Francis E. Keating

Francis E. Keating, 80, of Wilkes-Barre, died unexpectedly on Sunday, April 9, 2023.

Born on February 2, 1943, he was the son of the late John and Catherine Farrell Keating of Larksville. He was married to the love of his life, Karen Hahn Keating, for fifty-eight years.

Frank graduated from Larksville High School in 1960. He entered the US Army in 1964, serving in the military police. Frank entered the Pennsylvania State Police Academy in 1968 and spent thirty years in service, retiring from Troop P, Wyoming, in 1998.  Upon retirement, Frank began a second career as the owner and operator of Keating's Fitness Center in Wilkes-Barre. Frank loved "his gym" and serving his customers. He was well known to talk and entertain anyone who patronized the gym.

Frank had a love for sports, both as an athlete and a spectator. Frank was involved in fastpitch softball for forty-nine years, winning multiple state and national championships as a pitcher and team sponsor. He was inducted into the Pennsylvania Softball Hall of Fame in 2012. Frank took his love for the game and tremendous skill as a pitcher and used it to develop local talent, coaching numerous pitchers in the area. One of his proudest moments was playing competitively with his three sons on his team. He was ever-present during the athletic careers of all of his children.

Frank loved traveling with his wife and daughter during retirement, cruising the seas, and visiting new and exciting locations. He also spent countless hours with his beloved grandchildren. He loved nothing more than doting on his grandchildren, always teaching them about sports or entertaining them with his numerous stories and sayings. Regardless of the event, they knew Pop Pop would always have the loudest voice cheering in the crowd.

Frank always had a zest for life and loved nothing more than a good conversation. Those who knew him will remember his hearty voice and super loud whistle. He loved his family, bagpipers, Irish music, and watching a great game - the sport didn't matter; it was the competition that Frank loved the most.

His sisters and brothers Catherine Keating, Marie Partington, Joseph, Jack, and James Keating, and David Farrell preceded him in death.

His wife Karen; daughter Colleen and her friend Rick Roberts of Harvey's Lake; sons Frank and his wife Sue of Orwigsburg, Jerry and his wife Stefanie of Wyoming, and Michael and his wife Gina of Laflin; his grandchildren Trey, Cole, Madelyn, Katie, Michael, and Matthew; many nieces and nephews; other family and friends will miss him very much.

Celebration of Frank's Life takes place Friday, April 14, 2023, with a Funeral Mass at 10 AM in the Church of Saint Maria Goretti, 46 Laflin Road in Laflin.

Donations to Troopers Helping Troopers Foundation, 3625 Vartan Way, Harrisburg, PA 17110, are preferred and will honor Frank's memory.

Share memories and condolences with Frank's family at mjmclaughlin.com