It was with great sadness that we learned of the death, on Sunday 31st October, 2021, of Fr. John James (Jackie) McKeever, Market Street, Ardee, Co. Louth, and formerly St. Patrick’s Seminary, Thurles, Co. Tipperary.
Born on March 7th 1933, Father John trained for the priesthood at St Patrick’s Seminary here in Thurles, before being ordained in the Cathedral of the Assumption, Cathedral Street, Thurles, Co. Tipperary, on June 15th 1958.
He was assigned to the Diocese of Middlesbrough as a curate in St Wilfred’s in the cathedral city of York, England from 1958 to 1961, before moving to St Pius X, Middlesbrough, from 1961 to 1968. Later he moved to Our Lady and St Peter’s in Bridlington, Yorkshire, from 1968 to 1973.
In 1973 he was appointed chaplain to St William’s School at Market Weighton, North Yorkshire, England, where he stayed for one year, before being appointed as parish priest to the Sacred Heart Church in Howden, Yorkshire. From 1981 to 1996, he was appointed parish priest at St Gabriel’s in Ormesby, Middlesbrough, before moving to St Joseph and St Cuthbert’s in Loftus, Yorkshire, where he remained until he retired at the age of 77 years, in 2010.
Pre-deceased by his parents; Fr John passed away peacefully where he served, in Middlesbrough, England. His passing is most sadly missed by his family, sisters Mary, Anna, Pauline, Rosaria, Breda, Angela, Carmel, Marie and Lucy, brothers Joe, Gerry and Philip, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, grandnephews, grandnieces, extended relatives, friends together with his fellow Priests and friends in Middlesbrough.
Requiescat in Pace.
Funeral Arrangements.
The earthly remains of Fr John will repose at the residence of his sister Carmel, Gudderstown, Ardee, Co. Louth. Removal will take place on Monday morning, November 15th at 11.15am to be received into the Church of the Nativity of Our Lady, Ardee, Co. Louth, arriving for Funeral Mass at 12:00 noon, followed by interment immediately afterwards in Ballapousta Cemetery, Ardee, Co. Louth.
For the many persons who would have liked to have attended the funeral service for Fr John, but are unable to do so, due to current virus restrictions; funeral Mass can be viewed online HERE.
[NB: Due to Public Health Guidelines, regarding C-19 virus restrictions; those attending will continue to observe strict adherence to social distancing and face covering.]
The extended McKeever family wish to express their appreciation for your understanding at this difficult time and have made arrangements for those wishing to send messages of condolence, to use the link shown HERE.
Note Please: House Private. Family flowers only, donations in lieu, if desired to kevinbellrepatriationtrust.com.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.
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