Michael Keenan

Michael John Keenan, a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, passed away on September 12, 2024, at the age of 78, surrounded by his loving family. Born in Pittsburgh, PA, on August 28, 1946, to the late Eva Varonka and James R. Keenan, Michael led a life filled with dedication and service. While enlisted in the United States Army, Michael served his country with valor and pride during the Vietnam War, when he was awarded with the National Defense Service Medal, the Expert Marksman Badge, the Vietnamese Service Medal, the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Ribbon, and Army Commendation Medal with Two Oak Leaf Clusters.

After returning to civilian life, Michael continued his academic pursuits at Carnegie Mellon University, where he earned a Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry. He then began a long career at ExxonMobil, where he worked as a Senior Staff Chemist and was equally well known for his sense of humor and his strong emphasis on safe work practices.

The call to serve remained strong, and Michael joined the Army Reserves. He was given a direct appointment to the rank of Captain in 1978. Over the next two decades, as part of the 4157th USARF School, he would teach many Army Reserve officers in Command and General Staff courses, always making sure his teaching was clear and concise by trying it out on his wife and daughters (civilians who, to this day, can plan a ground war in Eastern Europe). He ended his military career in 1997 as a decorated Lieutenant Colonel.

A member of various esteemed organizations, including the Jeannette Boy Scouts Troop 229 and Explorer Post 229, the American Chemical Society, and the Reserve Organization of America, Michael's passion for learning and community engagement shone through in all aspects of his life. He donated to a wide variety of causes, from the National WW II Museum to the Nature Conservancy. Beyond his professional achievements, Michael found joy in many hobbies, from golfing to woodworking, taking solace in the intricacies of furniture restoration and the melodies of classic rock. Often, these would go together, as he would play the oldies station while refinishing furniture in the garage. When he ran out of projects around his house, he would lovingly restore items for friends and family. His love of golf knew no bounds, and he was always up for a round of 18 holes with his buddies, or with his daughter Juliann. His daughter Elizabeth was never one for golf, but she picked up the running bug from him instead. 

His curious spirit and warm demeanor touched the lives of all who knew him, leaving an indelible mark on his family, colleagues, and friends. He always bragged to everyone about his wife Monica’s cooking, and he would happily share just to prove his point. He loved making popcorn on the stove the old-fashioned way and watching movies with his family, and was thrilled to be able to share this tradition with his granddaughter Catherine. Michael is survived by his devoted wife of 56 years, Monica Lazor Keenan, his daughters Juliann L. Keenan and Elizabeth K. Keenan-Penagos (and her husband Ryan Penagos), along with his cherished granddaughter Catherine Grace Keenan Penagos. Funeral services and ceremonies to honor the life of Michael Keenan will be held on Thursday, September 19, 2024 at 2:30 pm at Resthaven Funeral Home, with a reception to follow, visiting hours will begin at 1:30 pm, offering an opportunity for all who loved him to come together, reminisce, and celebrate the remarkable legacy he leaves behind. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the National WW II Museum or the National Vietnam War Museum in Michael's memory. Michael will be remembered for his unwavering love, intellectual curiosity, and profound impact on all those who had the privilege of knowing him. May his spirit live on in the hearts of those he touched, forevermore.