Keegan McKenney

Keegan Finn McKenney, 22, of Cape Elizabeth, passed away far too soon on May 12, 2026, in Charlotte, North Carolina. He departed shortly after graduating from Queens University, leaving behind a community of family and friends who loved him deeply and were forever changed by his kindness, energy, and infectious spirit.

Born in Portland, Maine, on August 27, 2003, Keegan was the beloved son of Sean and Jennifer McKenney and the devoted brother of Cormac McKenney. The two shared a bond that was the bedrock of their lives; they were more than brothers—they were best friends, lifelong teammates, and each other’s greatest advocates. From their earliest days in Cape Elizabeth to their shared adventures across the globe, Keegan and Cormac remained a constant and grounding presence for one another, anchored by a deep love and a shared sense of wonder for the world.

Keegan graduated from Cape Elizabeth High School in 2022 before attending Queens University, where he excelled both academically and athletically. A gifted swimmer and accomplished Division I athlete, Keegan graduated magna cum laude with a degree in Finance and Analytics. Whether in the classroom, in the pool, or in life itself, Keegan believed that greatness came through effort, discipline, and passion. He understood that being good at something required work, and he gave his all to the things he cared about.

Keegan was the kind of person everyone immediately liked. His smile and laugh could light up a room, and his positive energy was felt by everyone around him. He treated people with genuine kindness—friends, family, teammates, coworkers, and even strangers. He had a rare ability to make people feel welcome and valued, and he carried himself with warmth, humility, and authenticity.

An adventurer at heart, Keegan loved surfing, hiking, the outdoors, music, food, and being surrounded by the people he loved. Some of his happiest moments were spent surfing at Higgins Beach, traveling, eating tacos, and listening to music. He surfed in Portugal, Costa Rica, and the Outer Banks, always seeking out new experiences and embracing life with enthusiasm and gratitude. He was always up for anything, a great sport, and someone who made every experience more memorable simply by being there.

Keegan also served as a lifeguard, reflecting his caring and giving nature. Even in passing, he continued to help others through the gift of organ donation with LifeShare, including the donation of his heart—one final act that perfectly reflected the generous way he lived his life.

He was predeceased by his grandfather, Dean Eilts, and his cousin, Jason Eilts.

Keegan is survived by his loving parents, Sean and Jennifer McKenney; his brother, Cormac McKenney; his grandmother, Virginia Eilts of Iowa; his grandparents, Richard and Marsha McKenney of Kansas City, Missouri; along with many aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family members, and countless friends who will miss him dearly.

Relatives and friends are invited to visiting hours on Tuesday, May 19, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Conroy-Tully Walker Funeral Home of South Portland, 1024 Broadway, South Portland. A private burial will follow at a later date.