John P. "Jack" Keating Jr.
John P. "Jack" Keating Jr.
Obituary
Guest Book
John Keating Obituary
longtime postal worker, and local coach; 87
LEOMINSTER -- John "Jack" P. Keating Jr., 87, of Leominster, formerly of Lincoln St., Fitchburg, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, December 29, 2010, in the Highlands.
Jack was born in Fitchburg on December 2, 1923, son of the late John P. and Blanche (Poirier) Keating.
He was a decorated veteran of World War II, who was very proud of his service in the United States Army.
After the War, he married his sweetheart, Pat, and they were happily married for 62 years.
He worked for the U.S. Government, as a letter carrier for many years.
Jack coached for Babe Ruth for 25 years, and also Biddy League Basketball. After his retirement from coaching, he continued to coach the Weathervane Team of the Challenger Little League.
In his retirement, he loved spreading joy delivering flowers for DeBonis and Davin Florist. Jack was well known for his wonderful sense of humor and loved to entertain with his many jokes and stories.
He leaves a daughter, Katherine P. Champagne and her husband, Mark R. of Fitchburg; three grandchildren, Maureen Leary of Munich, Germany, Brett Leary of Fitchburg, Bethany Zrate and her husband, Sean of Fitchburg; a sister-in-law, Therese "Terry" Bodo of Leominster; many nieces, nephews, and loyal friends.
Jack was predeceased by his wife, Rose "Pat" (Fregeau) Keating, a daughter, Colleen Keating Lasky, a brother, Paul Keating, and a sister, Theresa Hart.
KEATING -- The funeral will be held from Brandon Funeral Home, 305 Wanoosnoc Rd. on Monday, January 3, 2010, with a Mass at 10:00 A.M. in St. Bernard's Parish at St. Camillus Church, 333 Mechanic St., Fitchburg. Burial will follow in St. Bernard's Cemetery. Calling hours will be from 4:00 to 7:00 P.M. on Sunday, January 2, 2010 in the Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Beacon of Hope, 62 West St., Leominster, MA 01453 or to Arc Community Services, 564 Main Street, Fitchburg, MA 01420.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Steven Marshall
January 9, 2011
He was such a great friend to my Grandfather Charles Morrilly. Gramps was always asking for him and looking forward to his frequent visits. What a great man to have known through my Grandfather, another great man.
Marion Chard
January 4, 2011
My condolences to his family and friends and his fellow 235th Engineers of WWII. While I was not able to meet him in person, his granddaughter Maureen informed me, I was able to reunite Jack with some of his old army buddies, last year. I thank you for sharing that heartwarming story.
Bethany Molter
January 3, 2011
We are so sorry for your loss. Jack was a kind, giving man. His presence at the Challenger Little League games will be missed by so many. I will miss our wonderful conversations.
Jerry Phelan
January 2, 2011
I carried mail with Jack 1963-1965. He would give you the shirt off his back. Great guy. Loved his laugh. Our thoughts are with him and his family.
Jerry and Pat Phelan from Fitchburg, MASS, later Ashby.
How you can show support
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Dave Madigan
January 2, 2011
To Jack's Family. I am so saddend to hear of his passing. I consider myself a much better person for knowing him, I will miss our conversations at the callenger little league games and cookout at the end of each year, My thoughts are with you at this time.
Jasmina Coira
January 2, 2011
To the family of Jack our sympathy and prayers are with you all. We loved Jack and loved every moment caring for him we will miss him very much he will never be forgoten we will always remember the kind loving person he was may the lord bless him may he rest in peace.
From the day crew at the
Highlands
Janet, Jazz, Yolanda, Shandy, Beth the nurse, Judy the nurse, Anita the old unit manager our prayers and love.
michael jennison
January 1, 2011
I knew Jack when i played biddy league basketball, he was also our letter carrier for many years. I later got to coach against Jack when i became an adult. Jack was a great guy, gentleman and friend. He was always there for the kids. To Jack's family, sorry for your loss. He will be missed.
andrea thibaudeau
December 31, 2010
to the family of jack keating. i am so sorry about your loss. he is an amazing person and a coach of the WEATHERVANE LITTLE.he always makes us laugh all the time. he is so sweet and kind. i loved him and always will.
andrea thibaudeau
December 31, 2010
to the family of jack keating. i am so very sorry of your loss. he is so sweet and kind. he is an amazing person and a coach of the WEATHERVANE LITTLE LEAGUE. iloved him so much and i will always will.
Skip Bourque
December 31, 2010
I am happy that I got to meet and speak with Jack again earlier this year and found him to be just as affable and positive then as he was when he coached my Babe Ruth team 45 years ago. A guy like Jack will be missed by all.
Maureen Leary
December 31, 2010
Appy,
You will be missed.
Love,
Maureen
Showing 1 - 11 of 11 results
Make a Donation
in John Keating's name
How to support John's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor John Keating's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more