Robert F. Keck

Robert E. “Bob” Keck Sr., 79, of Mahoning Township, Lehighton, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully at home on Friday, October 23, 2026, surrounded by his loving family and under the care of his devoted wife of 32 years, Kathryn L. (Sherry) Keck.

Born on January 22, 1947, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, he was the son of the late William J. Keck Sr. and Sara Jane (Foley) Keck. He was also preceded in death by his brothers, William J. Keck Jr. and Martin D. Keck.

Bob graduated from Northeast Catholic High School in Philadelphia and earned his associate degree from the Spring Garden Institute. 

He proudly served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War, receiving two Purple Hearts for wounds sustained during his military service.

A mechanical design engineer, Bob worked extensively in the power generation and chemical industries. His diverse career also included Mack Trucks, KME Fire Apparatus and DBI Contracting Services. He also owned and operated his own chimney-sweeping business.

Bob was a charter member of the Ryan Township Ambulance Association and a longtime volunteer with the Ryan Township Fire Company in Barnesville. He was also involved with the Brigantine Jaycees and Mahanoy Area Wrestling Boosters. He took great pride in supporting his children's activities, particularly wrestling.Known for his quick wit, strong opinions, and stubborn streak, Bob was a man who could fix just about anything. He enjoyed woodworking, gardening, fishing, and traveling with his wife, Kate. He especially loved his model trains, spending countless hours running his train platform. 

His beloved service dog of 13 years, Pippa, was his pride and joy, and his children often lovingly joked that she was treated better than they were.

In addition to his beloved wife, Kathryn, Bob is survived by his six children and their spouses: Robert E. Keck Jr. (Kimberly); Dr. James W. Keck, Captain, USN (Ret.) (Jessica); Master Sergeant David S. Keck, PAARNG (Ret.) (Angela); Rachael A. Keck-Carter (Michael); Ian P. Keck (Terri Lee); and Dr. Lisa Banning (Dr. Todd Banning).

He was also the proud grandfather of 20 cherished grandchildren: Robert III, Abigail, Andrew, Gabriel, Samuel, Emma Noel, David Jr. (Hali), Alexander, Katryna, Taylee, Sara, Michael, Will, Joe, Luciano, Gianni, Lorenzo, Julia, Samantha, and Addison.He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family members.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions in Bob's memory be made to the Wounded Warrior Project or the American Cancer Society, Greater Lehigh Valley area.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to E. Franklin Griffiths Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc., 655 East Broad Street, Tamaqua, Pennsylvania 18252. Telephone: (570) 668-2550.Private interment with full military honors will take place at Fort Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville, Pennsylvania.

Online condolences or a fond memory of Robert may be shared with the family by visiting www.griffithsfuneralhomes.com