Kirk D. Keating

ROCKPORT — Kirk D. Keating , 47, loving husband of Ann (Bagley) Keating, passed away on Thursday March 27, 2008, at the Kaplan Family Hospice House, after a courageous battle with brain cancer.

Keating was a gifted natural athlete who skied, played baseball and soccer, and rode dirt bikes as a youth. He was equally active with his own family. He coached his children, Kyle and Olivia's soccer teams and was on hand in Colorado last year when his son Kyle competed with the junior Olympic freestyle team.

Kirk and his wife Ann lived in Lynn and later Rockport but they also spent much time with their children in the White Mountains, especially Waterville Valley, where Kirk taught for years at the resort's prestigious ski school and where both his children are members of the BBTS Freeride Team. Kirk was on the Rockport Townies baseball teams during their championship years in the early 80s and never stopped playing with his lifelong friends on the "Trash" softball team, also in Rockport.

Those who knew Keating loved his easy smile and deep belly laugh, and his knack for making those he was with a little more relaxed. His accomplished career reflected a less obvious, more determined side of him. After attending the University of Massachusetts, he took a teller job at Eastern Bank and rose over the course of 25 years to vice president of General Services. He was active in all facets of the company, and was especially proud of the work he did with its successful charitable foundation which contributes grants to hundreds of non profits in eastern Massachusetts. He was the longtime organizer of the bank's annual classic golf tournament; he was also part of a bank team that competed in an Olympic style corporate event where he raced Heisman Trophy winner Herschel Walker. He lost.

Keating was born on Aug. 22, 1960 in Gloucester, the son of Faith (Balzarini) Ronan and the late David R. Keating. He was a 1978 graduate of Rockport High and later studied at both the University of Massachusetts and Northeastern University.

He is survived by his children, Kyle D. Keating and Olivia C. Keating; his sisters, Karyn (Crowley) and Kristin (Keating); a brother, Kent Keating and Kent's companion Tomi- Lou McKechnie; his nieces and nephews, Christopher Trupiano, Brian, Brandon and Brittany Bagley, Katie and Todd Sparks, Sarah and Connor Palleschi; his aunt, Judy Cooney; his uncle, William Balzarini; and his godmother, Natalie Balzarini. He was predeceased by grandparents, John and Mabel Balzarini and stepfather, James Ronan.

ARRANGEMENTS: In celebration of his life, a gathering of his friends and family will be held Saturday, April 5 from 1 to 4 p.m. at Cruiseport, 6 Rowe Square, Gloucester, MA 01930. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Keating Children Education fund c/o Rockport National Bank, Rockport, MA 01966 or the Kaplan Family Hospice House, Danvers, MA 01923. The family wishes to extend sincere gratitude to all of those at Kaplan House for their amazing care and kindness. Funeral from the Cuffe-McGinn Funeral Home, 157 Maple St., Lynn. For online guestbook visit www.mem.com.