William L. “Chuck” Keough, age 81, of Reading, formerly a long-time resident of Wilmington, died unexpectedly on December 12, 2012, at the Winchester Hospital.
Chuck was born in Lowell, MA, on November 8, 1931, he was the dear son of the late Leonard and Alice (Hamilton) Keough. Chuck was raised in Tewksbury and a graduate of Tewksbury High School, he furthered his education at Boston University and earned a degree in business from Burdett College in Boston.
Chuck was drafted into the United States Army on July 22, 1952, during the Korean War. Chuck served overseas, earning rank as Sergeant, he received several medals and commendations for his faithful service to the country and was honorably discharged on May 18, 1955, returning home to his family.
Chuck married his “sweetheart” Elaine F. O’Connor on June 15, 1957, the couple moved to Wilmington in 1964, where they raised their beautiful family. Chuck and Elaine were proprietor’s for many years of a local landmark “Stop & Go” Sub Shop located in North Wilmington. Chuck was always great to the patrons, especially the High School kids who he employed for many years.
Chuck was a “fun guy” with an amazing sense of humor, he and Elaine had countless parties over the years at their home, they had tons of friends, and they always had an “open door” policy where everyone was welcome.
Chuck and Elaine had a great life together over the years, they loved to travel, play cards, have fun, work hard, and were especially dedicated to their family. Elaine’s passing in November of 1993 left Chuck brokenhearted after sharing more than 36 years as a couple.
Chuck was known to his family and friends as an AVID sports fan, especially when it came to the Patriots and the Red Sox. He was known for his knowledge of sports history and trivia. He watched countless games over the years with his family and friends.
Chuck will be fondly remembered for his devotion to his family, he loved his wife and children dearly and was an extremely “Proud Papa” to his grandchildren who will miss him.
Chuck was the beloved husband of the late Elaine F. (O’Connor), devoted father of Paul Keough and his wife Lisa of Woburn, Patricia Druid and her husband David of Reading, Bill Keough and his wife Karen of Wilmington, Frances Keough and Ed Nuttall of Tewksbury, loving “Papa” of Sean, Nolan, Brendan, Erin, Alicia, Elaina, William, John, Patrick, and John, cherished son of the late Leonard and Alice (Hamilton) Keough, brother-in-law of Bob O’Connor and Doris Keough. Chuck is also survived by many nieces and nephews and was the last survivor of a large extended family of brothers and sisters.
Family and friends will gather at the Nichols Funeral Home, Inc., 187 Middlesex Ave. (Rte. 62), Wilmington on Saturday, December 15th at 9:00 a.m. followed by a Funeral Mass in St. Thomas of Villanova Church, 126 Middlesex Ave., Wilmington at 10:00 a.m. Interment Wildwood Cemetery, Wilmington. Visiting hours Friday, December 14th from 4-8 p.m. Memorial donations in William’s name may be made to the Arthritis Foundation, 29 Crafts Street, Suite 450, Newton, MA 02458 .
We are thinking of you all with heavy hearts at this very sad time. Your parents were the greatest and lived life to the fullest. They are finally together again. All our love – Bill and Karen
We lost a great man that lived life to the fullest.
I am so sorry for your loss .. Thoughts and prays
Kathy (Stewart) Carroll
Chuck and Elaine were like a second set of parents for me while growing up on Marcus Rd. So many memories and such good people. I know their kids were always proud of them for the parents they were and the grandparents they became. Stay strong together.
Keough Family-
Karen and I are saddened to hear of the passing of your father and will keep your family in our prayers. With Deepest Sympathy.
Karen and Frank West
Chuck and Elaine…the two names just bleong together. May God welcome Chuck to again be with his partner and soul mate. Chuck and Elaine whooping it up in Heaven! You are all in my thoughts and prayers and I am happy to have known Chuck for so many years. Lean on each other and keep all the memories in your hearts.
Paul, Patty, Billy, & Fran, My condolences to you and your families on the passing of Chuck. He was a great guy who was always fun to be around whenever I had the chance. He’s in a happy place now that he’s back with Elaine smiling down on all of you. I know the foundation they built for their family will get you all through this sad time.
The Keough clan lost it’s patriarch…trully the end of an era for our family. Chuck became a father to all of his neices and nephews as the remaining Keough brother. He cared for each and every one of us..as our parents had. Ironically on 12/12…I had taken outa picture of my dad- Dan keough and Chuck at he and Elaine’s wedding..Chuck took the time to give this photo to me a few years back with a handwritten note–which I have also kept. In the note Chuck wrote “Sheila, I thought of you when I came across this picture today..Love Chuckie–when my daughter graduated high school Chuck took the time and care to write her a touching letter..telling her how proud he was of her and how honored he was to be there for her as her surrogate grandfather as his beloved brother , Dan, was no longer living– Chuck loved music, sports, humor (Except for Bob from Bob’s stores) but especially his family. He and the rest of our parents-are all together once again.We all love you Chuck. Our hearts are heavy today…to Paul, Patti, Billy and Fran… I send love,
The Keough clan lost it’s patriarch…truly the end of an era for our family. Chuck became a father to all of his neices and nephews as the remaining Keough brother. He cared for each and every one of us..as our parents had. Ironically on 12/12…I had taken out a picture of my dad- Dan keough and Chuck at he and Elaine’s wedding..Chuck took the time to give this photo to me a few years back with a handwritten note–which I have also kept. In the note Chuck wrote “Sheila, I thought of you when I came across this picture today..Love Chuckie–when my daughter graduated high school Chuck took the time and care to write her a touching letter..telling her how proud he was of her and how honored he was to be there for her as her surrogate grandfather as his beloved brother , Dan, was no longer living– Chuck loved music, sports, humor (Except for Bob from Bob’s stores) but especially his family. He and the rest of our parents-are all together once again.We all love you Chuck. Our hearts are heavy today…to Paul, Patti, Billy and Fran… I send love,
So many happy memories. The way both Mr & Mrs Keough looked at each other and they always had so much fun together. My condolences goes out to the entire family. I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers.
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this very sad time, Colleen and I are so blessed to have known Chuck for the amount of time we did. May he rest in peace, Love to all of you
Dear Paul, Norm, and all the Keoughs, You are in our thoughts and prayers. Love to you from Jerry and Mary Ellen (O’Reilly) Powers
Dearest Patty and Dave, Billy and Karen,
We are so sorry for your loss. You all are remembered in our prayers. You have wonderful memories that will be cherished forever. Love to your family.
Glo & Bob DeFrancisco
Susan & Steve Ring
Ash and I are deeply saddened by Chuck’s passing. We fondly remember sharing alot of good times with him and will hold on to them tightly for the rest of our lives. “The Duke”….may he rest in peace with your mom.
Love always,
Roberta and Ash Davis
Dear Keough Family,
We were so very sorry to hear about your Dad. He obviously impacted a lot of lives in a positive way. I know for sure he raised a great bunch of kids. We will be thinking of all of you throughout this difficult time. The “missing” will never stop, but thankfully all the fun and happy memories will always bring you laughter and joy. Keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers.
Love, Nancy & Bill
Sep, Patty, Norm and Franny, our deepest condolences to you and your family. So many fond memories of Chuck and Elaine and so many great times being around them. Chuck is now with Elaine looking down at the great family they raised. Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers. Dave & Cori.
My thoughts and prayers go out to the Keough family. Your memories and love and support will get you through. God bless
I love all of you so much! Chuck and Elaine were the absolute best! You are all proof of that. They are definatly looking down proudly at all of you. They will never be forgotten.
Chuck was such an amazing, wonderful, loving man, and will be greatly missed!! The Keough’s have always been a huge part of my family, and my thoughts and prayers are always with them! Chuck will never be forgotten. I know he is in heaven, with Elaine, as angels and they are looking over their loving family & friends. Rest in peace. You will be forever loved!!