Ronald Edward Keeler
Nov 11th, 2017
Ronald Edward Keeler 84 of Centerville and formerly of Redding, CT, died peacefully at his home on Veteran’s Day November 11, 2017.
He was the husband of Georgette Louise (Smath) Keeler. They had been married for 64 years.
Born in Norwalk, CT, Ron was the son of the late Edward H. and Nellie K. (Weaver) Keeler Osterbanks. He was a direct descendant of Ralph Keeler, who came to America from England in 1639 and helped settle Hartford, Norwalk, and Ridgefield CT.
Ron was raised and educated in Stamford, CT. He was drafted into the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict and served with the 25th Signal Corps. He was honorably discharged with the rank of Corporal in 1955.
After serving his country, Ron accepted and graduated from an apprenticeship at the Stamford Advocate newspaper and worked as a linotype machinist for many years.
Ron moved to Noroton Heights, CT and served as a volunteer fireman, working his way up the ranks to become a Lieutenant. He also helped organize the award winning Noroton Heights Drum and Bugle Corps that accompanied the fire department at parades and programs. In 1968, the Keeler’s moved to Redding, CT where Ron joined the Redding Fire Department and became a Captain.
As computers started taking control of the printing industry, Ron, and his family moved to South Yarmouth where he owned and operated the Beach ‘n’ Town Motel. After some time, he sold the motel and bought a home in Yarmouth. In 1986 he moved to Dennis and then to Centerville in 2003. Ron also worked for the Barnstable School System and for the Town of Dennis Dept. of Public Works. He retired in 1992.
He enjoyed watching football and baseball, was an avid history buff, and he was a devoted husband, who loved spending time with his family.
In addition to his wife, Ron was survived by two sons, Ronald E. Jr. and his wife, Claire of Raymond, ME, and Jeffrey A. of Harwich; a daughter, Susan L. of Hyannis; four grandchildren, Gabrielle of Hyannis, Nicole Bassett and her husband, Christian of Casco, ME, Ronny Davis and her husband, Aaron of Sebago, ME, and Darlene of PA; four great grandchildren, Lucian Bassett, Ronan Davis, and Ashley and Rachel Keeler; and a niece, Kathy Regillo of Norwalk, CT.
A Funeral Service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday Nov. 18 in St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, 3055 Main St., Barnstable.
Visiting hours will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. Friday Nov. 17 in the Hallett Funeral Home, 273 Station Ave., South Yarmouth.
Interment will be private.
As an expression of sympathy, memorial donations may be made by doing a good deed or to St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, P.O. Box 395, Barnstable, MA 02630.