Thomas M. Keller

Thomas M. Keller, 72, of Erie, PA passed away on Friday, December 8, 2023, after a brief illness. Tom was born on July 6, 1951, in Venango County, PA. Son of the late William John and Eileen Mary Loughran Keller.
Tom was a veteran of the Pennsylvania National Guard and served the City of Erie as a firefighter for 24 years until his retirement in 2007. He currently served as President of South Erie Turners and has been a faithful member of theirs for years. He was also a member of Erie Jaycee's, Knights of St. John's, Knights of St. George, Sacred Heart Ushers Club, the Cascade Park Club, the National Club Lodge 122 and was a lifetime member of the Erie Maennerchor Club.
Tom was a dependable guy who was always lending a helping hand whenever necessary. He enjoyed socializing, boating, tinkering in the garage or under the hood of a car. He was a true jack of all trades. He could be seen helping his kids rebuilding old cars, assisting with home construction projects, or attempting to fix anything and everything. He was happy to learn that he had many half siblings and was eager to meet them and their families over the last few years. Recently, he was excited to find out that he would be a grandpa for the first time to his grandson, Jackson. Although they never had a chance to meet, he only wished for good health and happiness for the family's new addition.
In addition to his parents, Tom was preceded in death by his father and mother-in-law Giovanni and Idola Ciotti; sister Mary Kernan; brother Albert Keller; and half-brother Gerald Huff.
Tom is survived by his wife, Ortenzia Keller; children Jaime Keller, William (Maria) Keller, and Lauren Keller; grandson Jackson Keller; and granddogs Bandit and Chauncy. He is further survived by his sister, Annie Keller; sisters-in-law Lucy (Kirk) Brabender and Maria (Dave) Deter; brothers-in-law Paul (Joan) Ciotti and Carmen (Nicol) Ciotti; as well as several half-siblings, nieces and nephews.
Friends are invited to call on Wednesday from 3 to 7 pm at the Brugger Funeral Homes & Crematory, 1595 West 38th Street. A funeral mass will be held on Thursday at 10 am at St. Peter Cathedral, 230 West 10th Street. Burial will be private in Calvary Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (P.O. Drawer 498, Emmitsburg, MD 21727), the Brain Injury Association of PA (947 Wayne Ave - No. 110, Chambersburg, PA 17201), or the ANNA Shelter (1555 E. 10th St., Erie, PA 16511).