Frederick W. Keck

Frederick W. Keck, Jr. 80, of 961 High Street, Bradford, passed away, Thursday, August 31, 2023, at The Pavilion @ BRMC, surrounded by his loving family.

Fred was a man of few words but endless ways to solve a problem; his calming presence and illimitable wisdom will be greatly missed by all who were fortunate to know him.

Born September 29, 1942, in Coudersport, he was a son of the late Madeline (Dumahoski) Keck and Frederick William Keck Sr.

Fred was a 1961 graduate of Austin High School, and on March 19, 1963, he enlisted in the United States Navy. He served in Vietnam and was awarded the Vietnam Service Medal with two Bronze Stars. He was honorably discharged on May 10, 1967. Serving his country was one of Fred’s proudest honors, second only to “being there for his girls.”

He married Ruth M. (Smith) Keck, who survives, on April 24, 1965, in Bradford, where the two raised their family. 

Nothing was unfixable to Fred, which eventually led him to working at Emporium Specialty, Colligan Water, followed by a 41-year career at Georgia Pacific until he eventually retired as Facilities Maintenance Supervisor.

Fred relished the changing seasons and rolling hills of rural Pennsylvania, including the one out behind his house where you could often find him tending his tomato plants or riding his tractor. He enjoyed hunting, umpiring baseball games, fishing in veteran’s tournaments, and boating on the Kinzua Dam. He will be remembered for being an ardent supporter of the Buffalo Bills, attending and tailgating at games. He and his wife had traveled throughout the United States, and often took cruises to Alaska.

Fred’s fandom for Bills football was rivaled only by his penchant for attending cross-country and track and field meets, dance recitals, gymnastics competitions and various sporting events in which his loved ones participated.

Surviving in addition to his wife Ruth of 58 years, are four daughters, Lisa Keck, of Bradford, twin daughters, Kathy (Steve) Kloss, of Bradford, and Kimberly (John) Kelly II, of Tacoma, WA, and Cindy Rhoades, of Marysville, MI, seven grandchildren, Dr. Caitlin (Garrett McEwen) Szczupak, Alexandra Szczupak, Tyler Tingley, Joseph Tingley, Samantha Rhoades, Gabriella Campogiani, and Madeline Kloss, two great-grandchildren, William McEwen, Vanessa McEwen, one sister, Glenda Keck, of Apollo, one brother, Joseph Keck, of Roulette, one sister-in-law Nancy Keck, of Austin, several nieces and nephews and several grand nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by one brother, Walter Keck.

Family will receive friends on Saturday, September 16, 2023, from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm in the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes, Inc. 33 South Avenue. At Noon funeral services will be held with Fr. Jim Gutting, of St. Bernard Church, officiating, Following the service Military Honor’s will be accorded at Willow Dale Cemetery, by members of the United States Navy and the Honor Guard from the American Legion Post 108 of Bradford.

Memorial contributions, if desired, may be made to the Honor Flight Program for Veterans at P.O. Box 426, Clarence, NY, 14031.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes Inc.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.hollenbeckcahill.com

 

HOLLENBECK-CAHILL Funeral Home

33 South Avenue • Bradford, PA 16701

All Condolences -

Lisa and family- My deepest condolences. God bless you all and may he lift you all in the Light and Love of your father.
— Evan Close

We are so sorry for your loss...Joe always spoke highly of his brother...may he RIP
— Joe and Sara Keck

So sorry for the loss of your grandfather. They are special. Hold his memory close and tell your children about him and what he did for this country.
— Jean Costlow

Dear Lisa, Caitlin, Alexandra and Gabriella, Our sincere condolences. Maria and Thomas Hoffmann
— Maria Hoffmann

Lisa and family, So sorry for your loss. Your dad was a true American hero. I have the greatest memories of our Honor Flight experience!?????????????????? It was a day that turned into a weekend of memories for you and your sisters. What made it even more special it was our Buffalo Bills trip! Love you guys! Tom Petrie
— Tom Petrie

Condolences

  • Lisa and family- My deepest condolences. God bless you all and may he lift you all in the Light and Love of your father.

    — Evan Close
  • We are so sorry for your loss...Joe always spoke highly of his brother...may he RIP

    — Joe and Sara Keck
  • So sorry for the loss of your grandfather. They are special. Hold his memory close and tell your children about him and what he did for this country.

    — Jean Costlow
  • Dear Lisa, Caitlin, Alexandra and Gabriella, Our sincere condolences. Maria and Thomas Hoffmann

    — Maria Hoffmann
  • Lisa and family, So sorry for your loss. Your dad was a true American hero. I have the greatest memories of our Honor Flight experience!?????????????????? It was a day that turned into a weekend of memories for you and your sisters. What made it even more special it was our Buffalo Bills trip! Love you guys! Tom Petrie

    — Tom Petrie