Westborough – James M. “Jim” Killeen, 89, of Westborough, passed away peacefully with family by his side on Friday, June 16, 2023, at the Beaumont Skilled Nursing Center. He was the cherished husband of Margaret “Peggy” (Reardon) Killeen.
Born in Dorchester, he was the son of the late Charles and Mary (Flaherty) Killeen. He attended St. Matthew’s Grammar School in Dorchester, Christopher Columbus High School in the North End, and was a 1962 Graduate of Northeastern University.
Jim served with the United States Army from 1955 to 1957. This fostered his love of history and his enjoyment of book and TV documentaries and biographies. He was also fascinated by his Irish family history, although he’d encourage you to do the research.
After an early career in life insurance sales with National Life of Vermont, Jim worked in building services at Southboro Medical Group for 30+ years, retiring at the young age of 80. At SMG he was known for his friendliness to everyone.
Faith was a very important part of Jim’s life. He was a parishioner of St. Luke’s, attending daily mass as well as the Rosary, Adoration, Respect Life and Senior Adult groups. He was a member of Knights of Columbus Council 85.
Jim was known as a “people person” who was never too busy to stop and chat with you — and that made his day. He loved his morning coffee with friends. Jim read the daily newspaper from front to back and prided himself in sharing a little bit about everything. Jim especially enjoyed the obituary section and was often impressed by the achievements of others. He loved attending family events to socialize with relatives new and old. He will be remembered for his sense of humor, often laughing heartily at his own jokes and making quick-witted comebacks to the jokes of others.
In addition to his beloved wife, he leaves behind three children and four grandchildren whom he adored; James Killeen Jr. of Quincy; Margaret “Meg” Killeen Belezos of Reading and her children Sierra, Logan and Owen Belezos; Darren Killeen of Nashua, NH and his son Nicholas Killeen; brother-in-law Charles Tsacoyeanes; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He was predeceased by his siblings Mae Regan, Dorothy Caulfield, Charles Killeen, Anna Brennan, and Clare Tsacoyeanes.
Jim’s family is extremely grateful for all the love and support from relatives, friends and everyone involved in his care.
A calling hour will be held from 10 to 11 A.M. in St. Luke the Evangelist Church, 70 West Main St., Westborough followed by a Mass of Celebration of Life at 11:00 A.M. Burial with military honors will take place at St. Luke’s Cemetery later in the day.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jim’s memory to St. Luke’s Parish Outreach or to a charity of your choice.
The Pickering & Son Westborough Funeral Home assisted with arrangements.
