Bernard C. Keegan

April 25, 1940 - May 11, 2021

Bernard C. Keegan, 81, of Methuen, passed away on May 11, 2021 at Saint Elizabeth’s Medical Center in Boston. Born in Lawrence on April 25, 1940 to his late parents, Bernard and Theresa (Murphy) Keegan, he graduated from Central Catholic High School with the Class of 1958. After high school, like so many of his generation, Bernard proudly served his country in the US Air Force during the Vietnam War. After his honorable discharge from the service, he married his bride on October 6, 1962 and settled in Methuen to raise his family. Bernard was a devout lifelong Catholic and a communicant at Saint Monica’s Parish in Methuen. He worked for many years as a software specialist for Verizon and other telecommunications companies until his retirement. Known as the selfless patriarch of his family, he loved many of life’s simple pleasures; from enjoying time at his grandchildren’s sporting events, golfing, dining out, trying his hand at the casinos and watching his beloved New England sports teams. Bernard touched many lives in many different circles will fondly be loved, cherished and missed by all. Bernard is survived by his four beloved children; his son Patrick Keegan, his son Michael Keegan and his wife Martha, his son Stephen Keegan and his wife Priscilla, and his son James Keegan and his wife Kara, all of Methuen. He was also the proud grandfather to Devin Keegan, Katherine Holzman, Dominic Keegan, Emily Holzman and James Keegan. Bernard is also survived by his longtime companion Christine Diodati also of Methuen and his son-in-law David Holzman of Tyngsboro. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife Lucille (Cayer) Keegan in 2018, his daughter Cheryl Holzman, and his two sisters Ann and Mary Keegan. Visitation for Bernard will be held on Tuesday, May 18, 2021 from 4 – 7 PM at the Kenneth H. Pollard Funeral Home, 233 Lawrence Street, Methuen. Friends and family are cordially invited to attend. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, May 19, 2021 at 11 AM at Saint Monica’s Parish, 212 Lawrence Street, Methuen. Interment to follow at Immaculate Conception Cemetery, 29 Barker Street, Lawrence. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Bernard’s memory to either St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or to the Disabled American Veterans, State House, Room 546, Boston, MA 02133. Due to the ongoing global pandemic and government regulations, facial coverings must be worn and social distancing must be observed to attend calling hours, the funeral mass and interment. To leave an online condolence, please visit www.pollardfuneralhome.com. The Kenneth H. Pollard Funeral Home is proud to serve the Keegan family.