Arthur J. Keegan of Melrose, Mass. died peacefully on Monday, February 25, 2013 at his daughter and son-in-law's home. He was 79 years old.

Born on April 4, 1933 in Malden, Mass., he was raised in Malden and attended Malden High School and then enlisted in the United States Army. 

Arthur worked in repair and installation with the New England Telephone Company for 34 years and then worked at the Stone Zoo in Stoneham as a groundskeeper and maintenance man for 10 years and finally as a Courier with The Saving Bank of Wakefield for five years.

He was a Melrose resident for over 50 years, a member of St. Mary's Church of Melrose and the VFW Post 2394 of Melrose. 

He enjoyed taking care of his family and his home and after retiring, he loved vacationing in Boothbay Harbor and Myrtle Beach, S.C.

Arthur devoted the last 14 years of his wife Jane's life caring for her until her passing in 2010. He was the beloved husband of the late Jane Frances (Zins) Keegan with whom he shared 49 years of marriage. 

He was the dedicated father of Kevin M. Keegan of Boothbay Harbor and Kevin's girlfriend Romee May of Boothbay; Bonnie Jane Curtis and her husband Wil of North Reading, Mass.; caring brother of the late James Keegan and Robert Corey Arthur. He is also survived by nieces and nephews.

A funeral will be at the Gately Funeral Home, 79 W. Foster St., Melrose on Saturday, March 2 with a visitation from 8:30-10:30 a.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Mary's Church, Herbert Street, Melrose at 11 a.m. Relatives and friends respectfully invited. Interment in Wyoming Cemetery, Melrose. Arrangements by The Gately Funeral Home of Melrose. 

Memorial contributions in Arthur's memory may be made to the VNA of Middlesex, East 607 North Ave., Suite 107, Wakefield, MA 01880.

For directions, flowers or to sign Arthur's guest book please visit www.gatelyfh.com/.