Michael F. McKeon, 1938 - 2023

"Has anyone told you today that God loves you?" If a stranger asked you that question at a gas station, in the aisle at your local supermarket, or even at your own child's bar mitzvah, there's a good chance you had an encounter with the late Michael Francis McKeon.

Michael F. McKeon of Pennellville passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on June 14, 2023. Michael was born in Philadelphia on April 26, 1938 to the late Michael F. and Martha McKeon. In addition to his parents, he is predeceased by his brother Arthur.

He is survived by his wife of 59 years Karen, children Michael (Terri), Shawn (Angela), Aaron (Courtenay), and Brian (Joanne), grandchildren Connor, Grace, Evan, Matthew, Ezra, Devan, and Jordan, his sister Emily Speechly and several nieces and nephews.

A hunter, trapper, fisherman, one-time body builder, perpetual evangelist, movie buff, and the consummate salesman, Mike believed in living the abundant life. Mike graduated from LaSalle College in 1960 and joined the US Marine Corps in 1961. He and Karen married in 1964 and moved to Syracuse in the 1960s. He got a job as a sales representative for Lipton Tea – a job that took him to every grocery store in Central New York.

But the pivotal moment in Mike's life, as he would tell you whether you wanted him to or not, came in 1969 when he attended a men's breakfast that introduced him to Evangelical Christianity, which he embraced with every fiber of his being. He went on to be a leader in several local churches, including Solvay Assembly of God and Word of Life Church in Baldwinsville. He participated in prison ministry, volunteered at Teen Challenge in Syracuse, and was always on the lookout for ways to help and support the people around him. He loved working with kids, and children of his acquaintance could always count on his pockets having balloons or a pack of gum in his pockets.

Services will be held on Saturday, July 15, at Word of Life Church, 12 E. Oneida Street, Baldwinsville, the Rev. John Carter officiating. Calling hours are 10:00 a.m. to Noon with a service at 12:30.

In lieu of flowers, send donations to: Teen Challenge of Syracuse, 124 Furman Street, Syracuse, NY 13205