NATICK: Ward W. Keller, 84, formerly of Wayland died peacefully on Monday, April 2, 2012 at the Metrowest Medical Center in Natick following a period of declining health.
He was born on June 11, 1927 in Port Matilda, Pennsylvania the son of the late Ward Keller and Rose Emma (Cowher) Keller.
Ward was the beloved husband for 28 years of Deanne M. (Flynn) Keller of Natick. He was the loving father of Linda M. Corssmit and her husband Kees of Greenwood Village, Colorado; Jeanne M. Keller of Westfield; Anne M. Johnston and her husband Robert Jr. of Holliston; Paul W. Keller of Dorchester; and Peter M. Keller and his wife Susan L. of Wayland. He was the step-father of Marc A. Venezia and his wife Amy of Sugar Hill, NH and the late Danielle M. Venezia who died in 2006. He is also survived by 9 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
He spent his formative years in Pennsylvania and was educated through the Port Matilda, PA school system. He served his country proudly with the United States Navy during World War II as a Seaman First Class on the U.S.S. Robert L. Wilson. He was an active member and Past Commander of VFW Post 6260 and member and Finance Officer of American Legion Post 133. He was also very active in the Wayland Veterans Memorial project.
Ward had a long career as an electrician and in 1957 established Keller Electric which Peter continues to operate. He worked closely with his son Peter for several years before his retirement from the family business. Ward was the wiring inspector for the Town of Wayland for over 40 years as well as a Wayland auxiliary police officer. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, horse shoes and boating. He was devoted to his family and will be greatly missed.
Visitations will be held on Sunday. April 8, 2012 from 4:00 to 7:00 pm at the John C. Bryant Funeral Home, 56 Pemberton Road (Off Route 30), Wayland.
His Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, April 9, 2012 at 10:00 am at Good Shepherd Parish at St. Zepherin’s Church, 99 Main St (Rte 27), Wayland.
Interment will follow in the Keller family lot in St. Zepherin’s Cemetery in Wayland.
For those who desire, gifts in Ward’s memory may be sent to the charity of the donor’s choice.
For online condolences and directions, please visit www.johncbryantfuneralhome.com.