John F. “Jackie” Keefe, a self-professed townie and the former assistant director of the town’s Department of Public Works, died suddenly, surrounded by family. He was 88 years old.
Born on January 1, 1938, to the late Thomas and Bridget Keefe, Mr. Keefe was born and raised in Arlington and remained a lifelong resident of the town he proudly called home. He was predeceased by his beloved wife of 54 years, Kathleen M. Keefe.
Mr. Keefe was an Arlington “townie”-a title he proudly gave himself-and his career reflected just how much he loved his hometown, according to a published death notice. He began working for the town of Arlington in the 1960s and, over an incredible 50-year career, rose through numerous positions of responsibility.
When he retired in 2002, he had served as assistant director of the town’s Public Works Department. It was a position he was extremely proud of, and one he served with dedication and pride for several years.
Friends and family will gather on Monday, Aug. 31, at the DeVito Funeral Home, 1145 Mass. Ave., Arlington, from 4 to 8 p.m. A Mass of Christian burial will be said on Tuesday, Sept. 1, at 10 a.m. in St. Agnes Church, Medford Street, Arlington Center.
Even after retiring from the town, Mr. Keefe continued to give back to the Arlington community. He went on to work with Armstrong Ambulance of Arlington and with the Sisters of the Order of St. Ann’s of Arlington.
His commitment to his community extended far beyond his career. He was a proud member of the Arlington Credit Union for 45 years, where he most recently served as vice president. He was also a longtime and dedicated member of the Arlington Lodge of Elks BPOE No. 1435, where he served as past exalted ruler and was a lifetime member of 50 years.
Mr. Keefe considered one of his greatest accomplishments that the Elks started the annual Arlington Senior Citizen Christmas Party in the 1970s. What began as an effort to bring Arlington’s senior citizens together during the holidays became a beloved tradition that continues to this day-a lasting part of Mr. Keefe’s legacy in the community he loved.
He was equally proud of his involvement with the Arlington Knights of Columbus No. 109, where he served as past grand knight and was also a lifetime member. He gave his time generously to both organizations and took great pride in the positions he held and the people he met along the way. He was also a longtime member of the Arlington Touchdown Club.
And then there were the things Mr. Keefe simply loved to do. In his pastime, Mr. Keefe was a professional candlepin bowler and even appeared twice on WCVB-TV (Channel 5), when bowling was still broadcast live on television-something he was always proud to share.
But if there was one pastime that could rival his love for Arlington and his family, it was golf. He was an avid golfer and loved nothing more than spending time on the course with family and friends. He was a member of the original Arlington Golf League from its very beginning and treasured the friendships, stories, and memories that came with every round.
Mr. Keefe lived a life centered around family, friendship, community, and service. He was proud of where he came from, proud of the town he served, and most of all, proud of the family he created.
His legacy will live on through his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, friends, and all those fortunate enough to have known and loved him. In addition to his wife, Mr. Keefe was predeceased by his siblings Thomas, Michael (Paul), James, and Mary Spencer. He is survived by his brother, Jeremiah Keefe, and his wife, Mary, of Billerica.
He leaves behind quite a family and a legacy of love. He is survived by his children, Mary Sacca and her husband, David, of Arlington; John “Jackie” Keefe and his wife, Cheryl, of Tewksbury; Allen Keefe and his wife, Eileen, of Rockland; Bernie Scannell and his wife, Lori, of Townsend; Christine Reynolds of Everett; Colleen Danielson of Methuen; and James “Jimmy” Keefe and his wife, Meloney, of Watertown. He also leaves behind his former son-in-law, Jason Danielson of Salem, N.H.
Mr. Keefe was the proud grandfather of 19 living grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren, with another great-grandchild on the way. He also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and countless friends. He was predeceased by his beloved granddaughter, Sheila Sacca.
This obituary, published on Aug. 22, 2026, used information from the death notice.
