Robert H Keeler

Robert Harold Keeler, 97, of Vero Beach, FL, and formerly of Mechanicsburg, PA, went to be with the Lord on July 17th at ACTS Indian River Estates in Vero Beach. A gentleman of the Greatest Generation, Bob was born December 1, 1928, to Harold and Irene (Merritt) Keeler where he was born on a farm in Pittsfield,MA.

Bob was a graduate of Pittsfield High School. He was an engineer, tool and die maker, and inventor at a young age, building his own crystal radio and his own transportation from gathered parts, including an old one-cylinder washing machine motor. He was even featured in the local newspaper for that achievement.

Immediately after graduation in 1946, at seventeen years old and with his father’s written permission, he enlisted in the U.S. Army to join the WW2 war effort. He enlisted in the US Army 11th Airborne Division as a paratrooper supporting the occupation effort of Japan following the surrender of the Japanese. His time served during the WW2 era was something that he was very proud of.

Following his return from the army to the states, he attended and graduated from DeVry University in Chicago while pursuing a career in the relatively new field of electronics engineering. His first job following graduation was with the first television manufacturer in the USA, Admiral Corporation. He was testing and troubleshooting new TVs as they came off the manufacturing line.

It was in Chicago that he met a beautiful young woman named Lucia Rojas. They were married in 1952 and were married for 47 years until her death in 1999. Together they had two sons, Craig & Keith.

Following Admiral he went to work for the US Signal Corps as a government inspector, he then transferred to the US Navy DOD in Great Lakes Naval Station in north Chicago. He then transferred to the US Navy Depot in Mechanicsburg, PA in 1973 until his retirement in 1985. Following his retirement of 37 years of government service he went to work with several DOD contractors to the US Navy.

Upon his final retirement Bob enjoyed traveling, spending time with family, gardening, woodworking building various projects and his cars. He sure loved his cars and had quite the collection over the years including a Ford Model A, Plymouth Prowler, a couple Corvettes.

Bob was a devoted Christian and had a strong faith and love of Christ Jesus. He was a member of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton in Mechanicsburg, PA and St. John of the Cross in Vero Beach Florida.

Bob was a member of the Society of Electronics Engineers, 11th Airborne Division Association, KOC where is was a 3rd degree member, and a 32 degree member of the Masons. He was also a former member of the Full Gospel Business Men’s Association, and the Road Angles Car Club in Dillsburg, PA.

Bob was a well respected and loved man who was truly interested in getting to know new people and was the life of the party. He was always up for just about anything. He was a kind and compassionate man who loved animals as well. He definitely got the most out of the life that God gave him and will be greatly missed.

Bob was preceded in death by his wife of 47 years, Lucille Keeler and his second wife, Helen Stomski Keeler.

Bob is survived by his sons Craig and (Nancy) Keeler of Dillsburg, PA and Keith Keeler of Palm Bay, FL, his granddaughter Kamryn L. Keeler and great grandson Mateo. He also has numerous surviving family including cousins, nieces and nephews in the Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, Vermont and Chicago areas.

A Catholic Funeral Mass will be at St. John of the Cross Vero Beach

7550 26th St., Vero Beach, FL 32966, Saturday August 8th, 2026 at 10AM, followed by a luncheon at Vincent’s Restaurant in downtown Vero Beach Miracle Mile Plaza, 510 21st St., Vero Beach, FL 32960