STRAFFORD, NH – Mr. John William Keefe, 80, of Strafford, NH, formerly of Salem, beloved husband of Peggy (Boyd) Keefe, died unexpectedly, Thursday, March 18, 2021.

Born in Peabody, he was the son of the late Arthur and Margaret (Ring) Keefe. He was raised and educated in Salem and attended Salem High School.

An honorably discharged veteran, he served his country as a member of the United States Army. He joined the Army right out of high school and served over seas in Germany.

Mr. Keefe was a true Restauranteur. He was the proprietor of the former Keefe's Restaurant in Salem. He provided jobs for many of his family and friends. Something he was very proud of. Over the years, John was the owner of multiple Restaurants and Taverns. He was well respected for his business acumen and his ability to always put the customer first. In addition to Keefe's, he was the owner of The Windjammer, also known as JK Disko and the Sports Haven both in Salem. They had a great following. More recently, he and his wife were the founders of Chip & Run, Pub & Grill in New Hampshire until the time of his retirement in 2010.

An active member of the Salem community, he donated to many charities and group in Salem. John was a member of the Moose Lodge and the A.O.H. Division 18 in Salem. He had a true passion for the ocean and was happiest surrounded by family and friends on his boat on Bow Lake. He truly loved socializing on the Lake and loved living right on the water. He was a gracious neighbor landscaping his neighbor's yards and always inviting them for a sunset cruise or beverage. He loved his animals and treated them truly as a member of the family. Above all else, his love and devotion to this wife and family will be everlasting hallmark.

John is survived by his loving wife of 25 Years, Peggy (Boyd) Keefe, his children, Michelle Getsim and her husband, Leo of Haverhill, Scott O'Keefe of Santiago, Chile, Leanne Cunningham and her husband, Zachary of Strafford, NH, Nichole Rybicki and her fiancé Cameron Hamer of Strafford, NH and Brian Ribicki and his wife, Kati of Farmington, NH, his 6 grandchildren, his siblings, Margaret Gauthier of Ft. Myers, FL, Sheila Keefe of Salem and Francis Keefe of Dracut and several nieces and nephews. He was the brother of the late Joan Levesque and Arthur "Buddy" Keefe.

ARRANGEMENTS: Relatives and friends are invited to visiting hours which will be held at O'Donnell Cremations – Funerals – Celebrations, 84 Washington Sq., (At Salem Common) Salem, Wednesday, March 24th from 10 A.M. to 12 P.M. All attendees are required to wear face coverings, practice social distancing and are respectfully asked for no physical contact with the family. Followed by his graveside service which will be held at Greenlawn Cemetery, Orne St., Salem at 1 P.M. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit www.odonnellfuneralservice.com