Honor Mission
MSG Melville "Mel" Keenan
US Army, USAR (Ret)
Firefighter
Caledonia, NY - 11/22/202309
Mission applies to the following Region(s):
Region 1, Region 2
About the Mission:
The family of Melville Andrew "Mel" Keenan has requested Patriot Guard Riders participation in honoring his life and service. Mr. Keenan of Caledonia, NY passed away on 15 November 2023 after a 19-year battle with Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma.
Quoting from the Alhart Funeral Home obituary: "Mel loved his family, country and his community. A lifetime resident of Caledonia and 1966 graduate of Caledonia-Mumford High School, Mel was drafted into the United States Army during the Vietnam War. He served in Okinawa from 1968-70. Upon his return from the Army, Mel attended Alfred Tech. He returned to the military with the United States Army Reserves and retired in December 1997 as a Master Sergeant with 22 years of service from the 98th Division in Rochester. He is a 55-year continuous member of the American Legion. He served as Commander of Matthew Cleary Post #255 for 19 years. Mr. Keenan served as Post Adjutant and Livingston County Commander and Adjutant. He also was celebrated as New York State Legionnaire of the Year for 7th District in 2013. He also was a longtime member of the Caledonia Fire Department."
A full obituary is available for viewing online by clicking here
Primary Staging Date and Staging Time:
11/22/202309 at 9:00 am
Staging Location:
St. Columba Church
198 North Street (Rt. 36)
Caledonia, NY 14423
Click here for map
Lead Ride Captain and Contact Info:
Don Higgins
Special Covid-19 Mission Guidelines:
Updated 8 March 2022
Based on the most current COVID-19 Prevention Guidelines: Protect Yourself and Your Family from COVID-19, and CDC Guidelines of 3 March 2022, going forward, the Lead Ride Captain for any mission will be responsible for determining whether PGR members will have to mask up or not. Please ensure that you have a mask with you, should the need arise, and respect the LRC’s decision in these matters.
Special Information:
PGR will provide a respectful flag line for arrival of the family and friends. The Mass of Christian Burial is scheduled for 10:00 AM, followed by the dignified transfer and escort to St. Columba Cemetery, 3333 Brown Road at Rt. 36, Caledonia, NY 14423 for burial with Military Honors. (Map to cemetery: https://maps.app.goo.gl/
Please be prepared with a clean 3x5 American or US Army flag, and dress for the weather. Due to Mel Keenan's longtime, dedicated involvement in the Caledonia community, this is expected to be a large turnout to honor him. Thank you for taking time to help honor the US Army career and 1st Responder service of Master Sergeant Melville Andrew "Mel" Keenan, and to support his proud and loving family.
Is there a Second Stage to this Mission?
No
Submitted by:
Don Higgins, SRC, Region-1
BM - 11/17; MER
