John D. Keeton Jr., Esquire, 76, died peacefully at home on Saturday, January 25, 2020, after a very long battle with leukemia. He was born in Worcester, on August 20, 1943.

John leaves his wife, Patricia L. Keeton, of Shrewsbury; his son, whom he very much admired, U.S. Navy Captain Timothy F. Keeton, his daughter in law, Maryella, and their daughter and his precious granddaughter, Lourdes Elizabeth Keeton, of San Diego, CA; John D. Keeton III and Cole J. Keeton of Leicester; many cousins, nieces and nephews.

John was the son of John D. and Annette N. (Ethier) Keeton and the brother of Nancy Shaw Blesetti, all of whom have predeceased him.

John was a graduate of North High School, class of 1961, earned his degrees from Nichols College, and prior to attending law school, John enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps.

After graduation from New England School of Law, John began his practice as an Assistant District Attorney for the Worcester County District Court, and later moved on to open his own practice having law offices in both Worcester and Westborough, with a concentration on family law. This was a career which spanned 47 years up until his illness.

John was a very active member of the community, both socially and politically. He was a member of the Democratic Town Committee for over 30 years, serving both Shrewsbury and Westborough, and serving as chairperson on both committees at the time of membership, earning the Eleanor Roosevelt Humanitarian Award for passion and dedication to his community, and receiving citations for his “Outstanding Achievements” from the Governor and House of Representatives.

John was long time member of the First Friday Club of Worcester; St. Thomas More Society, where he served as chairperson; Toastmasters International and many local Toastmasters clubs, where he was chairperson and mentor to new members who needed encouragement; the Massachusetts Bar Association; and Worcester County Bar Association.

John had a passion for history, especially U.S. History. His knowledge was so thorough on certain historical events that his friends and family could imagine him being present at events that occurred centuries ago. John enjoyed all sports and was an avid golfer.

John’s second passion was travel. He and Trisha travelled to many parts of the world including: Egypt, China, most of Europe and enjoyed many cruises.

John loved his career. He loved helping people and it showed every day he went to the office, and gave all of his devoted energy to his clients.

John and Trisha would like to thank all of the staff at Dana Farber Cancer Institute, both Boston and Milford, for their compassionate and dedicated care throughout this difficult journey.

Also, a special thanks to John’s sister in law, Kathleen King and brother in law Mark Collins, both of Worcester, for their constant support and caring.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend calling hours from 5 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, January 29, 2020 at Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main Street, Holden. A Mass of Christian will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Thursday, January 30, 2020 at St. Mary’s Church, 640 Main Street, Shrewsbury. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to The Jimmy Fund, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, 10 Brookline Place – West 6th Floor, Brookline, MA 02445.