Edward Keating

KEATING, Edward

Dr. Edward L. Keating of Atlanta, GA, passed away on July 26, 2025. He was 83.

Keating was born in Washington, D.C., grew up in Arlington, VA, and graduated from Virginia Polytechnic Institute with undergraduate and Master's degrees in Architecture and Urban Design. He then pursued Urban Planning, earning a Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

As a professor in Georgia Tech's School of City and Regional Planning, Keating was a fierce advocate for fair housing, affordable housing and protecting the rights of those in public housing, as well as those affected by gentrification. Keating was a passionate teacher, mentoring hundreds of students through graduate studies in urban planning. During his time at Georgia Tech, he authored the book, "Atlanta: Race, Class and Urban Expansion." He also completed a Fulbright scholarship in India and co-founded the Community Design Center of Atlanta, which advocated for low-income communities in Atlanta for 30+ years.

Keating lived a big, loud, colorful life outside academia. He took up residence in Little Five Points decades ago, and in his early years frequented the Euclid Avenue Yacht Club, where he was often immersed in policy conversations and laughter. In his later years, he was spotted daily at LFP's Aurora Coffee, greeting the baristas with, "And a fine good day to you!"

He was an avid world traveler, exploring Russia, Africa and Europe, but found a special connection with Ireland, spending months at a time near the city of Tralee. He connected deeply with a community of Irish friends and explored the country over three decades. One of his favorite trips was in 2016, when he took his grandchildren to explore Ireland and showed them their heritage.

He was a member of the Atlanta Democratic Socialists, a supporter of the ACLU, Planned Parenthood, and local independent radio stations. He enjoyed debating U.S. and world politics with just about anyone.

His second wife, Eleanor Matthews, died in 2021.

He is survived by daughters, Lauren Keating and Lisa (James) Gilmore; beloved granddaughters, Audrey and Molly Gilmore; and first wife, Anne Keating, all of Atlanta, GA.