David Keith

David B. Keith of Ocala, FL, died on July 29, 2024, in the company of his loving family. He was 91 years of age, born on February 14, 1933, in Brockton, MA. He was predeceased by his parents, Brigadier General Warren S. Keith and Laura B. Keith, of Brockton, MA, and his brother, Cary H. Keith of Jamaica Plain, MA. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Patricia Houston Keith and their three daughters, Christy Vacchiano (Vince) and their daughter, Keelyn, of Deland, FL; Diana Keith, of Brockton, MA; and Shannon Keith (Alan Wittrup) and their sons Gabriel and Elias, of Scituate, MA.
A graduate of Brockton High School, Brockton, MA, David played in the concert band and sang in the Galloneers Chorus and 4 Sharps Quartet. He attended Thayer Academy in Braintree, MA, and Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, in the Class of 1957. He served in the US Army in Stuttgart, Germany, from 1954-1956, where he achieved the rank of Specialist.
David then worked as the treasurer of his family business, Keith Oil Corp. in Brockton, and was an active member of South Congregational Church, now Christ Congregational, UCC, where he sang in their church choirs for nearly 50 years.
Beginning in 1972, after attending East Coast Aero Technical School, David worked as a real estate and aircraft broker until his retirement in 1995. The Keiths moved to Ocala, FL, in 2001 and have lived at Shady Airport since that time. David then became an active member in the First Congregational, UCC, choir and the Central Florida Master Choir. An aviation enthusiast since the age of 12, David was an accomplished
pilot, receiving his private license in 1965, and his single engine, commercial, seaplane, twin engine and glider ratings over the next few years. He was member/past President of the Experimental Aircraft Association, Chapter 279, and the Brockton Flying Club, the oldest existing flying club in the U.S. He was part of the Young Eagles program and gave over 100 first flights to teens interested in aviation. In 2013, he was awarded the FAA "Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award" for 50 years of safe flying.
Throughout his life there have been many notable pursuits, including 20 years of participation in the Pan-Mass Challenge, sponsored by the Dana Farber Cancer Institute in Boston, MA. This 200-mile bike ride benefitted the Jimmy Fund, aiding cancer patients. As a member of the Kiwanis Clubs of Brockton and Ocala for over 50 years, he introduced and expedited the Reading is Fundamental Program, in partnership with local school departments. This program provided free books for children in grades K to 3. David was also a lover of nature, a lifelong conservationist and an avid outdoorsman.
Above all, David was a person of honor and faith, and an adoring husband, father and grandfather.
There will be a celebration of his life held on September 7th, 2024 at 2 pm at First Congregational Church, 6140 SW 78th AV Rd., Ocala, FL. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent by mail to The Central Florida Master Choir, PO Box 4753, Ocala, FL 34478; or to First Congregational UCC Music Program, 6140 SW 78th Avenue Rd., Ocala, FL. 34474