John F. Kecskes

John F. Kecskes, D.D.S., 84, of Plymouth, MI, passed away peacefully on January 31, 2024. A beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, John is survived by his wife, Diane, two sons, Kevin and Keith, daughter-in-law Lisa, and four grandchildren, Sophia, Nico, Carson, and Quinn, and a large extended family. John was born on August 29, 1939, into a modest, first-generation, family farming community in Carleton, Michigan. He moved with his parents and sister to Wayne, MI where he graduated from St. Mary’s High School and met his wife. Together, they supported their growing family while John worked his way through college and eventually through the University of Detroit Dental School. Over more than four decades, John’s dedication to excellence and spirit of service touched tens of thousands of patients, including worldwide. His medical practice, Newburgh Heights Dental Group, was a trusted pillar in the community that supported more than 50 professional and administrative staff. John was bold and driven; he demanded much of himself and of those around him. He kept a quote that inspired him from Theodore Roosevelt close at hand: “The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat…who strives valiantly, who errs, who spends himself in a worthy cause…so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.” This determined attitude led him to be a formidable opponent at the card table in euchre and bridge games, on the links, or in the woods or swamp while tracking deer or other game – John loved to hunt. John was also a generous man. He hosted countless family and friend gatherings at their summer cottage at Zukey Lake and over holidays at their home, and he traveled to Nicaragua, Haiti, Honduras, and Peru to bring dental relief for those less fortunate. John’s work ethic and dedication to individual responsibility were unwavering. While John worked hard, he also enjoyed life’s gifts of art, international travel, wine, seafood, and the Hungarian and Italian home cooking that surrounded him. Most of all, John was loyal: a dedicated husband, wise friend, father, and grandfather. The family will host a Celebration of John's Life in Spring, 2024. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in John's memory to the Alzheimer’s Association. John lived up to Teddy Roosevelt’s high standard. The world is a better place because of him and, while we miss him dearly, we know that the legacy of his values will live on through the many lives he touched. To share a memory, please use the Share a Memory tab on this web page.

John F. Kecskes

August 29, 1939 - January 31, 2024