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.