Thomas Peter Keon, an emeritus associate professor of anesthesiology & critical care in  Penn’s School of Medicine, died on May 13 from complications of Alzheimer’s Disease. He was 88. 

Born in Detroit, Michigan, Dr. Keon spent his formative years in Campbell’s Bay, Quebec, and Pembroke, Ontario. He attended Saint Patrick’s College in Ottawa, where he then began his teaching career teaching high school chemistry. In 1965, Dr. Keon earned his MD from the University of Ottawa; he went on to specialize in pediatric anesthesiology. He joined the faculty of Penn’s School of Medicine in 1978 as an assistant professor of anesthesia. Over the next decade, he also took up teaching duties at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, where he also served with the pediatric care unit; in 1987, he advanced to associate professor (clinician-educator). He retired from Penn in 1999 and assumed emeritus status. 

“His leadership [at Penn] spanned 25 years, during which he became known not just for his clinical excellence but for his calm presence, ethical compass, and unwavering humility,” said Dr. Keon’s family in a tribute. “He never sought recognition, preferring instead to let his actions speak—and they spoke volumes. Tom was the kind of doctor families and children trusted instinctively, and the kind of colleague who inspired by example.” 

He is survived by his wife, Janice; his children, Peter, Elizabeth, and Tim; three granddaughters, Kailey, Brinley, and Ella; and three grandsons, Tom, Will, and Finnegan.