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Stephen Keys Obituary
Born April 14, 1953, in Harrisburg, he was a graduate of Cumberland Valley High School and Penn State University. He was employed by Highmark Blue Shield and served on the board of Big Brothers & Big Sisters and the Children's Miracle Network.
He was a member of the Mechanicsburg Club, Enola Sportsman Association, and White Buck Lodge, Perry County. He was an avid hunter, loved the beach and his favorite team, the Miami Dolphins.
He is survived by his wife of 31 years, Janice L. Case Keys. He was the devoted father of Jennifer M. Leonard and Jaclyn M. Keys and proud father-in-law to Martin E. Leonard. He is also survived by his parents, Robert D. and Myrl Cleo Crawford Keys of Camp Hill, and former son-in-law Scott L. Baney. Stephen was soon to be a grandfather to Chase Martin Stephen Leonard.
A memorial service will be Thursday at 11 a.m. in Chapel Hill United Church of Christ, 701 Poplar Church Road, Camp Hill, with the Rev. Dr. Galen E. Russell III officiating. Visitation will be Thursday at the church from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Interment will be in Rolling Green Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Big Brothers & Big Sisters Inc. of the Capital Region, 1500 N. 2nd St., Harrisburg, PA 17102 or to Children's Miracle Network, Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, P.O. Box 852, Hershey, PA 17033.
Arrangements are being handled by Hollinger Funeral Home & Crematory, Mt. Holly Springs.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Stephen Keys
Jennifer Leonard
October 13, 2009
I am Steve Keys's oldest daughter, Jen. When my dad died I was 6 months pregnant with my son, Chase, the grandson my dad will never know. I walked into his hospital room to see him lying there lifeless meanwhile this tiny life was kicking inside my belly. A feeling I'll never forget to know that my son would never know his grandpa. Someone very dear to me later told me that my dad met my son way before any of the rest of us did because they're souls had been together with God for those months before he was born. The day after Chase was born I was sitting in the hospital rocking him quietly when a voice popped into my head -- my dad -- he said "I'm so proud of you Jennifer." Something my dad would definitely say. For this reason I know he is still here with us and watching Chase grow up, as his guardian angel.
STEVE WITH DAUGHTER JACLYN
October 7, 2009
STEVE AND JAN IN JUNE 2007
October 7, 2009
STEVE WITH HIS PARENTS
October 7, 2009
STEVE AND DAUGHTER JENNIFER
October 7, 2009
STEVE AND FAMILY IN ATLANTIC CITY
October 7, 2009
STEVE'S FAVORITE VACATION SPOT - OCEAN CITY NJ
October 7, 2009
STEVE LOVED STUDYING THE CIVIL WAR
October 7, 2009
STEVE CELEBRATED CHRISTMAS TO ITS FULLEST
October 7, 2009
STEVE AND JAN'S WEDDING DAY 6/11/77
October 7, 2009
STEPHEN ROBERT KEYS
October 7, 2009
Audrey Folmer
August 20, 2009
I had the honor to work with Steve at Health America - in fact he was my boss for a while. I lost touch with him but had heard he was doing great. I just learned of his death and wanted to let you know that he was a first class guy, intelligent and always willing to find the humor in any situation. I learned to laugh at myself from him. Rest well, Steve - I am sure we will all be toasting with Egg Nog again in another time and place.
Michael Fiaschetti
July 26, 2009
I have been thinking about Steve a lot lately. Steve was a terrific colleague and friend. He gave sound advice and his wisdom and keen sense of humor always helped me through tough times. Times are tough now and I wish he was here. He was an outstanding executive for Highmark Blue Shield. He was an even better human being who loved his family and helped and supported his friends. May his spirit and sense of humor always be with us!
Janice Keys
December 1, 2008
Just to let everyone know, Steve's grandson Chase Stephen Leonard was born today, December 1, 2008. He is 5 lbs. 4 oz. and 17" long. Although a premie, he and Mom are doing fine.
Dorothy (Dot) (Fegan) Skiba
October 29, 2008
Here's to you Steve...
Uncle Steve's Secret Formula Egg Nog:
1 gallon store bought egg-nog
1/2 gallon Bryers vanilla ice cream
4 oz brandy
8 oz rum
16 oz. Jim Beam whiskey
Blend together, taste often, add more of the last three ingredients and..
KEEP AWAY FROM FLAME!
Jan Keys
October 27, 2008
Thank you to everyone who is signing this guest book. Your memories and kind words are appreciated by our daughters and me. So many wrote about Steve's egg nog . . . hopefully all will drink a toast to my wonderful husband and his life this Christmas. He is greatly missed and will always be loved.
Nick Melfi
October 14, 2008
Jan,
Words can not express the sorrow a Family feels at this time. May God comfort you and your daughters through this difficult time. I always enjoyed when You and Steve came to me at my Barber shop. Its never easy seeing people you had the pleasure of knowing leave this World. I pray for you to have the strenght to go on. May God Bless you all. Love
Nick Melfi
Stephanie Angle
October 14, 2008
Dear Mrs. Keys, Jaclyn, Jen & Martin,
I'm so sorry to hear of Mr. Keys's passing. He was full of life and you could tell that he was very proud of his wife and daughters in the times that I spent with him at some of your family events through the years. I am very sorry to have not been to the services. I definitely would have been there, especially as a friend to Jackie, had I been home. My thoughts and prayers are with you always.
Sincerely,
Cassi Bellezza
October 12, 2008
Dear Jan and Family
I had the great fortune to be Steve's Adm. Asst. in the mid 90's at HealthAmerica. He was the best boss I have ever had the pleasure of working for. He made everyday an adventure and he kept me busy trying to get that desk in order! He loved you all so much and spoke of you constantly. Steve was a great humanitarian and I was very sorry to hear of his passing and his fight with cancer. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Anne Lindsey
October 9, 2008
To the family & friends of Steve,
I share in your grief over the loss of such a dynamic, talented man. I worked with Steve in my early years at HealthAmerica when a local network and insurance plan, HealthPass was acquired by HealthAmerica. Steve was instrumental in the successful integration of the provider networks. On a personal level, Steve helped to launch my career in Provider Relations for which I am so grateful. His style, wit and charisma is unmatched in this business.
And yes, I also have the recipe for Uncle Stevie's famous egg nog and I will toast to his memory each year!
May you be comforted in knowing how he touched the lives of so many people both personally & professionally.
Barbara Layne
October 9, 2008
Dear Jan and girls,
As I talked to you this morning, I had the utmost respect for Steve who was my first boss at the Medical Society and one that provided me with valuable knowledge that benefits me today. His uncanny sense of humor will be gone but the memories will live on forever. The girls and you will be in my thoughts and prayers as you move forward along the pathway of life.
Those of us at the Society who had the pleasure of knowing and working with him will always have him in our hearts.
Thelma Hodge
October 9, 2008
Dear Family, I'm sure you knew the personal side of Steve. I had the opportunity to work with him at Highmark, and I can tell you he will leave a large hole in our hearts and organization. He was a great leader, friend, mentor, and life coach. Thanks for supporting him, in his effort, to support us. He will be greatly missed and fondly remembered.
Dana Kruger
October 9, 2008
Jan and Family,
I got the opportunity to know Steve through Big Brothers Big Sisters. He was a great man willing to always help in any way that he could. He inspired me to always stive to exceed expectations. I will never forget his excitement last year with his daughter's wedding and how nervous he was when he spoke of walking her down the aisle. He spoke about it prior and after with such pride. It spoke volumes as to his love for his family. He will be missed! My thoughts and prayers will be with your family in this loss.
Russell Roeder
October 9, 2008
Jan and Family.....
I am so very sorry for the loss of Steve. When I moved to the area from California in 1995, Steve was among the first people to make me feel welcome with his humor which was, to be sure, one of his most engaging traits. But under his humor was a genuine and honorable man who always spoke loving of his family, and always adhered to his principles in his work. He will be missed by me and others in the healthcare business.
I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers as you grieve the loss of a devoted husband and father.
Susan Hair
October 8, 2008
Dear Steve's family - I met Steve through my employment at Big Brothers Big Sisters. He was a strong man who had a great sense of humor. I am very glad to have known him and am so sorry for your loss; he'll be missed tremendously.
Tim Guarneschelli
October 8, 2008
Jan:
I worked with Steve at HealthAmerica in the mid 90's. He was a fantastic human being and my heart goes out to you and the children. As I was just beginning my career in health care Steve was very generous in giving of his time and expertise to help get me up to speed quickly. He was truly a kind and loving person and we will all miss him and his great sense of humor. My deepest sympathy to the family.
Amy Schreffler
October 8, 2008
Jan and girls,
I was Steve's secretary at Highmark for 6 yrs until about a year ago. He was truly a wonderful man and glad to say, a great friend to me! He was a true family man, trusted colleague and special friend. I have so many memories of him and most of them are very humorous! I always enjoyed his 'off the wall' comments and stories about everything, from Jen & Jackie, to the cat, Sargent! The days were never dull when Steve was around! He will be truly missed by so many people. My thoughts & prayers are with all of you.
Diane (Lauck) Reinfeld
October 8, 2008
Jan and family,
I was so saddened to hear of your tragic loss. Even though we lost touch over the years, I want you to know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Susan (Fromm) Gorman
October 8, 2008
Dear Key's family -
It was with great sadness when I opened the paper and read of
Steve's passing.
I only knew him as a boy - my family lived across the street from him and he played with my brother Jim. There are many wonderful memories of those days and Steve.
I am so sorry you lost him at such and early age.
He will live in our hearts forever.
Dot (Fegan) Skiba
October 7, 2008
I had the opportunity and good fortune to work with Steve at both HAP and HealthAmerica. I have so many wonderful memories of his talent as a Director and boss, as well as a true "people person" and friend. Yes, I also remember "Uncle Steve's Secret Formula Egg-nog" receipe. The last line reads.."keep away from flame". Steve was a great comfort to me when my adult son also experienced a malignant melanoma diagnosis in 2000. The best memory I have is when he orchestrated a group of employees to show up, early before work, at WTPA 93.5 radio station to sing Christmas carols. I think he bribed us with egg-nog. May memories of Steve's love and goodness comfort you at this difficult time.
Jim Giardina
October 7, 2008
I worked with Steve at HealthAmerica from early 95 up until the time of his departure. I will remember him fondly for his help that he provided to me, his sense of humor and his deep sense of caring about doing things well. My sympathy to you.
Maria Christini
October 7, 2008
Jan,
I worked with Steve at HAP many years ago. His sense of humor and easy going ways got us through some tough times. Not only was he fun to work with, he was a fair supervisor going to bat for his employees. He saved my job once after I said something in anger to a VP! Although we lost touch over the years, I often thought about him. He will be missed. You and the girls have my deepest condolences. And if anyone is interested... I have the secret egg nog recipie and every year when I make it, I'd think of him. I think we should whip up a batch and toast him! I know I'll be toasting him the next time I made some.
Sharon Muscarella
October 7, 2008
Jan & family -
I was so saddened to hear the news yesterday after hearing on Thursday that he was doing well. He fought the good fight and kept his crazy sense of humor through this adversity. He will be missed. Many of us will raise a glass to him this weekend (if only we had that secret eggnog recipe we could really toast to him!).
Please accept my deepest sympathy.
George Morris
October 7, 2008
As a former security guard at 100 Senate Plaza I became very close with Steve.He was a regular guy. His position never went to his head. He always looked like a page out of Esquire.What great ties he had. I will always remember him as a loyal friend.Deepest sympathy to the family.
Denise Seaman
October 7, 2008
I worked with Steve at Highmark. He was truly a wonderful person. He loved his family very much. He will truly be missed by all who knew him. God Bless his family during this most different time.
Deborah Leonard
October 7, 2008
Having known and worked with Steve was a privilege and he will be sorely missed by me and I'm sure all who had the pleasure to know him. My prayers are with you at this very sad time...
Darlene Getz
October 7, 2008
I watched Steve play an integral part in the 90's growth spurt at HealthAmerica. He had such a great sense of humor. Steve was what made the "early" HealthAmerica days so very special. I am deeply saddened by his passing. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Carolyn Peffer
October 7, 2008
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during these coming days. Steve was such a wonderful person. His ability to bring joy and laughter to all that he met was incomparable. He is missed already.
Jodi Schnoor
October 7, 2008
I worked with Steve many years ago at HealthAmerica. He always had a great sense of humor. He will be missed. His family is in my thoughts and prayers.
Deb Eiche
October 7, 2008
Dear Jen & Family:
May God bless you and keep you during this most difficult time. Thoughts and prayers are with you. I know all of you are suffering right now. May each of you find peace from the Lord.
Warren Hudak
October 7, 2008
Steve was an important part of BBBS. I am so sorry that cancer took him at such an early age. I will miss him.
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