Heaven's light shone just a little brighter on this year's Feast of All Souls' Day (November 2, 2023) as Thomas Richard Keating (Dick, 85) of the sparkling blue eyes was welcomed for a life well lived.  May he find eternal peace and rest in the arms of God.

A lifelong Woodbridge resident, Dick was the eldest child of Eleanor Desmond Keating and Lawrence Keating.  He was a graduate of Saint James Woodbridge and Saint Peter's Prep and College in Jersey City.  Dick cherished his Jesuit education so much so that upon his return from completing courses at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia, and before beginning his public school teaching career, he volunteered teaching English for one year at a Jesuit mission school in Dillingham, Alaska.  After his return from Alaska, Dick began teaching in Woodbridge Township. Granted a sabbatical one year, Dick earned a Masters in Education from Harvard University.  He easily could have been a professional student but fortunately for the students who passed through his classroom, he chose to major in English and pursue a career as an English teacher.  He spent the majority of those years teaching English on the third floor of Woodbridge High School.  He was loved and respected by countless students who took pride in acclaiming Mr. Keating was their teacher.

Dick eventually climbed down from the third floor to become principal of Port Reading School #9.  Retiring from that position, he was able to spend even more days exploring the city he loved.  A youthful goal of his was to walk every NYC block.  He was the perfect companion to head to the city with for he could navigate the subway system and he enjoyed the fabulous restaurants. He savored good food for he was a wonderful cook and friends and family relished dinners at his home that he seemed to prepare so effortlessly. He knew the treasures hidden in the city's museums and libraries, could pinpoint the best chocolate shops and ice cream parlors and spend lazy afternoons at Yankee Stadium or Citi Field. He even knew what wares were on each of the eleven floors of Macy's! He was a generous fellow and contributed to many of the soup kitchens, homeless shelters, various churches and pet sanctuaries scattered throughout the city.  New York, however, was not the only city he loved. Many summers, single duffle bag in hand (usually with an item or two sticking out) Dick was off to enjoy the wonders offered by various European cities.

One town that Dick was fond of was his hometown of Woodbridge.  He was often seen walking about town because he liked to patronize local establishments. He knew the names and locations of just about every street in Woodbridge Proper, having delivered mail during summers while attending college. Even his church, place of employment, pharmacy, dentist and doctor were right in town as was the train stop that took him to the city. He was a wealth of knowledge about Woodbridge Township having had many conversations with his Dad who was born and also raised and lived in Woodbridge his entire life.  Like Father, Like Son.  It was only fitting that Dick should leave his earthly home from Saint Joseph's in Woodbridge to journey to his forever home.  This time no walking needed; angel's wings would fly him home.

He was a voracious reader and his wide expanse of knowledge made him great company to keep. His four sisters were luckily blessed to be able to call Dick their big brother. He was the best.  He will be missed.

Predeceased by his loving parents, sisters Nancy Burke and Bernadette Yarcheski and nephew Patrick Keating Burke, Dick is survived by his sisters Sister Marie Keating RSM and Eleanor Keating, brother in law Joseph Burke, adoring niece Tara (Mark), nephews Timothy (Val) and Sean (Kelly) and five great nieces and nephews. His beloved cat also survives him, who so typically Dick named "Cat".

"May we all meet in heaven. Oh, what a joy, even to think of it."

Catherine McAuley

If you wish to honor Dick, a donation to St. Joseph's Assisted Living in Woodbridge would be deeply appreciated.  Dick's family wishes to thank the sisters and staff at St. Joseph's who so joyously attend to the every need of their residents.  The sisters and staff are a gift from God as was Dick.

Funeral services were conducted privately under the care of Costello-Greiner Funeral Home.