William E. Keating

William E. Keating

William E. Keating died on January 7 at Stony Brook University Medical Center, as a result of a heart attack suffered on December 16. He was 63.

Born February 15, 1947, in the Bronx, he was the son of Mary (née Provetto) and William E. Keating Sr.

He was a proud member of the Vietnam Veterans Association having served in the U.S. Navy in the Seabees Construction Battalion. He retired in 2002 after working 22 years as a Suffolk County Deputy Sheriff and was a firearms instructor instrumental in forming the Sheriff’s Department Honor Guard. A longtime gun enthusiast, he was a member of the Maidstone Gun Club, a supporter of the National Rifle Association and a member of the International Police Association.

Mr. Keating enjoyed boating since he was a young boy growing up near the Great South Bay. He was a member of the Sag Harbor Yacht Club and loved to go clamming, said his family. He was an avid gardener and could often be found in his yard on his tractor or chopping wood. He was skilled at working with wood and could build or repair almost anything. A bagpiper, he was also a founding member of Eastern Long Island Police Pipes & Drums.

According to family, he was a man of many talents and trades—from taking down trees, to moving electrical outlets, to making his children’s ornate Halloween costumes, or creating an ice skating rink in the backyard. He biggest passion was his family. A good day, they recalled, would be preparing one of his many fabulous meals to share with family and friends. Family said that he will be deeply missed by all those who knew and loved him.

He is survived by his wife Pamela (née Clarke) Keating; a daughter, Shea Keating of Bridgehampton; a son, Liam Keating of Sag Harbor; two sisters, Marlene Stokes of Sound Beach and Connie Poggi of Florida; and ten nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a sister, Kathleen, and a brother, Thomas.

Visitation was on January 9 at Yardley & Pino Funeral Home in Sag Harbor; funeral services were held on January 10.