John Michael “Jack” Keely, beloved father, husband, brother and friend, passed away on September 28, 2023, at age 82, following a year-long battle with cancer.
Born in New York City on November 17, 1940, Jack grew up with his parents, John G Keely and Cynthia J Keely, and his sister Tish Keely Trosclair (Jerry). After completing high school, Jack joined the Army and served as a staff sergeant during the Cold War between 1958 and 1962.
After his honorable discharge from the Army, Jack worked as a prison guard and as the owner of a liquor store. Later, he became a successful, local realtor where conversational skills honed earlier in life and at the liquor store made him a superb negotiator.
Jack was an active member of his community, volunteering his time with the Lions and Rotary clubs, the Cayucos Fire Department and the San Luis County Sheriff’s Department. He also served as a board member for the Cayucos Water Company and was a member of the American Legion.
In his free time, Jack loved to race cars, travel the world and enjoyed weekly lunches with his friends. He cherished spending time with his family and his “sidekick” dog, Kinzee.
Jack is survived by his wife, Barbara Righetti Keely; son, Jeff Keely (Wendy); daughter, Nicole Keely Dempsey (John); grandsons, Braeden Keely and the late Conor Keely; granddaughter, Lyla Jane Dempsey; sister, Tish Keely Trosclair (Jerry); nieces, Tamara Righetti, Gina Righetti McAlpine (Tim), and many great nieces and nephews and great-great-nieces and nephews.
A funeral service will be held at Saint Joseph’s Catholic Church in Cayucos, CA on Friday, October 6 at 11:30 a.m followed by a graveside service at the Cayucos Cemetery. A reception will be held back at Saint Joseph Catholic Church following the graveside service.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hospice or a charity of your choice.
