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BORN
1924
DIED
2013
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Thomas Keating Obituary
WORCESTER - The family of Thomas Fredrick Keating, beloved husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather, respected businessman and decorated World War II veteran, announces his passing on August 17, 2013.
Born November 15, 1924 in Worcester, Massachusetts, the only child of Thomas F. Keating and Alice (McAllan) Keating, he accepted an early graduation from Commerce High in Worcester to enlist in the United States Navy in 1942. He received numerous honors for his heroism in the South Pacific, including: Kiska, Tarawa, Eniwetok, and Kwajalein, and lastly Peleliu before being injured in a massive explosion in Pearl Harbor in 1944. It is notable that Thomas served concurrently with his father, who served and ultimately was fatally wounded in France, receiving two purple hearts.
Thomas married Veronica (Shattuck) Keating in 1945 while on leave from the Navy and was married to her for over 67 years. Their loving union produced seven children, 28 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his sons: Thomas Keating and his wife Maureen, Michael Keating and his wife Christine, John Keating, and Patrick Keating and his wife Lynn; as well as his devoted daughters: Carolyn Gemme and her husband William, Patricia Clark and her husband John, and Nancy Clark and her husband Richard. Thomas' life was his family and he was extremely proud of all of their accomplishments.
In addition to being an honorable veteran and family man, Thomas was a successful businessman, beginning his career at Reed Prentice and then joining BLH Electronics in Waltham, MA, where he worked for 30 years, retiring as Vice President of Manufacturing. He then joined his son Michael's company, Keating Enterprises Inc. where he worked for 20 years. His work ethic led him to take on one last job, which he held until the age of 86, delivering papers for The Telegram and Gazette.
A devout Catholic, he was first a parishioner at St. Paul's Cathedral, where he was an active participant in the St. Vincent De Paul Society, and also became a parishioner at St. Charles Borromeo for 45 years.
His life and legacy will be honored at a Funeral Mass on Tuesday, August 20, 2013 at 10 a.m. at Our Lady of the Angels Church, 1222 Main Street, Worcester, MA. Family and friends are asked to gather directly at church. Burial will follow in Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton. There will be no calling hours.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Peter Central Catholic Elementary School, 865 Main Street, Worcester, MA 01610 in the name of Thomas F. Keating.
Arrangements are under the care of CALLAHAN & FAY BROTHERS FUNERAL HOME, 61 Myrtle Street, Worcester.
www.callahanfay.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Keating
Sponsored by A family from St Charles.
Pat & Kevin Lacouture & Family
December 9, 2013
My friend Nancy and all the Keating family,
We were extremely sad to hear about your Dad - what a great human being in so many ways. I feel blessed that St Charles provided an avenue to meet him and see his family interaction, which defines the importance of FAMILY. He will certainly be missed but now has the best seat in the house. God Bless!
August 31, 2013
Mike and Family-Our deepest sympathy on the loss of your father.Bill and Kathleen Tattan
edward langevin
August 31, 2013
to the keating family I just foun out about Thomas passing,may he rest in peace and receive his just reward in heaven, a decorated veteran, a good father, & grand father, so sorry to hear of his passing
Jude Ayer
August 22, 2013
Patrick, we were in the same class at St. Casimir's! We took the same bus, in front of the cleaning company. My name then was Barbara Jonielunas.
Every time I see an obituary for a WWII vet I am saddened. Although the loss of your father had to be expected, as we all must pass on, I know the loss is not diminished knowing this. But you will see him again when you pass on. God bless you and your family.
Barbara New
August 21, 2013
So sorry to learn of your sorrow. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Karol (Bauman) Papagni, Steven, AJ Susan (Bauman) Gilligan and Mother, Barbara
Sandra Kucharski
August 20, 2013
Nancy, I was so sorry to learn of your Dad's passing. Please know that you and your family are in my prayers. Eternal rest grant unto him O Lord, and may perpetual light shine upon him and all the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of Christ our Lord Amen
August 20, 2013
Mr Keating, you were a true gentleman...your kind words and your smile will be remembered always! May God Bless All Your Family and Mrs Keating...our thoughts and prayers are with you all! Love, Ann, Dom and girls
Ann Woodard
August 20, 2013
Grampa I'm really going to miss you... You and gramma where my voice of reason and my safe place to talk. You were so proud of my accomplishments everyone knew about me! I loved taking care of you those last couple months and would not have wanted it any other way! You were never a bother!!' I love you and I know your watching over us!! And thank you for saving a dance for me at my wedding!
Mary Ann Franco
August 20, 2013
Dear Nancy, Rich and family,
We were sorry to hear about the sudden death of your dear father. It sounds like he lived life to the fullest. You have a beautiful family and hopefully you will find comfort in the many memories that you have of him. We will keep you in our prayers.
Love, Mary Ann and Paul Franco and family
Heidi Happy
August 19, 2013
Nancy and family you are in our thoughts and prayers. May you find comfort in the cherished memories and peace in your hearts. Love Heidi, Anne and Luke
Aimee Giannini
August 19, 2013
I worked with Tom at the T&G, and I have never met a person with such a positive attitude. Tom was someone you could always count on to make you smile. He shared many family stories, and talked about how blessed he was to have such a wonderful family. He spoke of his wife often, and he would always tell us how lucky he was to have found such a wonderful woman to spend his life with. His face would just light up when he spoke of her. I was so sorry to hear of his passing. My sympathies to his family, I am saddened by your loss. Tom was an amazing person, and I am better for having known him. His positive outlook on life was inspiring. Best wishes to you all during this difficult time.
James Joyce
August 19, 2013
Mike, we have been lucky to be sons of that Greatest Generation. He would be proud of all your many accomplishments. God Speed
August 19, 2013
Dear Dad,
All of my quests for adventure and fun in this life, I owe to you. You taught me not only how to work hard to achieve goals, but also, and more importantly, you taught me the importance of having fun. Thanks for showing me the beauty of creation through all those trips to mountains and oceans. I know you'll be with me as I enjoy them throughout my life. Thanks also for showing us all how to love each other in your adoration of our mother and your forever bride. We will be taking care of her now.
Love always,
Patty
P.S. Thanks for painting the highest part of the house. It's still good.
Rod Erlandson
August 19, 2013
Tom, we are very sorry to hear of your loss, our thoughts and prayers are with you and the whole family. Marsha and Rod Erlandson
Dianne (and Steve)
August 18, 2013
Nancy,
I know we don't keep in touch very often since we worked together but I wanted you to know how sorry I was to read about your dad's passing. He must have been so proud of you and Rich and your beautiful children.
Now he will watch over all of you from heaven.
Tom McDonough
August 18, 2013
Veronica,Nancy and family,so sorry to hear about your great husband ad father.I was so glad to have had the privilege to have know and befriended such a gret man. He now plays his organ for Our Lord and all his deceased family and friends Veronicajust know what to say to you except hang on to all yur great memories and find comfort with you loving family. God Bless you all
Thomas Clark
August 18, 2013
Grandpa I love you and you will be miss greatly you were a outstanding grandfather you were the best grandfather anyone could have ever asked for. I love you Grandpa and miss you greatly.
August 18, 2013
Tom & Maureen,
So sorry to hear of your dads passing. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and the rest of the Keating family.
Tom & Jean Travers Niceville,FL.
Joe Korsak
August 18, 2013
We are very sorry to hear of your Dad's passing. He was a great father, and had a wonderful large family to enjoy.
Our sincerest condolences,
Joe and Phyllis Korsak
August 18, 2013
You were the best dad that anyone could have ever wished for. I am so glad and feel very blessed that I got to spend everyday with you for the last couple of months. They were the best times and I will never forget them. Of course I still believed up until the last minute that you were getting better.
Your loving daughter aka the enforcer
Carolyn xoxoxoxoxox
Peter Gorman
August 18, 2013
Very sorry for your loss.
August 18, 2013
We love you, Dad, and will miss you forever. You gave us a great life, full of wonderful memories. God bless you.
Tom and Maureen Keating
August 18, 2013
Nancy and Tom, My prayers are with you and your family. your Dad was a great man and you have many pleasant memories that you will always cherish.
Sr. Margaret Ann Brown RSM
Michael Worrick
August 18, 2013
We are so sorry to hear about the loss of your Dad. I am sure he will be watching over all of you.
Brian Trottier
August 18, 2013
Pat so sorry for loss.Heaven has another hero ! God Bless
Gerry & Betty Bernier
August 18, 2013
So sorry for your loss, just remember he is always with you. Love Gerry & Betty
August 18, 2013
Auntie Ronnie Reggie and I are so sorry to here about Uncle Tom he was such a wonderful giving man he was always there to help anyone that needed it.He will be in our prayers. Love Reggie and Patty
John Joseph
August 18, 2013
I'm really gonna miss you Grampa. I hope we all make you very proud. You taught me so much about living and loving. Even though you're gone now, you legacy is living on through the wonderful family you helped build.
August 18, 2013
Nancy,
So sorry to hear about your Dad's passing. Be assured you are in my thoughts and prayers. Yvette Remillard
Ann,
Be consoled by the wonderful memories you have of your grandfather, especially on your wedding day. Thinking and praying for you and your grandmother. Yvette
Craig Turner
August 18, 2013
Tom and the entire Keating family - May you treasure the fond memories of a truly decent man. My sincere condolences to you all.
August 18, 2013
Mrs. Keating and Family, my prayers today offered for a truly wonderful gentleman. Kathy Spencer, York, Maine
Tom Gignilliat
August 17, 2013
Tom, (and Family) so very sorry to hear of your Dad's passing, my prayers and condolences are with you, Tom G
NANCY CLARK
August 17, 2013
YOU WERE THE BEST DAD IN THE WHOLE WIDE WORLD! I LOVE YOU DAD AND WILL REALLY MISS YOU. THANKS DAD! LOVE NANCY
August 17, 2013
OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS GO OUT TO YOUR WIFE AND FAMILY FROM OURS JOE AND LINDA MCSHERA
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