Edward Stanley Keating

Edward Stanley Keating, 91, passed away surrounded by loved ones on Sunday, May 21, 2017 in Middletown, RI. For 65 years he was the devoted husband of Jeanne Priest Keating, who predeceased him. He is survived by his six beloved daughters and sons-in law: Keri and Jay Ricci of Cherry Hill, NJ; Patricia Ryan of Los Angeles, CA; Maureen Kip Kidwell of Fort Walton Beach, FL; Nancy and Fred Levine of Carlsbad, CA; Kathleen and Martin Kits van Heyningen of Newport, RI; and Laurie and Daniel Elliot of Newport, RI. He is also survived by nine adoring grandchildren, and six, soon to be eight, great-grandchildren.Born July 22, 1925 in Kenosha, Wisconsin, Ed was the son of Joseph and Bernice (ne Pecynski) Keating. From a young age, he was groomed to become the "All-American Boy" and excelled in that role. Even as a young man, Ed was a devoted patriot. He felt the call of duty as WWII broke out, and volunteered for the U.S. Marine Corps. Once a Marine, a title he would bear proudly for his entire life, he boarded a train to California for training. Shipping out for the South Pacific was his first encounter with the ocean. He served honorably in the South Pacific, and upon his return from the war, was accepted and attended his beloved University of Wisconsin in Madison where he received his degree in Business Administration. Always one to enjoy a good time, he was an Alpha Delta Phi. An elite athlete, Ed lettered in both basketball and baseball. In his role as one of the pitchers on the baseball team, he helped the Badgers to the National Title in the College World Series in 1950.It was during his time at the University of Wisconsin that Ed met the love of his life, his dear "Jeannie." The two were married in 1950 in Jackson, MO. Shortly after their marriage, Ed was scouted by the Chicago White Sox to pitch for the major league team, but chose to have a family and a career in business instead. Ed began his business career in the insurance industry, but soon became involved in new construction of residential properties. This career change not only brought him to New England, which he would call home for the rest of his life, but was also the start of his successful career in real estate development. Ed would go on to develop numerous vacation and residential communities throughout New England including the Village of Loon Mountain, in Lincoln NH; the Village Green in Stowe, VT, and the Ipswich Country Club in Ipswich, MA. For over 40 years, Ed called Manchester-by-the-Sea, MA, home. There, he and Jeannie raised their six daughters and enjoyed an active social life where they were known for their annual 4th of July barbecues. Ed's love of sports continued throughout his life - baseball, basketball, and later tennis being his favorites. Even in his 80's you could find him hitting winners on the tennis court. He always followed Badger Athletics and greatly enjoyed following and attending professional sporting events throughout his life. Ed was an active member of Sacred Heart Parish as well as numerous civic committees in both Manchester and Lincoln. He served on the Manchester Finance Committee for a number of years and was a member of the Lincoln-Woodstock Rotary Club.Ed will forever be remembered for his warm smile, great sense of humor, positive attitude, enthusiasm for life, and the unwavering love and devotion he had for his dear Jeannie and his six daughters. Although he travelled extensively, Ed was happiest on his Manchester home's back patio with hot coals on the barbecue, the sun setting in the West, and the sounds of his family and his favorite music surrounding him. "For God and Country" is a phrase that describes Ed well. He proudly flew the American and Marine Corps flags outside of his home, and his deep faith sustained him throughout his life and served as an inspiration to his family and those who knew him. Ed, Daddy, Papa, and Great Papa all named this wonderful person. He embraced life fully, lived gratefully, smiled easily and often, and will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved him. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on August 19, 2017 at Sacred Heart Church in Manchester-by-the-Sea, MA. Details to be announced at a later date. Donations in memory of Edward may be made to The Alzheimer's Association, 225 N. Michigan Ave., Floor 17, Chicago, IL 60601 or at alz.org/donate Mass of Christian Burial AUG 19 Sacred Heart Church 62 School Street Manchester-by-the-Sea, MA, US, 01944