John Young Keffer

CUMBERLAND FORESIDE – John Young Keffer, visionary entrepreneur and philanthropist, leaves lasting legacy, passed away on Oct. 22, 2025. He was a kind, generous, and driven man who believed deeply in the power of education, perseverance and hard work. He touched many lives—through his businesses, his foundation, and simply by being who he was.

John grew up in Washington Crossing, N.J., in a family that valued hard work and education. It was with that encouragement and drive that he went on to study at The Hun School, Amherst College, and Carnegie Mellon.

Before embarking on what would become a long and successful career in business, he spent time exploring the world, traveling across the U.S. and Europe on his motorcycle, and serving in the Peace Corps in Panama. His time in Panama had a life-changing effect on him. Decades later, after selling his business in Portland, he returned to Panama and founded a high school—Fundación Academy Forum—in Caimito. John paid 100% of the tuition, boarding, and books for all who attended. Today, his foundation continues to support students in Coclé Province, helping them go on to careers in nursing, engineering, teaching, and more.

John was an entrepreneur. He started in finance and banking, then built Forum Financial Group, which became the largest privately owned mutual fund service provider in the U.S. He founded the company in Portland because he appreciated not only the natural beauty of Maine but also the hard work ethic and talent of its people. After selling Forum to Citigroup, he later started Atlantic Fund Services to help keep financial services jobs in Portland when Citi ultimately exited the local market. John is now broadly considered the father of the fund services industry in Portland, providing rewarding jobs and careers that are still going strong today.

But John wasn’t just about business. He was also a mentor, a problem-solver, and someone who took time to enjoy the simple things in life. He loved sailing, skiing, bird watching, restoring his old BMW, and spending time at his farm in Fryeburg. Even when faced with serious health issues like aphasia and dementia, John stayed positive and kept his sense of humor.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Jo Walters; his stepson, Chris Walters, and his wife, Holly; his brother, David Keffer and his wife, Janet; his niece, Donna McShea and her family; and his nephew, Marc Keffer and his family.

A celebration of life is expected in mid 2026.

View Remembrance Video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/HztOeVrBWg0

In lieu of flowers, please consider supporting

Forum Foundation

P.O. Box 2156

South Portland, ME 04116