Raymond Patrick McKeon Print

Raymond Patrick McKeon

 
Former Chelmsford Police Superintendent;
 
 Raymond Patrick McKeon, 82, of Nashua and former long time resident of Chelmsford, died Friday, April 22nd at his home surrounded by his loving family.
 He was the beloved husband of 38 years to the late Eleanor “Ellie” (Smith) McKeon who died January 30, 1998.
 Born in Lowell, Massachusetts, January 18, 1934 a son of the late Raymond and the late Alice “Marion” (Cox) McKeon, he attended Lowell schools and was a graduate of Lowell High School in the Class of 1951.
      Eager to further his education, he then went on to graduate with High Honors from Northeastern University with a BS in Criminal Justice and later earned a M.Ed. from Cambridge College. He was also a graduate of the FBI’s National Academy, and was the president of the FBI’s Law Enforcement Executive Development Association.
 Raised in Lowell, Ray was an avid baseball player and played semipro baseball for a local team.
 A veteran of the Korean War, Ray proudly served his country in the U.S. Army from 1954 to 1957.
 In 1962, Ray joined the Chelmsford Police Force; he rose through the ranks, eventually becoming Chief of Police in 1980. He was also the President of the Massachusetts Chiefs of Police Association in 1990.
      A leader in law enforcement during his career, Ray was also a graduate of the FBI’s National Academy, and was the president of the FBI’s Law Enforcement Executive Development Association. In addition, Ray served on numerous boards and committees, and charities including: National Advisory Board of Chiefs of Police on Drugs, Attorney General's Task Force, AG’s Advisory Board, Middlesex County District AG’s Advisory Board,
Mass. Chief of Police Assoc. (as Executive Board Chairman), Governor’s Anti-Crime Council, AG’s  Demand Reduction Initiative Drug Committee, Jurisdiction Subcommittee of Court Facilities Council, Criminal Justice Summit Conference Committee, Mass. Bar Assoc., CORI board, Governor’s Advisory, American Jail Association.
      Very active in the community as well, Ray served on the Greater Lowell Boy Scouts of America (Executive Board), Merrimack Valley of Catholic Charities, Police Community Action Foundation (Founder and Director), Northeastern Alumni Club of Lowell (President), Merrimack Valley March of Dimes, American Cancer Society, Toys for Tots, Jimmy Fund, House for Hope, Chelmsford Scholarship Foundation. He was also a member of the Elks, Rotary International, and the Ancient Order of Hibernians.
      In addition, Ray was recognized for his many achievements and accomplishments as he received the Hail to the Chiefs Awards from the Lowell Lions Club in 1989, the Man of the Year from Chelmsford Lions Club in 1990, the Distinguished Citizen of the Year from the Greater Lowell Boy Scouts of America in 1993 and the Distinguished Veteran’s Award from the Greater Lowell Veterans in 1993.
 After his police career, Ray started a fulfilling teaching career at North Shore Community College and continued on to Middlesex Community College where he always received the highest evaluations and praises from his students.
 Ray is survived by his three children Brian McKeon and his wife Michelle of Pelham, NH, Susan McKeon and her husband James Tobatto of Green Bay, WI and Gary McKeon and Jennifer Shiller of Woburn, MA; his former daughter-in-law Melissa McKeon of Ayer, MA; his six grandchildren Katie Mahoney, Sarah Mahoney, Daniel Mahoney III and his fiancée Lauren McCarthy, Torrey McKeon, Madison McKeon and Casey Mckeon; his three great-grandchildren Kayla and Finnegan Moriarty and Cooper Harrison; his sister Marilyn Laderoute of Lowell, MA; his cousin Jack Halligan of Salem, NH; and several nieces and nephews.
 He was also brother of the late Robert McKeon of Lowell, MA.
 Friends may call at the O’DONNELL FUNERAL HOME 276 PAWTUCKET ST. at Fletcher from 4 to 8 P.M. Wednesday. Relatives and friends are invited to attend his Funeral Mass to be celebrated Thursday morning at ST. MARY PARISH in Chelmsford at 11 o’clock. Burial in St. Mary Cemetery in Tewksbury. E-condolences/directions at www.odonnellfuneralhome.com. Those wishing may make contributions in his memory to the Jimmy Fund, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Attn., Contribution Services, 6th Floor, 10 Brookline Place West, Brookline, MA 02445 or  Disabled American Veterans, P.O. Box 14301, Cincinnati, Ohio, 45250. Arrangements by Funeral Directors James F. O’Donnell, Jr. and John W. Crane (978 or 866) 458-8768.  
Condolences (20)
  • MBTA Transit Police Prosecutor
    Gary and family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you and we extend our most sincere condolences at this difficult time.
  • Jeffrey, Lois, Chris and Melis  - Deepest Condolences for Ray McKeon
    Dear Gary, Susan and Brian- Our family was surprised and saddened by the passing of your beloved father. We loved having him a neighbor and will miss him greatly. While we cannot comprehend the depth of your grief, we hope you will find comfort in your many wonderful memories and in the love of your family and friends. With deepest condolences, The Nicholas Family
  • Peter Maskaluk
    Professor McKeon was one of my first professors at Middlesex CC. He instilled me with the confidence I needed to push me through the rest of my education. I am now teaching at MCC, and it is directly because of Professor McKeon. All my sympathies to his family and friends.
  • Ray McGowan Sr.  - Automobile Concierge
    Susan, Gary and Brian, my deepest sympathy and condolences to you. To all those that served with Ray over the years he was brighter than life! He will always be there in our memories and may God bless him. Your tour has ended Sir! A salute to someone that deserves that respect.
  • peter gervais
    Sue, Gary and Brian My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Your father could lite up the room with his stories , he will be truly missed by our family and by all of those who knew him.
  • Jim Marr Sr  - Chief of Police (ret) Gloucester,Ma
    Gary,Susan,& Brian & Family, So sorry to hear of Chief Rays passing, he was a leader in our Mass Chief,s of Police Asso and a great friend to the Essex County Chief,s of Police Association. Many memories of Chief Ray and Professional development of Chiefs. Chief Ray, rest in peace. Thank you for all you accomplished for Policing in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. You made a difference for all of us!
  • Anne Marie Rakip  - Godspeed
    Please know that I extend my deepest sympathy and heartfelt prayers to all of you on the loss of your father. Ray was a wonderful man who always made me smile. The professional and personal legacy he left behind is a tribute to a life well-lived. May he rest in peace among the angels. See you on the other side Ray.
  • Marylou Brazee
    Brian, Susan, Gary and families, Sorry to hear about your Dad's passing. He was a big part of my memories of growing up in the neighborhood. I remember him taking me and Brian to my first Bruins' game and helped us hang our homemade banner! My condolences.
  • Chief Michael Healy  - Chief of Police Ret.
    Ray my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. RIP my friend of long ago.
  • John & Sandra Minutolo  - Our Condolences
    Sandie and I would like to extend out deepest condolences to Brian, Susan & Gary for their loss. We were privileged to spend a lot of quality time with Ray in Martha's Vineyard on our vacations. We were always amazed at the breath of his knowledge and his wit, not to mention, all of the people that he was privileged to meet in his life. Ray was one of the most incredible people we ever met. We will miss him greatly!
  • Chief Tom O'Loughlin
    My thoughts and prayers are with Ray and his family members. Ray was a great guy who always had a big smile, a big handshake and great stories. I was honored to serve with him on the Mass. Chiefs of Police Executive Board. Rest in Peace Chief!
  • Lewis Demetroulakos
    Ray was a Lowell High School classmate and a wonderful person. May his Memory be Eternal. RIP Ray.
  • bill ryan  - former mayor of haverhill
    ray was a great friend....I will miss the stories about his youth in Lowell...he loved helping people....but never forgot where he came from. rest in peace ray
  • Frank Roark  - Deputy Chief of Police-Chelmsford(Ret.)
    The Chief was one of a kind and the epitome of a police officer and leader. He was a pleasure to work for and a master of conversation socially. The Chief operated under the "exception principle" in management-as long as we were producing we were left alone. I'm sure that he has rejoined the "Japanese Secret Service," which he, J.J. McMahon and Jimmy Gookin referred to themselves as during the halcyon years of their careers. He did his job down here as a soldier,police officer, husband and father. Paraphrasing George C. Scott in "Patton,"-"well, he didn't shovel s... in Louisiana" May he rest in peace.
  • Lynn Marcella, Chelmsford, MA
    I have great memories of your Dad from his membership in the Chelmsford Rotary Club, he was a great Rotarian! Also, from many years ago when he retired I was part of the committee that put on the retirement party for him and other Chief's and Deputy's from Chelmsford who retired during the same time. Had the priviledge of asking him to be part of the Town of Chelmsford 4th of July Parade last year where we honored him and the other 3 retired police chief and 4 fire chief's as our "Hometown Heroes". He was so excited when I asked him - I will always remember his smile and reaction to that! He will be missed by many!
  • Jiohn McQuiad  - My Sincere Condolences
    Sue, Brian and Gary, My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time. Your Dad was a down to earth, everyday nice guy, his outgoing personality always made folks feel at ease. I enjoyed knowing him, the fun times and laughs especially. Godspeed Ray!!! JMCQ
  • shirley and james tobatto
    Jim And Sur Sorry to hear about the passing of your father, He had a full and productive life. The community will miss his wisdom in his community projects. You all are in our prayers. Love you all Mom and Dad Tobatto
  • Terry Moraros &Anne Winn
    So sorry to hear about Ray. please accept our deepest symphty. Ray was the best neighbor we ever had terry, Ann
  • Sherry & Jack Mobley  - Prayers & Sympathy
    Dear Gary, Susan and Brian, We have fond memories of your parents at the Dumont family receptions at the Radisson. We know he cherished his children and all his family. God Bless!
  • Mark Hastbacka
    Gary, Susan and Brian - my thoughts and prayers go out to all of you and the family. Your dad was a great guy and provided many happy memories to all he met.
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