Obituary of John William Keating

John William Keating journeyed home to the Other Side on Thursday, February 6, 2025. Born on September 3, 1947, John was the son of Murray and Margaret (Smith) Keating.

John graduated from the Saint John Vocational School, and then went on to become an electrician. He was employed by the Irving Pulp and Paper Mill until his retirement in 2002.

John and his wife, Carolyn, were blessed with two sons and three grandchildren. John and Carolyn devoted years of care and attention to their beloved grandchildren. There was no need for Daycare with "Grampa" and "Gramma" at the helm. They initiated and supervised swimming, skating and piano lessons. Hockey and soccer games were rarely missed. There were summer and winter trips to Prince Edward Island which provided many experiences and much
enrichment: deep sea fishing, theatre, ceilidhs, carriage rides, days at Avonlea Village, shopping, theme parks and more.

John was a quiet man with a heart of gold. He did many things for many people - simply because he wanted to help. He was a "jack of all trades" - plumber, electrician, mechanic and builder. When John saw someone in need, he was ready and willing to lend a hand: researching material for a niece's boyfriend's term paper, completing home renovations for his son, building a new doorstep for Carolyn's grandmother, installing light fixtures and a doorbell for a nephew, dogsitting for another niece, and so much more. No act of kindness was passed by.

John is survived by his devoted wife of 56 years, Carolyn (Sulis); his sons Johnny (Joelle) and Ryan; and his treasured grandchildren Lexie (Caleb), Annika (John) and Zachary; brothers Brian (Jeanette) and Steven (Rosemarie); and several nieces and nephews. John was predeceased by his parents, sister Sharon, and brother-in-law Gary.

John will be greatly missed by his family and by all the people whose lives he touched. His legacy will be his kindness toward others. His family - close and extended - and his friends will hold his quiet, caring ways close to their hearts.

"We make a living by what we get; we make a life by what we give." ...... Sir Winston Churchill

"The smallest act of kindness is worth more than the greatest intention." ...... Oscar Wilde

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Brenan’s Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row, Saint John, NB (506-634-7424). A Celebration of Life will take place on Saturday, February 15, 2025, from 2:00 – 5:00 PM. A private interment will take place at a later date.

Donations in memory of John can be made to Bobby’s Hospice or a charity of the donor’s choice would be appreciated by the family. Online condolences may be shared at www.brenansfh.com