I am sad to post that Poppop Keller passed away peacefully on monday night. It was unexpected, he was a week from being 99 and was doing well in skilled nursing. I was thinking that he would make it see the baby in september, he was so excited about it and always asked how big the baby was! The good news is that he is now reunited with Mommom who passed away in october and he missed her terribly since then. Thank you all so much for your prayers and condolences. I am including his obituary below.
William S. Keller, 98, a seven year resident of Garden Spot Village in New Holland, passed away Tuesday morning, March 20, 2007. He was formerly a 46 year resident of Trevose, PA.
He was born in Philadelphia, son of William L. Keller and Hannah C. Brierley and widower of Evelyn P. Keller, with whom he shared 70 years of marriage. William was a dedicated father and husband, dearly missing Evelyn since her passing on October 7, 2006.
Williams father passed away before he knew him. William attended 12 years of school at Girard College for fatherless boys. During breaks, he spent time with his mother, his Aunt Mary and Uncle Wynnfield Butland, who served as a Philadelphia City Councilman. He had fond memories of spending summer vacations at Uncle Wynns beach house in Ocean Gate, NJ.
In August of 1925, at 17 years of age, William was first employed by the Ninth Bank & Trust Co., where he met his wife. Although the name of the bank often changed names, he spent many years working on the 9th floor of the Philadelphia National Bank next to City Hall.
He retired in 1976 from the Trust Department of Core States Bank, now known as Wachovia Bank. Williams employment was only interrupted by his service in the U.S. Navy during World War II from 1943 through 1946. He served at various stateside locations, but completed his service at the U.S. Navy Underwater Sound Lab at Ft. Trumbull, in New London, Conn.
In 1951, William received a Certificate in Accounting from the University of Pennsylvania 4-year program of the Evening School of Accounts and Finance.
He enjoyed music, and was a member of a small 1920s band, playing the alto saxophone, clarinet, and harmonica. He had an intense enjoyment for camping and traveling with his family, including a 5-week trip across the United States in 1964. He was an avid do-it-yourselfer, doing many home improvement projects. When radio was young he built himself a crystal radio receiver.
He enjoyed shortwave radio, photography, model railroading, tropical fish, gardening, and caning chairs with Evelyn.
William is survived by his son J. Allen Keller, and wife Karen; two granddaughters Katie Keller, and Jenny, married to Timothy Manthey, all of Coatesville. He was looking forward to the birth of his first great-grandchild in September.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, March 31, 2007 at 11 AM at Garden Spot Village Chapel, 433 S. Kinzer Ave.; New Holland, Chaplain Lucille Stoltzfus officiating. Friends will be received from 10-11 AM, prior to the service, with light refreshments served.
Memorial contributions may be made to Garden Spot Village Benevolence Fund, 433 S. Kinzer Ave., New Holland, PA 17557.
To offer your condolences to the family, visit: www.legacy.com/philly (the web listing should start on Friday, March 23)
He was born in Philadelphia, son of William L. Keller and Hannah C. Brierley and widower of Evelyn P. Keller, with whom he shared 70 years of marriage. William was a dedicated father and husband, dearly missing Evelyn since her passing on October 7, 2006.
Williams father passed away before he knew him. William attended 12 years of school at Girard College for fatherless boys. During breaks, he spent time with his mother, his Aunt Mary and Uncle Wynnfield Butland, who served as a Philadelphia City Councilman. He had fond memories of spending summer vacations at Uncle Wynns beach house in Ocean Gate, NJ.
In August of 1925, at 17 years of age, William was first employed by the Ninth Bank & Trust Co., where he met his wife. Although the name of the bank often changed names, he spent many years working on the 9th floor of the Philadelphia National Bank next to City Hall.
He retired in 1976 from the Trust Department of Core States Bank, now known as Wachovia Bank. Williams employment was only interrupted by his service in the U.S. Navy during World War II from 1943 through 1946. He served at various stateside locations, but completed his service at the U.S. Navy Underwater Sound Lab at Ft. Trumbull, in New London, Conn.
In 1951, William received a Certificate in Accounting from the University of Pennsylvania 4-year program of the Evening School of Accounts and Finance.
He enjoyed music, and was a member of a small 1920s band, playing the alto saxophone, clarinet, and harmonica. He had an intense enjoyment for camping and traveling with his family, including a 5-week trip across the United States in 1964. He was an avid do-it-yourselfer, doing many home improvement projects. When radio was young he built himself a crystal radio receiver.
He enjoyed shortwave radio, photography, model railroading, tropical fish, gardening, and caning chairs with Evelyn.
William is survived by his son J. Allen Keller, and wife Karen; two granddaughters Katie Keller, and Jenny, married to Timothy Manthey, all of Coatesville. He was looking forward to the birth of his first great-grandchild in September.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, March 31, 2007 at 11 AM at Garden Spot Village Chapel, 433 S. Kinzer Ave.; New Holland, Chaplain Lucille Stoltzfus officiating. Friends will be received from 10-11 AM, prior to the service, with light refreshments served.
Memorial contributions may be made to Garden Spot Village Benevolence Fund, 433 S. Kinzer Ave., New Holland, PA 17557.
To offer your condolences to the family, visit: www.legacy.com/philly (the web listing should start on Friday, March 23)
