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Coach H. Fred Keil

About

DePaul Catholic High School Wayne Valley High School

H. Keil Obituary

KEIL
Coach H. Fred, passed away on Monday January 18, 2016 after a heroic fight with cancer, he was 83.
Coach is best known as being one of the all-time greatest high school football coaches in north jersey. During his 24 year coaching career at DePaul Catholic, Manchester, West Essex, and Wayne Valley his teams won 11 league championships and 6 state championships and completed 6 undefeated seasons. He is a charter member of both the DePaul Catholic and Wayne Valley Halls of Fame and in his first year of eligibility was elected to the New Jersey Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame. In 2000 he was one of three coaches named as "Passaic County Best Coaches of the Century." But if asked he would tell you his greatest honor was being named 1988/89 Teacher of the Year by the faculty of Wayne Valley High School.
Coach is survived by his best friend and wife of 60 years Vivian, his daughter Phyllis and her husband Jim, son Eric and his wife Nancy, and four grandchildren, Carlin, Drew, Erica, and Jill.
A celebration of Coach's life will be held at The Lakeside Restaurant, 56 Lake Drive West in Packanack Lake in Wayne on Sunday January 24th between 12 noon and 5 PM.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Fred Keil Center for Sports Medicine at DePaul Catholic High School by calling Maureen O'Brian at 973-694-3702 ext 440 or sending a check to DePaul Catholic High School 512 Alps Road Wayne, NJ with a notation that it is a donation for the Fred Keil Center for Sports Medicine.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Record/Herald News from Jan. 20 to Jan. 21, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for H. Keil

21 Entries

G McKenna

June 3, 2024

Will never forget our talks at WEHS - rest in peace

The Ginter family

January 28, 2016

Deepest sympathies! Fred will be missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.

The Gills

January 26, 2016

So sorry to hear of Fred's passing. We will always remember spending time with Fred at Erica's soccer games. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Joseph La Cerva

January 23, 2016

Often lunched with Fred when we both were at West Essex in N. Caldwell, NJ. He was a truly kind and gentle man we will remember with great affection. Rest in Peace, Fred.

Linda Alimi

January 22, 2016

My sincere sympathy for your loss.. Fred was one of my favorite people, colleagues, field hockey official and coach. Sincerely , Linda Alimi, West Essex

Rill Goodman-Sivori

January 22, 2016

Fred was a very close friend in Junior and Pompton Lakes High School. Memories of the growing up years are precious to me. Fred was there with me and we shared many fun times. My thoughts and prayers are with Vivian and his family.

Dr. Gloria and Michael Sanok

January 22, 2016

Our sincerest sympathies to the Keil Family.

Robert Csuka

January 22, 2016

January 22 2016

As a varsity Football player at DePaul Regional in 1964 it was a privilege to be coached under the direction of Mr.Fred Keil. As a man his character was unquestionable , he was honest and forthright . And as a 16 year old you could not have asked for a better male role model
My only regret was that I was unable to play for coach Keil my junior and senior years do to my own doing. A regret I have lived with for 50 years .
Coach was a wonderful man , I am deeply sorry for his family's lose .

-Robert Csuka , Glen Ridge , N.J.

Scott Ginter

January 21, 2016

Uncle Fred was a big presence my whole childhood, with memories spanning from Morse Lakes, to Vermont, and many summers spent in Camp Olympic..truly a great man...peace and blessings to Unky, Phyllis, and Eric...

Bill Hambor

January 21, 2016

Mr. & Mrs. Keil bought the house my Dad built and we lived in for a few years at Morse Lake, Bloomingdale, NJ. My Dad bought the property on both sides of this house and Dad built us another new house and again on the other side a few years later another new house. These were two fine neighbors and I certainly missed them when I went into the Navy. As a young boy I can always remember Fred so big and strong, with big arms on him. I cut my finger on a knife one time and my parents weren't home. I went to Mr. Keil's house and he made a butterfly stitch for me and put it on my finger. I know he will be missed by all who came in contact with him, I know I sure do..My prayers to Mrs. Keil and family.

Deb Hambor ~ Schilling

January 21, 2016

With heartfelt condolences ~ A wonderful Morse Lake neighbor for many years.

Tom Hill

January 20, 2016

It is tough to find words to say for such a great man. His ability to inspire I think is the greatest gift a teacher/coach/mentor could give. Coach Kiel gave that and more to his students. He helped us become better men and women. He helped us understand the values of teamwork, discipline, and hard work. These are qualities which shape lives and each of us who were taught by him have carried this forth into our adult lives. He was an outstanding male role model when many of us didn't have one. He inspired us to be better people and its a gift we cannot repay but to pay it forward in our own lives. The impact will be felt across generations for sure. I am forever thankful for being taught/coached by such a man and always considered him a good friend. I cannot look at a fooball field and not think of him and what were some of the best days of my life. There are thousands just like me. May he rest in peace and be assured he will not be forgotten. Our sincerest condolences to all family members and friends.

Tom Hill (WV '88), Tobey Najjar-Hill (WV '89) and Tommy, Alexandra, Kiana Hill

Robert Van Zweden

January 20, 2016

I will always remember having Coach Keil early in his teaching career when I was a seventh grader at the old Anthony Wayne Jr. High about 1960. I wasn't very good at gym but he gave me an A for effort. I always used this as a guiding principle during my own career as a teacher, and students always knew they would get a good grade for trying hard. I also remember that he was progressive because he was one of the few people that purchased a Ford Edsel--he then worried that it had too much power for his pregnant wife to drive and she would get hurt.

Robyn Anderson

January 20, 2016

Coach Keil was a class act all the way. I have such fond memories of him. Thanks Coach for all that you did. - Robyn Weiss Anderson Valley "91"

Joe & Kathy Modica

January 20, 2016

We are so very sorry for your loss...please accept our sincerest sympathy.

January 20, 2016

Coach was a terrific neighbor and friend to my parents from the day they moved to Wayne. His pride was evident in everything he did around the house and how he carried himself. Wayne suffered a tremendous loss, but our loss is heaven's gain. Thank you for all the great memories Coach.
Alex Hodor and family

Doreen M

January 20, 2016

My sincere condolences to the Keil family on the passing of your dear husband, father and grandfather. Many prayers are sent your way.

January 20, 2016

Fred was the role model all parents wish for their teenage children. He was friendly and funny, had good values and was very wise. He was a super-hero member of our staff at Wayne Valley.
Lenore Paddock. (Montville, NJ)

Joann Mosley

January 20, 2016

So sorry Vivian for your loss we all will miss him you two made a perfect pair my prayers are with you and your family
Mos

Vicki Musetti

January 20, 2016

Fred was always a true gentleman who always worked to have his athletes develop fine character, concern for others, good sportsmanship, and integrity. He exemplified all of these and led by example. He added much to our WVHS life.
My condolences to his family.

Phyllis Saletan

January 20, 2016

Our Wayne Valley family was a beautiful place because Fred Keil was part of our world ! It was my joy to call him colleague and friend!

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