James Michael Keating, 22
Dateline: Norton, MA
James Michael Keating, age 22, a lifelong resident of Norton, passed away on Thursday, November 24, 2016.
Born in South Weymouth, MA on November 7, 1994, he was a loving son of Lisa A. (Willett) Keating and her longtime companion Stephen Arnold of Norton, and John B. Keating and his wife Carol of Randolph.
James spent his freshman and sophomore years at Coyle-Cassidy High School in Taunton. He was a 2013 graduate of Norton High School. While in high school he excelled in football and basketball and in his senior year, served as captain of the football team. Also in his senior year, James was selected as a member of the Sun Chronicle All-Star Team.
James was currently a senior at Bridgewater State University where he majored in Physical Education, was a member of the football team and chosen for the MASCAC Conference. He spent his freshman year at Assumption College where he played football as well.
James had a lifelong passion for sports. He loved being around his family and many friends, and for the past two summers had served as a camp councilor at the Boys and Girls Club of Taunton.
In addition to his parents, he is survived by his dear brothers and sisters Kristina Keating of Braintree, John Robert Keating and his wife Dana of New York, Bryan Gilmartin of Randolph, Cory Buchanan of Taunton and Cassandra Arnold of Florida. He was the devoted longtime boyfriend of Julee Leonardo. He was the cherished grandson of Anne Willett of New Jersey and the late Melvin Willett and John and Dorothy Keating, and is also survived by several aunts, uncles and cousins.
His funeral Mass, to which relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend, will be celebrated on Wednesday, November 30th at 10:00 A. M. in St. Mary’s Church, 1 Power St., Norton. Burial will be private.
Visiting hours will be held on Tuesday, November 29th from 5:00-9:00 P.M. at the Norton Memorial Funeral Home, 19 Clapp St. (Off Route 140, Taunton Ave.) Norton.
In lieu of flowers, James’s family would prefer that donations in his memory be made to the Bridgewater State University Football Fund, 131 Summer St., Bridgewater, MA 02324.
To send his family a message of condolence, please visit www.nortonmemorial.com