Joseph F. McKeown, 93, formerly of Wilkes-Barre, passed away on Thursday, July 26, 2018 at Mercy Center in Dallas.

Born and raised in the East End section of Wilkes- Barre, he was the son of the late Michael J. McKeown and Mary C. (Lavelle) McKeown. He was educated in the Wilkes-Barre School District and was a World War II veteran. He enlisted and served in the U.S. Marine Corps in 1943 and was stationed in the Pacific Theatre until his discharge in 1946.  Joe was a member of St. Andrew Parish, Wilkes-Barre, and a 4^th Degree member of the Knight of Columbus, Council #302 in Wilkes-Barre.

Upon his discharge from the military, he began employment at the Delaware and Hudson Railroad. In 1952, he was hired by Square Printing which later became Llewellyn & McKane via merger. This began a 44 year career in the printing business where he worked in all phases of the business – from linotype operator, to pressman, to draftsman.

Upon his retirement from the printing business in 1995, Joe devoted his time and energy to Irish Heritage Societies including The Irish Days Celebrations at Coal Street, The Friendly Sons of St. Patrick, The Ancient Order of Hibernians, and the Donegal Society, where he was honored by the Society as its Man of the Year several years ago. In his spare time he enjoyed carpentry and made 100’s of Adirondack Chairs that he distributed to friends and family alike.

Joe married Emily J. McCormack in 1949, and they celebrated 45 years of marriage until her death on January 9, 1995.  Joe was also preceded in death by his sisters Mary Bobkowski, and Ann Bordy, and his dear friend Alice Holmes.

He was the proud father of four children: Joseph M. McKeown, Shavertown; Mary Lou Evans, Dallas; Emily Intelicato, Kingston; and Thomas A. McKeown, Wilkes-Barre.  Also surviving are his grandson Justyn Newman and his great-grandson Justyn Newman, Jr., Brothers John McKeown, and Charles McKeown and his wife Theresa, all of Wilkes-Barre, and Michael McKeown, Stroudsburg, nieces and nephews.

His Irish wit and humor will be sorely missed by both his family and his myriad of friends.

Funeral will be held Monday, July 30, 2018 at 9:30 am at the Corcoran Funeral Home, Inc., 20 South Main Street, Plains, Pennsylvania  18705, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 am in St. Andrew Parish, 316 Parrish Street, Wilkes-Barre, PA, with Father Joseph A. Kearney and Deacon William F. Behm, officiating.  Interment will be held in Sacred Heart Cemetery, Plains.  Family and friends may call Sunday afternoon from 2:00 to 4:00 pm at the funeral home.

Memorial donations may be made to St. Andrew Parish, 316 Parrish Street, Wilkes-Barre, PA  18702.