John A. Keith passed away, at his home in Melrose, on Dec. 14th, he was 78. John was born in Boston, raised in Brookline and graduated from Brookline High School. Mr. Keith entered the US Navy his senior year in high school and was a WWII Navy Veteran. He worked as an insurance executive for John Hancock Insurance Company for over 25 years. John lived Newbury MA for several years, was a resident of Melrose since 1965 and wintered in Sarasota Florida for 40 years. Mr. Keith was a former member of the Salem Kiwanis Club and enjoyed golfing. John was the husband of Lucy A. (Parks) Keith. Father of John A. Keith Jr. & his wife Christie of Scituate, Andrew P. Keith & his wife Carla of Easton and Robin J. Messina & her husband Frank of Stoneham. Brother of George Keith of Chatham, Virginia Costello of Brookline and the late Margaret McGrath. Grandfather of Kerrilee Pietroski, Christopher, Jennifer & Ryan Keith, Keith, Julie & Beth Messina. Great grandfather of Sophia & Scott Pietroski. Also survived by several nieces & nephews. Funeral service will be held at the Gately Funeral Home, 79 W. Foster St. Melrose, on Saturday Dec. 18th at 10AM. Relatives and friends invited. Visiting hours Friday 5-8PM. Burial in Wyoming Cemetery Melrose. Memorial contributions may be made in Johns memory to The Home for Little Wanderers, 271 Huntington Ave. Boston 02115.