W. Francis Keating, Ph. D, of West Pittston and an accomplished educator, civic leader and devoted husband and father, passed away peacefully on Friday morning at home with his beloved wife, Maureen, at his side. He was 85 years old.
On July 13 1996, he married his best friend, devoted caregiver and loving wife, Maureen (Ryan) Keating.
Born in Pittston on March 3, 1939, “Frank” was the first son of the late Frank and Anna (Ross) Keating. Raised in Pittston, he was a graduate of Pittston High School’s Class of 1956, before receiving his Bachelor of Arts in Education from Kings College in 1960. He then earned both a Master’s Degree in Educational Administration in 1972 and a Ph. D in School District Administration in 1984, both from the State University of New York at Albany. In 1960, Dr. Keating began his 45 year career in education at Chatham Central School District in Chatham, N.Y., as an English teacher. From 1970 to 1991, Frank was employed by the Hudson City School District in Hudson, N.Y., as an English teacher and later became principal of the Montgomery C. Smith Middle School. He next served as Assistant Superintendent in Downsville Central School District. In 1991, he was appointed Superintendent of South Kortright Central School in South Kortright, N.Y., and between 1994 to 2002, he was an Assistant Professor at Bloomsburg University.
At the end of his educational career, he served as Academic Dean at Luzerne County Community College, prior to his 2009 retirement.
For many years, Frank served on many professional and civic boards including New York State Counsel of School Superintendents, Past President of Kiwanis Club of Great Hudson, Master the Knights of Columbus, 3rd New York Districts, St. Isaac Jogues Province, Board of Directors Hudson Area Association Library and the Founder of Columbia Hall Players. In a well-deserved gesture of appreciation of Frank’s commitment to the citizens of Hudson, New York, Frank was honored with the key to the city. After returning to Wyoming Valley in 1994, Frank also became involved and served on the board of the Fine Arts Fiesta, the oldest Arts Fiesta in Pennsylvania, until 2010. In retirement, Frank and Maureen enjoyed many winters at their home in Naples, Florida. While in Naples, he was an active member of the Southwest Choral, participating in countless concerts and performances in the greater Naples area.
Above all of his accomplishments was his great character and admirable integrity. A kind and loving soul, he will never be forgotten by all who knew him.
Along with his adoring wife Maureen, he is survived by his son, Christopher Keating and wife Julie of Kinderhook, N.Y.; his sister-in-law, Diane Keating of Pittston; and cousins, Maria Melvin, Michael Lombardo and James Aita. Frank was also preceded in death by his brother and former Pittston Mayor, Joseph Paul Keating.
A celebration of Frank’s life is schedule for Thursday at The Banks – a waterfront venue, 304 Kennedy Blvd., Pittston, with family and friends invited to pay their respects between 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM followed by a blessing service. Private interment, St. Ignatius Cemetery.
Maureen would like to gratefully acknowledge Debbie Lowe for graciously providing such wonderful and compassionate care; both Anita Popple and Hospice of the Sacred Heart for helping Frank to remain at home; and devoted friends, Brian Benedetti and Marilyn Feldman, who remained devoted to Frank’s care every step of the way.
Memorial contributions may be made in Frank’s name to the Luzerne Foundation c/o 34 South River St. Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702.
