John J. "Jack" Keating, 83, of Union Beach, passed away, Friday, May 25, 2012, at home.
Born in the Bronx, NY, in February 1929, he graduated from NYC schools. He served his country in the US Navy during the Korean War from 1947-1952 as an ENG3/C and a tin can sailor on the USS Hank.
In 1953, he married and moved to South Amboy. He belonged to the South Amboy Fire Department; and was the captain of the Mechanicsville Company. John worked as a Stationary Engineer for Ashland Chemical Company, and held a Blue Seal License. In 1956, he moved to Union Beach where he became involved in the community. He was a member and president of the Union Beach Board of Health; served as the Emergency Director; was a council member and president for two terms; and a court mediator for 15 years. He worked as a boiler/black seal operator with the Union Beach Board of Education for 10 years.

John was also a Ham Radio Operator (call letters WA2FVL) and a member and president of the Garden State Radio Association. He was also a radio operator for OEM of Union Beach. John was an avid motorcyclist; the founder and president of the Raritan Roadrunners Motorcycle Club, Inc. He spearheaded the committee to get motorcycles back on the parkway; and was successful in achieving that goal. John was a camper and belonged to the Happy Wanderers Trailer Club; where he camped in 50 states and five Providences in Canada.

John was predeceased by his beloved wife, Patricia L. (Kuntne) Keating in 1999; a son, Gary and a daughter, Joann; his parents, Timothy and Florence Roberts Keating; a sister, Katherine and a brother, Timothy. He is survived by his loving children, Barbara Mason and her husband, Billy of Howell; Patricia Marciniak and her husband, George of Union Beach; Michael Keating and his wife, Joanne of Union Beach; and Walter Keating and his wife, Gwen of Howell; three sisters, Marie Hauser of Old Bridge; Florence Cozzati of Union Beach; and Helen Keating of TX; nine cherished grandchildren and four great grandchildren. John will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Family and friends are invited Tuesday, May 29, 2012, 2-4 & 7-9PM at Day Funeral Home, 361 Maple Place, Keyport; and Wednesday, May 30, 2012, 8:30AM at the funeral home, with a 9:30AM Mass of Christian Burial at Holy Family RC Church, Union Beach. Interment to follow at St. Joseph Cemetery, Keyport. To offer the family online condolences or for directions to the funeral home, please visit

www.dayfuneralhome.com.

Published in Home News Tribune & Asbury Park Press on May 27, 2012

http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/myc...6520&fhid=4847

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