CHRISTOPHER J. KEATING JR.

November 11, 1924 - June 11, 2015

Christopher John “Jack” Keating, Jr., 90, of Green Pond, NJ, passed away on Thursday, June 11, 2015 at his home with his family by his side. Chris was born in Brooklyn, NY on November 11, 1924. He was the first of his family to be born in the USA. His parents, the late Christopher and Margaret Keating who came from Ireland, raised Jack in Brooklyn where he met his future first wife, the late former Mary Elaine (Krugman) at the Third Order of St Francis of Assisi in NYC. At 17 years of age, Chris was drafted into the US Army in March, 1943 during World War II, and completed his basic training at Camp Davis, NC. By October he shipped to England where he went through seven campaigns (battles), including the Battle of the Bulge and D-Day. Chris was Honorably Discharged in October, 1945. After returning home, Mary Elaine and Chris moved to Norwood, NJ and raised two children: the late Mary Elizabeth Keating and Christopher J Keating, III. Jack was lector at Immaculate Conception R C Church where he and his family were members. He also taught CCD and was chairperson of the Church Fair. Chris married his second wife, Eleanor R Purdy, and moved to Rutherford for several years before retiring to Green Pond over 25 years ago. He remained active in the community and became lector at St Simon the Apostle R C Church for many years. When he was no longer able to read, Chris became a bell ringer during mass. It was a memorable day when he attended the 50th anniversary of D-Day at Omaha Beach and Normandy, France. He received 7 silvers for the seven campaigns (battles) and an arrow head for D-Day. During his 90th birthday celebration, Chris was presented an Apostolic Blessing from Pope Francis in recognition of his years of commitment to the Catholic Church where he attended daily mass until he was no longer physically able to attend. Chris has remained at home during his last years so that he could enjoy the beautiful lake community as a member of the Green Pond Yacht Club, and home family care. He was predeceased by his daughter Mary Elizabeth, and his sister Anne Blake. He is survived by his wife Eleanor, his son Christopher III, his sister Genève Casey, and brother Philip and wife Mickey Keating, all of Florida. Other family members include Wayne, James, Laura, Michael, and Justin Purdy. The family will receive visitors on Friday, June 12, 2015 from 4pm to 8pm at the Stickle-Soltesz Funeral Home, 187 La Rue Road, Newfoundland, NJ 07435. The funeral mass will take place on Saturday, June 13, 2015 at 11 am at St. Simon the Apostle RC Church, 1010 Green Pond Road, Green Pond, NJ 07435 He will be interred on Monday, June 15, 2015 at 10am at Mt. Carmel Cemetery, 10 Serpentine Road, Tenafly, NJ. 07670. Memorial donations may be made in his name to St. Simon the Apostle RC Church, 1010 Green Pond Road, Green Pond, NJ 07435. Log onto www.sticklesolteszfuneralhome.com tribute wall to personally post your condolences, memories, photos, and videos, as well as obtaining driving directions to the funeral home.