John Richard Keating “Dick” earned his wings to his heavenly rest on September 30, 2020. He was born in Rochester, New York April 27, 1928. He is predeceased by his parents James Paul and Lucy (Phelps) Keating, brother Jim Keating, sister Jane (Ely) Nolte and his former wife, Dolores (Kisor) Keating, mother of his two children. He is survived by his loving wife Marilyn (Wolberg) Keating of 34 years, son Rick (Debra) Keating, daughter Barbara (Kenny) Martz, sister-in-law Pat Keating, two grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
He was a 1946 graduate of Aquinas Institute of Rochester, New York. After high school he served in the US Coast Guard for two years. His life’s work was focused on insurance and financial planning. His career led him to California and eventually to Bozeman, Montana. In Montana he met the love of his life, Marilyn.
As a child he summered with his family in the Adirondacks at Lake Bonaparte where he learned to sail as a young boy. He later returned to his beloved Adirondacks to summer with his own children at Raquette Lake.
He enjoyed sailing and after retirement purchased a large sailboat that he and Marilyn called home for seven years while sailing in the Atlantic and the Caribbean. After his sailboat phase of retirement, he traded the sailboat for a “land yacht” (Airstream RV) touring the United States for three years before anchoring in Florida where they wintered for 20 years. During the summers they toured Europe and a visit to the Holy Land deepened his spiritual life.
He was an accomplished photographer and horseman. He enjoyed handicapping racehorses. In addition, he had a pilot license and would often fly friends to distant Canadian destinations.
Dick treasured time with family, close friends and extended family. He had wonderful sense of humor and was a people person. He will be deeply missed by all that knew and loved him.
Donations in his memory may be made to the charity of your choice.
Calling Hours Sunday 1-3 at the Richard H. Keenan Funeral Home (Egypt Location) 7501 Pittsford Palmyra Road, Fairport. Funeral Mass Monday 10AM at St. John of Rochester Church, Fairport.
Comments
17 responses to “Keating, John Richard”
God bless our Uncle Dick… He is in no pain and watching over all of us now…. We love you to pieces.. Love you Marilyn… family!!!
A loss of a great friend and hunting companion.
Although not a blood relative he was always a part of our family.
Bill/Mary….how fortuitous that the friendship Dick had with your family was rekindled when we moved back to Rochester! Thank you for your kindnesses, meals, movies, love!
Heaven is now your home Dick. Marilyn, may God give you strength during ths time of extreme sorrow. It doesn’t really go away but it does get a little easier.
Eileen and Kurt…you/your family were so special to Dick…and me!!! He loved our interactions after Mass on Saturday nights…and was always interested in your children/their accomplishments!
Thank you, Sandra…you have “walked this path now given to me” so I appreciate your words!
Dick – A chance encounter from bringing you your walker after Mass built a true friendship. You were unique and inspirational. I will wear the Scapular you gave me daily… and every morning as I put it on, I will remember you. Peace be with you.
Our condolences to Marilyn and all of Dick’s immediate and extended family. Rest in peace, Dick. Marilyn and you had many adventures together.
Thank you, brother Gary and wife Cynthia…yes we did have many adventures…all of them thoroughly enjoyed!
Marilyn, please accept Rosa and my condolences. I consider it a great honor to have known Dick He was a great friend to my dad and I have always treasured the times I was able to spend with him. It is always sad when we lose our loved ones, but like my dad, he led a richly rewarding life and I’m sure left with no regrets. May he rest in peace.
Thank you, Eric and Rosa: Your father’s name was mentioned in the eulogy Rick wrote…that was orated by Paul Keating at the funeral!
God Bless our 1946 Aquinas Brother
Thank you for honoring Dick!
So sorry to hear of Dick’s passing. He was a special person. Prayers to the family. Love Frank and Sue
Thank you, Sue….you/your family, Nic/Jessica were very important to Dick!
Marilyn, We are saddened to learn of Dick’s passing. With your permission I will forward his obituary to WBCCI Headquarters. They normally list departed members in the Blue Beret. Ted Smith, Treasurer, New York Finger Lakes Airstream Club
Please do that, Ted.
Marilyn