John Francis "Buzzy" Keyes Jr.

Putnam- John Francis “Buzzy” Keyes Jr., 78, passed away on Saturday, December 21, 2024 after a period of declining health at Cobalt Nursing Facility in Cobalt, CT. He is survived by his wife of 28 years, Nancy L. Keyes.

       Buzzy is also survived by his sister Martha Adams of Douglas, MA; daughter Stacey Keyes of Millbury, MA; stepchildren, Lisa Syphers of Litchfield, NH and James King of Strafford, NH; five grandchildren, Tyler Syphers, Haley King-Suarez, Kendra Mullin, Hanna King and Ryan Syphers; three great-grandchildren Tatum Syphers, Myla Mullin and Hayden Suarez; as well as several nieces, nephews, extended family and lifelong friends.  Buzzy was predeceased by his parents as well as two sisters, Jackie Fairbanks and Irene Pierpont.  

       Born in Worcester, MA on October 22, 1946, Buzzy was the son of John Francis Sr. and Dorothea (Perkins) Keyes and grew up in Auburn, MA. He was a graduate of the Worcester Boys Trade High School.  Buzzy loved his country and proudly served in the U.S. Army as a Private and helicopter gunner during the Vietnam War era and was honorably discharged in 1969. After his service, Buzzy worked in various trades throughout his career including masonry, carpentry, and maintenance.     

       Buzzy was proud of his lifetime membership to the American Legion and supported the Veterans of Foreign War (VFW).  Buzzy loved the outdoors where he spent countless hours in his yard, he was an avid bird watcher and he loved all dogs, especially his former beagle Jarmis. He loved to visit Ogunquit, Maine each year with the love of his life Nancy, spending countless hours on the beach and walking the Marginal Way.  He was dedicated to his family and adored his grandchildren.  He was a resident of Putnam, CT for the past 28 years. 

       His calling hours will be held on Saturday, January 4th from 12-2 PM in Jackman Funeral Home, 7 Mechanic St., Douglas. His funeral home service will begin at 2 PM. Burial will follow in Howard Cemetery, Sutton with full military honors. In lieu of flowers, donations in Buzzy’s memory may be made to St. Jude’s Children Research Hospital www.stjude.org.  To leave a condolence message for his family please visit: www.Jackmanfuneralhomes.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of John Francis "Buzzy" Keyes Jr., please visit our floral store.