EDGEWATER,FL./SPENCER,MA: Leonard J."Pep" Keyes,Sr., 64, of 2121 So.Riverside Dr., Edgewater, Fl., formerly of Spencer, Ma., died March 30 at home after a long illness.
Lenny was the former owner of Spencer Asphalt Paving in Spencer before retiring in 1999.
A decorated Marine Corps veteran of the Vietnam War, Staff Sergeant Keyes was promoted by the Commandant of the Marine Corps, and was selected for Warrant Officer from an enlisted Marine. He was a member of the Order of the Purple Heart and served with the 3rd. Infantry and 6th. Marine Corps Division in the Santo Domingo Cuban Crisis and in Vietnam (two Tours of Duty) and was awarded the Purple Heart.
He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Disabled American Veterans, American Legion in Houlton, Me., Elks Club of New Smyrna Beach, Fl., and Past President and founding member of the Spencer Lions Club, and Vietnam Veterans of the Southeast (Fla.).
He leaves his wife of 44 years, Jo-Ann (Babbitt) Keyes, his son Leonard J. Keyes, Jr. and his wife Lisa of Smyrna, Me., two grandsons Leonard J. Keyes, III and Jonathan P. Keyes of Smyrna, Me., six brothers William, David, Charles and Gary Keyes of Spencer, Stanley Keyes of Princeton, Ma., and Richard Keyes of Dudley, Ma., seven sisters Marjorie Stevens of Ware, Gloria Vincovitch of E.Brookfield, Anna Day, Diane Laythe and Roseanna Thibeault of Spencer, Carol Lesiak of E.Weymouth, and Evelyn Shorette of Brookfield, many nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his daughters Vickie Lyn and Barbie-Jo Keyes, brothers Robert and James Keyes and a sister Susan St. Germain.
He was born in Worcester, the son of James and Anna (Derosier) Keyes, and lived in Spencer for most of his life and later Houlton, Me. and Edgewater, Fl.
His wife enjoyed working with her husband in the paving business. He loved his wife, son, grandsons, and daughter-in-law more than anyone could know, also was fond of a special nephew Robbie Keyes. He was a most sincere, honest, generous and lovable man.
The funeral will be held on Wednesday, April 8 from the J.HENRI MORIN & SON FUNERAL HOME, 23 Maple Terr., Spencer, Ma. with a Mass at 10 a.m. in Our Lady of the Rosary Church, 7 Church St., Spencer. Burial will follow with Military Honors in Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton. Calling hours are Tuesday, April 7 from 4 to 8p.m. in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Central Mass. Chapter for Homeless Veterans, 69 Grove St., Worcester, Ma. 01605.
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