Christopher "Chris" Keating

Christopher Keating, 63, of Erie, PA passed away peacefully at his home on October 7, 2023, after battling ALS disease. He was surrounded by his loved ones, basking in the unconditional love he had always given them.
Born in Pittsburgh, PA on March 4, 1960, Chris was the eldest son of the late Peter and Ruth "Gretchen" Keating. After attending Our Lady of Peace School, he graduated from Cathedral Preparatory School in 1978. He enjoyed being a part of the bowling team, playing basketball with his neighbors and colleagues, and working various summer jobs.
In 1981, Chris earned a bachelor's degree in history from Allegheny College. To support himself during the 1980 recession, he moved to New Orleans, LA, where he worked as a manager at Wendy's. In 1984, he returned to the Erie area, dedicating 18 years as a manager in the rent-to-own industry. In 2002, he transitioned to the Pennsylvania Auditor General's office, where he worked as an auditor until January of the current year.
In Erie, he met his wife, Lisa (Diehl) of Greensburg, PA on a blind date. They were married at St. Jude Parish on March 28, 1992. Together, they built and nurtured Lisa's DJ business, Entertainment by Keating for three decades. Chris was the well-known "unpaid roadie" alongside Lisa, bringing music, dancing, karaoke, and joy to thousands in the Erie community.
In August of 2002, Chris and Lisa traveled to China to adopt their first child, Sarah Keating, and returned in March of 2004 to adopt their second child, Elizabeth "Ellie" Keating. Chris loved being a dad. His time was spent driving and supporting his daughters in Tae Kwon Do lessons at Mancino Academy, dance classes and competitions with Spotlight Dance Studio by Stacey Kabasinski, soccer practices for OLCS and EYSA, or theatrical performances with Corella Productions. He was a dedicated fan to his daughters and friend to their coaches and teachers.
Chris also devoted many days to serving his friends and family at Our Lady's Christian School and St. Jude Apostle Church events. His service continued as his children moved to Mercyhurst Preparatory School, where he was an active in the performing arts department and student government. Chris held cherished memories of the lifelong friends he acquired through service, events, and many excursions.
In his later years, Chris found contentment in a simple life in his hometown, enjoying his porch and the weather, cracking witty dad-jokes, watching action movies and HGTV shows, discussing sports with his brother Pat, and frequenting Erie's food spots-especially Popeye's Chicken for his beloved Louisiana fried chicken.
Chris was preceded in death by his parents, Peter and Ruth, as well as several aunts, uncles, and cousins.
He leaves behind his wife of 31 years, Lisa, and their children Sarah and Ellie, along with their faithful dog Boo Bear, and parents-in-law Ronald and Eleanor Diehl. His brother Patrick Keating, sister-in-law Kathryn, and their children Patrick, John, Paul, and Maureen of Fairfax, VA. Brother-in-law Ron (Amanda) Diehl, and Jack and James. First cousins Emily Blake, James (Sue) Hewitt, John (Sue) Dailey, Paul (Angela) Dailey, Tom (Kathy) Dailey, and Carol (Keith) Cron. Great cousin, Marilyn Gerrell. And many more relatives from afar.
Chris and his family express heartfelt gratitude to his caretaker Rae Chapman, CNA Martha Lopez, and the entire hospice team from Interim, especially Kat.
Friends are invited to call Brugger Funeral Homes and Crematory, 1595 W. 38th St. at Greengarden Blvd., on Friday, October 13th from 5:00-8:00 p.m. A funeral Mass will be held at St. Jude Apostle Church, 2801 W. 6th St., Saturday, October 14th at 10 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to The ALS Association: Western Pennsylvania Chapter, 416 Lincoln Ave, Millvale, PA 15209, or the Chosen Mission Project for home healthcare at 3638 W. 26th St, Erie, PA 16506.