 58 years, Marjorie Alice Keane (née Millerick), with whom he traveled the world—from Morocco and Ireland as a young married couple to trips to France, Germany, China, and Russia in their retirement.

He was the father of three children: Sean (Katheryn) Keane, Brendan (Karmen) Keane, and Katie (Leland) Humbertson. John’s work allowed him time off every July, and he, Marji, and their children traveled throughout the United States in a station wagon with a pop-up camper. He also leaves behind four beloved grandchildren: Nora, Ellie, Liam, and Maeve.

Family will receive friends at Kurtz Memorial Chapel, 65 Old Frankfort Way, Frankfort, IL 60423 on Sunday, February 8th, 2026 from 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Funeral Mass of Christian Burial, Monday, February 9th, 2026 at 10:00 AM at St. Anthony Catholic Church, 7659 W. Sauk Trail, Frankfort, IL 60423. Interment, Good Shepherd Catholic Cemetery, Orland Park, IL.