Obituary for James A. Kean
James A. Kean of Wellesley, Massachusetts died on March 14, 2021, surrounded by his loving family at home. Beloved husband of Mary Frances (Noone) Kean for 61 years. Proud, loving father of James Jr. Kean and wife Patty of Hampton, New Hampshire, Helen Long of Andover, MA, Mary Shay and husband Paul of Andover, MA, Michael and wife Susan of Shrewsbury, MA and Rosemarie Anton of Temecula, California. Endeared grandfather (Pop-Pop) to Shannon Lerro and husband Rob, Christopher Long and wife Hanna, Michael Kean, Allyson Long, Meghan Kean, Jaclyn Long, Erin Kean, Caitlin Kean, Jessica Shay, Matthew Anton, Grace Anton, Colleen Shay, Joe Anton, and great-grandfather to Stella Lerro.
James was born and raised by his parents along with five siblings in Drexel Hill, Pennsylvania. He graduated from West Philadelphia Catholic High School for Boys in 1953. He continued his education at La Salle University in 1957 earning a B.S. in accounting while completing the ROTC program. James entered the United States Army as a member of the 83rd airborne after graduation. He served for eight years in the army, four of which were active duty and four in the reserves. After his service in the army, James started a career at John Hancock which spanned 38 years. Starting as an agent, he excelled through various management positions to retire as a Vice President. After his retirement, he spent winters in Bonita Springs, Florida. He worked on his golf game and enjoyed the sunny weather with his wife Fran and countless friends. When he was not soaking up the sun in Florida, he loved attending his grandchildren’s sporting and school events. No matter what the weather or length of the drive, you could always count on seeing Pop-Pop. His smile, positive attitude and bear hugs will be missed but never forgotten.
Visiting hours are to be held from 9:00am until 10:00am on Wednesday, March 24 at the Henry J. Burke & Sons Funeral Home in Wellesley, Massachusetts. A funeral Mass will be held at 10:00am at St. John the Evangelist Church, Wellesley with limited capacity due to COVID-19 restrictions. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that gifts be made in support of the Martin P. Solomon Medical Education Scholars Program at Brigham and Women’s Hospital. Checks can be made payable to Brigham and Women’s Hospital with “in memory of James A. Kean” in the memo line and sent to: Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Development Office, 116 Huntington Ave., 3rd floor, Boston, MA 02116
James was born and raised by his parents along with five siblings in Drexel Hill, Pennsylvania. He graduated from West Philadelphia Catholic High School for Boys in 1953. He continued his education at La Salle University in 1957 earning a B.S. in accounting while completing the ROTC program. James entered the United States Army as a member of the 83rd airborne after graduation. He served for eight years in the army, four of which were active duty and four in the reserves. After his service in the army, James started a career at John Hancock which spanned 38 years. Starting as an agent, he excelled through various management positions to retire as a Vice President. After his retirement, he spent winters in Bonita Springs, Florida. He worked on his golf game and enjoyed the sunny weather with his wife Fran and countless friends. When he was not soaking up the sun in Florida, he loved attending his grandchildren’s sporting and school events. No matter what the weather or length of the drive, you could always count on seeing Pop-Pop. His smile, positive attitude and bear hugs will be missed but never forgotten.
Visiting hours are to be held from 9:00am until 10:00am on Wednesday, March 24 at the Henry J. Burke & Sons Funeral Home in Wellesley, Massachusetts. A funeral Mass will be held at 10:00am at St. John the Evangelist Church, Wellesley with limited capacity due to COVID-19 restrictions. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that gifts be made in support of the Martin P. Solomon Medical Education Scholars Program at Brigham and Women’s Hospital. Checks can be made payable to Brigham and Women’s Hospital with “in memory of James A. Kean” in the memo line and sent to: Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Development Office, 116 Huntington Ave., 3rd floor, Boston, MA 02116