John L. Keck

December 2, 2018

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John L. Keck

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John L. Keck, 78, of Yorktown Heights, was born to parents, Cecil and Edith Keck on September 4, 1940 and raised in Akron, Ohio. After graduating from Kent State University, John began his career as a public-school Speech Therapist in St. Louis before moving to NY in the early 1960’s. In NY, John started a more than 30-year career working for Putnam Northern Westchester BOCES as a much beloved speech therapist and later, special education teacher. John touched the lives of countless children and faculty with his generosity of spirit, his loving kindness, his wisdom and his holy, irreverent humor. While still in his twenties, John suffered a severe back injury which led to multiple hospitalizations and surgeries as well as lifelong pain. John was a man of deep faith and commitment who used his own experiences with physical disability to build communities of love and celebration, and to create greater understanding throughout the world. In 1974, John gave birth to his most cherished achievement, a Christian faith-based retreat program, Handicapped Encounter Christ (HEC). The HEC retreats were, and still are, of vital importance in a world that does not value, much less celebrate, difference. The HEC retreats have touched the lives of thousands and continue today, with HEC alumni found across the United States, in the Philippines and in Australia. John had a wonderful lyric baritone voice and a vibrant interest and early training in the theater. These were loves and talents that he joyfully shared in community theater productions, in schools, on retreats and other gatherings. John was a world traveler and fulfilled many of his travel dreams throughout his life. He was a lover of classical movies, streaming favorites continuously on his TV. He was an active member of the Cursillo Community of New York and in past years, taught CCD classes and ran youth groups. John passed from this life on December 2, 2018 following a brief illness. He was surrounded by family and friends who prayed and sang as he went home to God. He is predeceased by his parents and brothers, Paul and Charles. John is survived by his life partner, Susan Caras, sisters Vicki Slapak (Jeff) and Candace Lorkowski (Tom), his Aunt Pauline McCauley, many nieces and nephews, several godchildren and countless friends all over the world whose lives he forever changed.

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Events

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Dec

Thursday, 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Visitation

Clark Funeral Home Inc.

2104 Saw Mill River Road, Yorktown Heights, NY 10598

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Dec

Friday, 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Visitation

Clark Funeral Home Inc.

2104 Saw Mill River Road, Yorktown Heights, NY 10598

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Dec

Friday, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Visitation

Clark Funeral Home Inc.

2104 Saw Mill River Road, Yorktown Heights, NY 10598

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Guaranteed delivery before John’s Visitation

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Dec

Saturday, 9:30 AM

Service

Mariandale Retreat Center

299 North Highland Avenue, Ossining, NY 10562

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Final Resting Place

St. Denis Cemetery

United States, 604 Beekman Road Hopewell Junction, 12533 NY

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John L. Keck

- December 2, 2018

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John L. Keck, 78, of Yorktown Heights, was born to parents, Cecil and Edith Keck on September 4, 1940 and raised in Akron, Ohio. After graduating from Kent State University, John began his career as a public-school Speech Therapist in St. Louis before moving to NY in the early 1960’s. In NY, John started a more than 30-year career working for Putnam Northern Westchester BOCES as a much beloved speech therapist and later, special education teacher. John touched the lives of countless children and faculty with his generosity of spirit, his loving kindness, his wisdom and his holy, irreverent humor.

While still in his twenties, John suffered a severe back injury which led to multiple hospitalizations and surgeries as well as lifelong pain. John was a man of deep faith and commitment who used his own experiences with physical disability to build communities of love and celebration, and to create greater understanding throughout the world. In 1974, John gave birth to his most cherished achievement, a Christian faith-based retreat program, Handicapped Encounter Christ (HEC). The HEC retreats were, and still are, of vital importance in a world that does not value, much less celebrate, difference. The HEC retreats have touched the lives of thousands and continue today, with HEC alumni found across the United States, in the Philippines and in Australia.

John had a wonderful lyric baritone voice and a vibrant interest and early training in the theater. These were loves and talents that he joyfully shared in community theater productions, in schools, on retreats and other gatherings. John was a world traveler and fulfilled many of his travel dreams throughout his life. He was a lover of classical movies, streaming favorites continuously on his TV. He was an active member of the Cursillo Community of New York and in past years, taught CCD classes and ran youth groups.

John passed from this life on December 2, 2018 following a brief illness. He was surrounded by family and friends who prayed and sang as he went home to God. He is predeceased by his parents and brothers, Paul and Charles. John is survived by his life partner, Susan Caras, sisters Vicki Slapak (Jeff) and Candace Lorkowski (Tom), his Aunt Pauline McCauley, many nieces and nephews, several godchildren and countless friends all over the world whose lives he forever changed.

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To send flowers to the family of John L. Keck, please visit our Tribute Store.