Charles D Keating

Charles DeWayne Keating, Jr., age 96, of Binghamton, NY, passed away peacefully on April 13, with family at his bedside at Fairview Good Shepherd Home. He was born in Wilkes Barre, PA to Teresa and Charles Keating, June 26, 1920. He was married on June 23, 1954 to his loving wife, Gladys, formerly from Weston, ME. To many he was known as "Charlie" or "DeWayne". He attended Rush High School in PA. graduating in 1937. After graduation he ran the family farm in Friendsville, PA. He enjoyed the outdoors and preferred working with the land in its natural settings. His early work included manual construction labor and real estate. He was involved in the lumber industry and was skilled at assessing land for hardwoods, to be used by the timber industry. After relocating to the Triple Cities in 1957, he found employment with Johns Bros. He soon became a foreman, continuing to work for them until 1959 when he joined Local 410 of the Operating Engineers. He was then hired to work on bridges in Owego, Johnson City, Windsor, Bovina and Binghamton's Tompkins St. Bridge. In 1967, after recovering from a four car accident on the Vestal Parkway, he went to work for S. J Groves in Vestal, working on Route 17. Working for the combined Groves and Lane Construction Company, he worked in Johnson City until 1969 and Afton until 1974 applying his knowledge and skills to run an onsite concrete plant and heavy equipment for road grading and bridge construction to make route 17 and 81 a reality. For the next ten years he held the position of Office Manager for the Operating Engineers Local 410. He spent these years assisting members and their families who  came to him, with all aspects of their working lives until retiring in 1983. Following retirement, he enjoyed an active life of hiking and outdoor activities. He was an active member of the Triple Cities Hiking Club and the Biking Club where he enjoyed the role of trail leader for hikes. When his wife retired, they became active members of the Port Dickinson Seniors Center and enjoyed gatherings for meals and social events. Charlie's greatest regret was not being allowed to fight for our country in World War II. As the namesake son of his family and son of  WWI veteran, he was denied entry to the military. Engaged in productive farming for his family, he then did the next best thing. He became an expert on World History with a major focus on WWII events. He would often speak with groups about historic events and strategies used in war time. He could tell you about each and every commander, general and battle ever fought during WWII. He was a devoted member of St. Paul's Roman Catholic Church in Binghamton for more than 50 years. After relocating to Port Dickinson he attended St. Francis church in support of his grandchildren's activities there. He had a great passion for visiting family and friends, maintaining relationships with anyone he had a history with, regardless of distance. He enjoyed a cross country trip through the states with his wife and two of their friends. This was a milestone in his life of adventure. Charles was predeceased by his parents, Charles and Teresa of Harvey's Lake, PA and his half brothers, Francis (Millie) Schuler, Harold Schuler, Paul (Irene) Schuler, and his sister Mary Keating from PA.  He is survived by his loving wife, Gladys and four children, Kathleen (David) Curley of Delhi, Charles III of Dryden,  Susan Keating Cook of Chenango Bridge, and Mary Keating of Udall, KS. Also surviving are grandchildren, Lynette Keating, James Curley, Elizabeth Curley, Carolyn Cook, Kyle Cook and Colton Keating. He is also survived by his nephew Paul J. Schuler and niece Sandra (Roger) Gardner of Montrose, PA. as well as many great and great-great nieces and nephews. Calling hours will be held at Thomas J. Shea Funeral Home Inc., 137 Robinson St., Binghamton on Tuesday, April 18th from 4 until 7 pm. A private service will take place at St. Francis of Assisi Parish at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation, in memory of Charles, to Lourdes's Hospice Care, 4102 Old Vestal Road, Vestal, NY 13850. We thanks Lourdes's Hospice and Good Shepherd Fairview staff for their service, understanding and compassion.

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