Obituary of Roberta McKeon

Robbie McKeon 1954-2022

Family and friends are invited to celebrate the life of Robbie McKeon, on Sunday, September 11, 2022 from 2:00 – 4:00 pm, at Riverdale Funeral Home, 5044 Broadway (at West 214th Street) in Inwood. Prayers will be offered by the priest at 2:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF) .

Roberta Grace McKeon was born to Francis “Scottie” and Mary McAdam in Olean, NY. In high school, Robbie met Eva and Peggy, and a lifelong friendship began. While working at the Social Security Administration in Queens, Robbie met Kevin McKeon, the love of her life. Robbie and Kevin married quietly at City Hall before embarking on a honeymoon trip to Kenya, visiting in-laws Bernard and Joan McKeon. Robbie and Kevin welcomed their son Andrew in 1991, and the family moved from Astoria to beautiful Inwood in 2002.

Robbie received her Bachelor of Arts Cum Laude in Communication Arts/English from St. Norbert College. Her passion for literature led her New York City to pursue a Master of Arts, English at Fordham University. Continuing her education, Robbie entered NYU Stern School of Business to gain an MBA, Concentration in Human Resources Management, while teaching Business Writing. Robbie later became Adjunct Professor, Management Communication Program there

Her characteristic modesty is reflected in her LinkedIn profile, which states, “I make complex topics understandable and engaging.” Her career spanned non-profit, consulting, and corporate positions. As a brilliant writer and strategist, Robbie also freelanced, including ghost writing several business books. She was an active member of New York Women in Communication, honored with Outstanding Service to the Organization three times.

Robbie was devoted to Kevin and Andrew, enjoying travel, movies, theater, restaurants, and Inwood’s lovely parks with her guys. She was a wonderful support to the whole McKeon family, always a warm and loving presence at family gatherings. Robbie will be deeply missed by her extended family, friends, neighbors, and professional colleagues.  

Robbie is survived by her brother Michael McAdam of Olean, and Mike’s children and grandchildren.