JOHN E. KEEFE Sr.

 John Edward Keefe, age 88 of Little Compton, RI  passed away on March 13, 2026 at Charlton Memorial Hospital following a long battle with Parkinson’s Disease.

John was born on May 17, 1937 to parents Edward L. Keefe and Esther M. (Fitzgerald) Keefe. He was a graduate of Mount Pleasant High School in Providence RI. He then pursued higher education at Bryant College, obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Business Management. Following this he entered the real estate field which led to his employment with the city of Providence, Rhode Island’s Redevelopment Agency where he supervised the preparation, negotiation, acquisition, and settlement for all properties through its Urban Renewal Program.

John eventually went on to work for Rhode Island Housing where he worked as Program Coordinator managing programs for vulnerable and underserved populations. He procured affordable housing for low-income families and individuals as well as emergency assistance to households experiencing  a housing crisis. In addition, he administered funds for non-profit agencies that provide housing assistance and supportive social services to individuals with HIV/AIDS and their families. He also established programs that facilitate rental assistance funds to non-profit agencies housing individuals with mental illness including substance use disorders, and their families.

John was known for his bright smile, his funny sense of humor, and his kindness and compassion for others. He was a devoted and loving husband, father, and grandfather. Throughout  his life he took pleasure in traveling, jogging, going to the gym, skiing, bicycling, doing yardwork and gardening. He was an avid reader and loved researching and learning about his Irish heritage. He was a sports fan and enjoyed watching baseball and football and attending Boston Red Sox games. Most especially, he enjoyed attending his granddaughter Lily’s dance recitals, show choir performances, plays, and musical theatre productions.

John was also actively involved in his community. He was a member of Rhode Island Coalition for the Homeless. He also was a Parish Counsel member of Saint Catherine of Sienna Church and Little League baseball coach for several years, both in Little Compton, RI.

John is survived by his beloved wife Joann L. (Ponte) Keefe. They were married for 57 years. He is also survived by his loving children, daughter Elizabeth A. Keefe Machado, his sons John E. Keefe and Phillip C. Keefe, and his cherished granddaughter Lily Victoria Machado. He also leaves behind his sisters Esther M. Svaco and Clare K. Walsh as well as several nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, April 11, at 11:00AM, Saint Catherine of Siena Church, 74 Simmons Road, Little Compton, RI, followed by interment at Our Lady of Fatima Cemetery, South of Commons Road, Little Compton.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Disease or Doctors Without Borders.

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