| Joseph A. Keller, "Sonny", former resident of Riverhead, died on Wednesday, April 16th, 4 weeks after celebrating his 66th wedding anniversary with his wife, and best friend, Natalie (Tillie) Keller.
He was born on October 29, 1918 in Ridgewood, NY (Part of Brooklyn) to Helen (Rissacher) and Joseph T. Keller. He and his family moved to Riverhead for a few years when he was a child and then returned to Brooklyn. They left Brooklyn when he was 15 (1933) and moved back upstate to Westford where the family was originally from. He graduated there in June of 1936. He later returned to Riverhead and began working for the Riverhead Post Office in 1938. In 1939 he met Natalie L. Punda while bartending at Zamber's Bar & Grill on Railroad Avenue in Riverhead. They were married on March 21st, 1942. They had two daughters Natalie Ann and Marlene Louise.
Joe joined the Riverhead Fire Department on March 4th, 1939 where he made many lifelong friendships. He was a member of the Red Bird Hook & Ladder Company and held the office of Secretary for the Fire Commissioners, Treasurer of the Red Bird Hook & Ladder, and later held a paid position as Treasurer for the Fire Department for many years. He helped coordinate several Fire Department State Conventions and affairs. He retired from the RFD in 1988 after 49 years. He would have stayed till 50 but had always said he would never hold up a spot for new and younger members wanting to come in, and so when he saw there was a waiting list he felt it was time for him to move over. The Fire Department honored him with a new scanner, so he would always know where the fire was!
He joined the Army on August 17th, 1942 and was assigned as a postal clerk. He served overseas in Africa and was honorably discharged on December 18th, 1945. While serving he achieved the American Service Medal, the European African Middle Eastern Service Medal, the Good Conduct Medal and the WWII Victory Medal. After returning from the military he worked for the Riverhead Post Office until his retirement in 1973 at the age of 55.
Joe also enjoyed many other things during his life. He belonged to the Lions Club in the 60's and 70's and participated in its many musicals. He played on the RFD's softball league for several years in the 50's. He played on a dart league at the old Osborne Inn during the 40's. His team won the league championship three years in a row! (1947-48, 1948-49 and 1949-50) He also loved to bowl and play golf. He traveled with his wife and friends to many golf resorts over the years, often with his grandchildren in tow. He was an avid reader and awesome in math. He even took courses to become a certified accountant.
Joe is predeceased by his sister Madeline (Keller) Laube of Schnectady and is survived by his wife, Natalie; daughters Lee Schoen of Midland Park, NJ and Marlene D'Apice of Hudson, FL, his grandchildren Laura (Schoon) Donohue of Riverhead, NY and Craig Snyder of Eastport, NY; and 3 great-grandchildren Kyle Patrick, Kathryn Rose and Sean Joseph Donohue.
'Joe', 'Sonny', 'Dad', 'Grandpa', 'GGpa'… was loved by so many, and will be truly missed. Please join us for a last farewell.
Services will be held at McLaughlin-Heppner Funeral Home in Polish Town on Monday, May 5th from 7-9pm. A funeral mass will be said on Tuesday, May 6th at St. John the Evangelist RC Church in Riverhead at 10am, with a procession following to Calverton National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Joseph A. Keller to:
Hernando-Pasco Hospice
12107 Majestic Blvd.
Hudson, FL 34667-2460 |
