Walter B. McKeone

Charleston- Walter B. McKeone passed away on April 6, 2022, in Granville, NY.  He was born on July 5, 1943, the youngest child of William D. McKeone and Eva Fowler McKeone of Mariaville, NY.  He attended Schalmont schools until joining the U.S. Navy in 1960, where he served as an engine mechanic on the USS Ruchamkin while it sailed near Puerto Rico and notably participated in a demonstration for President John F. Kennedy. 

Walter married Grace Marie O’Malley on November 1, 1964, had three children, and settled in Charleston, NY, at their idyllic farm where Walter was a proud gardener every summer and raised everything from chickens, to pigs, to horses.  He worked as a snowplow driver for the Town of Duanesburg before making a career of long-haul truck driving.  He spent many years driving for Freihoffer’s and then Wal-Mart, from which he retired in 2003.  He recalled one of his early jobs hauling cement to the World Trade Center as it was built in the 1960s, and one of his last was hauling supplies to the rescue crew at Ground Zero in 2001.

Upon retirement, Walter continued to stay occupied on his farm. He was rarely idle.  In recent years, he became friendly with many of his Amish neighbors, frequently drove them on errands, and enjoyed spending time in their company.

When his health declined, Walter made the decision to seek hospice care and spent his last weeks at the Slate Valley Center in Granville.  He is survived by Grace, his wife of 57 years, and their three children, Kelly McKeone, Kourtney O'Connor, and Kyle McKeone, as well as his son-in-law and great friend, Dan O’Connor, several cousins, nieces, and nephews, and many lifelong friends.  He is pre-deceased by his parents and siblings, Joy McKeone DeSantis, William D. McKeon Jr., and Robert “Joe” McKeone, as well as his stillborn son, Walter B. McKeone Jr.

Walter’s family thanks the VA for his medical care in recent months, and also the many friends and family who offered support and companionship during his illness.  Walter would be honored by donations to the Veteran’s Miracle Center, 10 Interstate Ave, Albany, NY 12205 or to Kitten Angels, 223 Houseman Street, Mayfield, NY 12117.  In addition to being a proud veteran, Walter was always a friend to animals and helped every stray pet he could. 

A calling hour will be held from 11am to 12pm on Saturday, April 30, 2022, at White-Van Buren Funeral Home, 1779 Main Street in Delanson, NY, followed by a funeral service at 12pm. Burial will follow at Schenectady Memorial Park, where Walter will be laid to rest with his parents and son.

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