Keegan McKenney
August 27, 2003 ~ May 10, 2026
Born in:
Portland, ME
Resided in:
Cape Elizabeth, ME
Keegan Finn McKenney, 22, of Cape Elizabeth, passed away far too soon on May 10, 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.
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Visiting Hours: Tuesday, May 19, 2026 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm
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Tristan, Meredith, Gavin, Tamsin and family
May Keegan rest in peace, and may Sean and his family find strength, comfort, and support in the love and memories that surround them during this heartbreaking time.
Words alone cannot express how profoundly sad we are and how deeply we share in your grief. We have very fond memories of being your neighbors and watching Keegan grow and succeed while chasing his goals, ambitions and dreams. Keegan was always a kind soul, warm and engaging and always greeting you with a smile.
Judy, Nicolas and Jackson are all especially grateful for all the wonderful times that were shared in our backyard pool when Keegan was young.
We send our love and wish all of you strength and peace as you navigate through this very difficult loss. Our hearts go out to you, and we will forever cherish our memories of Keegan.
Kevin, Judy, Nicolas and Jackson
My sincerest condolences to the family. May you find strength, peace and comfort during this unimaginable time!
My best memories of Keegan were of our time together swimming. When pouring one’s heart into a race against another, a bond is shared, as each individual tests the other’s mettle. I think through that exchange we share a very honest part of ourselves with others. In Keegan, there was an unmistakable fire, a genuine spark that only comes from a true love of life. He was one of my greatest competitors, humble in victory and graceful in defeat. It was through swimming that I had the honor of seeing a kind boy grow into a great man, something I am truly grateful for.
To Keegan,
I know you wouldn’t want anyone to be sad for you, so I will carry on, keeping that spark you shared with me alive. Rest in peace, my friend. I will remember our time fondly.
This beautiful tribute says it all; Keegan’s zest for life was infectious and we are heartbroken for all of you. Keegan was so at home in the water, but equally a star on dry land with his floppy curls (when we knew him best), his dazzling smile, his great sense of humor and his appetite (especially after a swim meet)! We loved spending that time with all of you and will cherish those memories. We’re so grateful that we got to know all of you, and we ache for your loss. The fact that Keegan’s strong and healthy heart is now giving someone else the chance to live is so fitting — it’s everything he was about.
Ákos Horvath
Even in his passing, Keegan’s kindness lives on — a gift that will keep giving for a lifetime.
Sending you and your family all my strength in this unimaginable time. Rest in peace, Keegan.
The warmth and love you had for Keegan and your obvious joy in the person he was, were obvious whenever you’ve spoken about him or mentioned his achievements. My thoughts are with you all.
Love, Julie, Keith, Gavin and Patrick Olsen
ka aroha hoki
Jennifer, Sean and Cormac,
My heart breaks for you at tragic loss of your beloved son and brother, Keegan. I enjoyed pictures and stories your mom proudly shared of the boys and their accomplishments. The world has lost a beautiful soul. Heartfelt prayers for all of you.
Cormac , you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers .