John T. Keating

June 5, 1940 - February 15, 2013
John T. Keating

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John Thomas Keating ìJackî passed away on February 15, 2013, at the age of 72 due to complications associated with Parkinsonísí disease. Jack is survived by his wife of 52 years, Donna; his daughter, Kristen; his son, Terry; his daughter-in-law, Catriona; his granddaughter, Gillian; and his brothers, Tom, Ken, and Tim.

Born June 5, 1940, in East Boston, Jack grew up in Winthrop, Massachusetts, where at the age of 10, he met Donna Marden, who would eventually become his partner for life. After graduating high school, Jack enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard and served for 20 years, retiring in 1977 as the chief communications officer for the Eleventh District in Long Beach, California. Staying in public service, Jack became the Director of the Public Safety Communications Department for the City of West Covina, California, a position he held for 24 years. During his tenure in West Covina, Jack became a national leader in the public safety communications field. He served as President of the California Public Safety Radio Association (CPRA) in 1991, a member of the Executive Board of the Association of Public Safety Communications Officials International (APCO International) from 1995 to 1999, and as APCO International President in 1998-1999. He was elected a life member of APCO International and a fellow of the prestigious Radio Club of America.

Throughout his career with the U.S. Coast Guard and City of West Covina, Jack continued to pursue higher education the hard way, taking correspondence courses and going to night school. In 1981, he completed his Bachelorís Degree in Business Administration at California Polytechnic State University, Pomona, and went on to complete his Masterís Degree in Public Administration at University of La Verne, California, in 1992. With quiet pride, he watched and encouraged his children as each of them completed doctoral degrees.

Jack and Donna spent countless hours engaged in PTA, Girl Scouts, the West Covina High School Band Parents Association, and St. Marthaís Episcopal Church, West Covina. Jack was a member of the West Covina Lions Club, where he served as Chapter President (1983-1984) and Zone Chairman (1984-1985) and was awarded the Melvin Jones Fellow Award for Dedicated Humanitarian Service. Upon moving to Williamsburg, Jack and Donna both served on the board of the Piney Creek Estates Homeowners Association.

A memorial service will be held March 2, 2013, at 2 pm at St. Martinís Episcopal Church, 1333 Jamestown Rd., Williamsburg, VA 23185. Inurnment will take place in Winthrop, Massachusetts.

Donations may be made to St. Martinís Episcopal Church, 1333 Jamestown Road, Williamsburg, VA 23185 or to the Lions Clubs International Foundation, 300 W. 22nd St., Oak Brook, IL 60523-8842.


Memorial

Saturday, March 2, 2013
12:00 AM

St. Martins Episcopal Church - Directions
1333 Jamestown Road
Williamsburg, VA 23185

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  • February 27, 2013
    Andrew G Pasmant says:
    i was City Manager from 2001 to 2012. i had the privilage of knowing Jack during his tenure with West covina. he was a true professional and well respected in the industry as well as by his peers. our thoughts and prayers go out to his family. thank you for sharing him with us.

  • February 27, 2013
    Ernest A. Gallo says:
    While I had little opportunity to work with Jack directly when he was APCO or local chapter president, his reputation was well known to me and many others. To me, he always a gentlemen ñ a characteristic I rarely cite. His legacy of service to country and community is worthy of our sincere imitation and deepest gratitude. I too feel fortunate to have known him.

  • March 01, 2013
    RoxAnn Brown says:
    What I learned about ice hockey I learned sitting between Donna and Jack in Spokane WA. It's an honr to have know Jack and learned from him. My prayers and thoughts are with y'all. I know I am better for having known Jack Keating.

  • February 26, 2013
    Vivian Bratt says:
    Very sad to hear of the passing of Jack. He was a very fair and loyal boss and the City of West Covina was honored to have him leading all of us crazy women in the Comm Center! No one has lived up to his reputation and standing in the City since his departure. Rest in Peace Jack, you deserve it. God Bless you and your family and may he comfort your family and friends during this time and always.

  • March 23, 2013
    Ken and Peg Sharrah says:
    Sorry to hear about Jack's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you daily.