Joseph L. Keenom

Joseph L. Keenom, a longtime resident of Melrose, passed away peacefully at Mass General Hospital on Thursday, August 28, 2025, at age 75.

Born on February 9, 1950, in Maryland, Joe spent his early childhood in California before his family settled in Melrose. He graduated from Melrose High School in 1969, where he first met his future wife, Rhonda Schermerhorn, in math class. The high school sweethearts were married on September 10, 1971, at the Melrose Highlands Congregational Church, and together they raised two children.

Joe pursued his studies in electrical engineering at Wentworth Institute of Technology. With the precise mind of an engineer and an unwavering work ethic, he built a respected career with several engineering firms before retiring from National Grid.

Practical and resourceful by nature, Joe was happiest when working with his hands. Whether maintaining his home, tending to his yard, or restoring his beloved classic Ford Mustangs, he approached every project with care and determination. When his children were young, he built them a two story tree house, an example of his hands on skill and devotion. He also loved annual hunting trips to Maine with his cousins, where he shared family camaraderie and the beauty of the outdoors.

Along with his family, Joe enjoyed summer weekends in Madison, NH on Silver Lake at the family lake house. When not busy maintaining the property, he enjoyed taking everyone boating, waterskiing or tubing. Later in life, he loved Sudoku, playing cribbage, or meeting friends for breakfast at the VFW.

Joe lived life with a strong sense of responsibility and integrity. Independent and serious by nature, he was deeply devoted to his children and grandchildren, always present at their sporting events and important milestones. While practical and reserved, he also gave generously to those he loved.

Above all, Joe will be remembered for his loyal devotion, his hard earned generosity, and his strong and loving spirit. His life was one of hard work, and family loyalty, and the love he shared will live on in the hearts of his family.

Joe was the beloved husband of the late Rhonda H. (Schermerhorn) with whom he shared 51 years of marriage. Devoted father of Hope E. Doran and her husband Daniel of N. Andover, and Neil J. Keenom and his wife Jessica of Peabody. Loving brother of Lora Hillis and her husband James of Bedford, Linda Kay and her late husband Richard of Madison, NH, Nancy Caron of NH, brother-in-law of Marshall Schermerhorn and his wife Ann of Boxford, and stepbrother of Harold Hawkes of Melrose, Gary Hawkes and his wife Eleanor of Wakefield, and Bruce Hawkes and his wife Janet of N. Reading. Cherished grandfather of Nate and Charlotte Doran, and Jalen Keenom. Also survived by several nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to gather in honor of Joe’s life during Visiting Hours at Robinson Funeral Home, 809 Main St., Melrose on Tuesday, Sept. 2 from 4-7pm, and for his Funeral Service on Wednesday, Sept. 3 at 10am. Interment at Puritan Lawn Memorial Park, Peabody.