John H. Keating, age 88, known affectionately as “Jake”, passed away early Saturday morning surrounded by his loving family. He was the devoted husband of the late Marie F. (Lane) Keating for 32 years. He was the cherished father of Karen Keating of Milford, Kathy Booth and her husband Donald of Milford and was predeceased by his beloved son John F. Keating, a former Medford Police Officer who passed away from a valiant battle with leukemia in September 2005. He was the adored grandfather of Christopher Booth of Charlestown, and Karli, Jonelle and John Michael Keating, all of Medford. Jake is survived by his loving long-time companion, Alva M. Erickson of Medford. He was the devoted brother of the late Edward J. Keating (Boston Police). Jake is also the respected uncle of many nieces and nephews, and dear friend to many.
Jake had a long stellar career with the Medford Police Department joining in 1958 and retiring in 1990. Jake rose through the ranks to eventually lead the Medford Police Department as Police Chief from 1984 to 1990. After retiring as Police Chief, Jake was elected to the Medford City Council and served for 10 years.
Like many young men of his generation after the Pearl Harbor attack, Jake enlisted in the US Navy upon graduating from high school. At the age of 18, he took part in the D-Day battle on Utah Beach. Jake served in Europe and the Pacific and was honorably discharged from the Navy in 1946.
Jake loved his police work, watching sports, and analyzing politics. Any small child or dog could make him smile. He loved to tease and was known for his quick wit and dry sense of humor. Jake was a man of high intelligence, integrity and honor. Jake’s love for his family was always his first priority.
Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to visit at the Dello Russo Funeral Home, 306 Main St., Medford, Tuesday, September 17th from 3 thru 8 PM and again on Wednesday morning at 9:30 followed by a funeral mass celebrated in St. Joseph Church, 118 High Street, Medford, at 10:30 AM. Services will conclude with burial at Oak Grove Cemetery, Medford.
In lieu of flowers contributions may be made in Jake’s name to the American Cancer Society, 30 Speen St., Framingham, MA 01701.