John F. McKeogh of Rohm & Haas

John F. McKeogh, 68, of Churchville, a retired vice president and director of public affairs for Rohm & Haas Co., died of an aneurysm Thursday, Aug. 4, at St. Mary Medical Center.

Mr. McKeogh joined Rohm & Haas in 1976 as director of corporate communications and public relations. He became a vice president in 1999.

Brian McPeak, former vice president of communications and public relations for Rohm & Haas and a colleague of Mr. McKeogh's for more than 20 years, wrote in a tribute Friday:

"John McKeogh was the consummate communications professional. He believed in openness and transparency long before it became fashionable. He created and fostered a corporate culture that reflected his values of integrity, respect for individuals, openness, and quality.

"He also believed in people development, and the fact that so much of the talent he recruited over the years remained working under his leadership for the majority of their careers was a testament to his commitment to his employees."

Raj Gupta, former chairman and chief executive officer of Rohm & Haas, said, "John was one of my closest friends and my most-trusted adviser. . . . I could always rely on his wisdom, perspective and insight. He has left a lasting imprint on me and on everyone he touched."

In 2009, Mr. McKeogh retired from Rohm & Haas, now a subsidiary of Dow Chemical Co.

A native of the Swampoodle section of North Philadelphia, he graduated from Cardinal Dougherty High School in 1960 and earned a bachelor's degree in English from what is now La Salle University in 1964.

He then served in the Army in Fort Bliss, Texas.

After his discharge in 1966, he joined Scott Paper Co. in Chester. From 1972 to 1976, he was a communications executive with First Pennsylvania Corp.

While in the Army, Mr. McKeogh earned a master's degree in journalism from the University of Texas. Later, while working, he earned a master's degree in business administration from Widener University and a master's degree in communications from the University of Pennsylvania, and completed an advanced management program at Harvard University's Graduate school of Business.

He was a lifelong student and an avid reader, his daughter, Elena Spearing, said.

Since 1965, Mr. McKeogh had been married to his high school sweetheart, Eleanor Stehel McKeogh. They enjoyed family vacations in Ocean City, N.J.

In addition to his wife and daughter, Mr. McKeogh is survived by sons John and Brian; two brothers; a sister; and five grandchildren.

Friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, Aug. 8, and from 9 a.m., followed by a Funeral Mass at 10, Tuesday, Aug. 9, at St. Vincent de Paul Roman Catholic Church, 654 Hatboro Rd., Richboro, Pa. 1954. Burial will be in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Cheltenham.

Donations may be made to the Memorial Fund at St. Vincent de Paul, where Mr. McKeogh was a member of the pastoral council and was active on several committees.