Edward Keith
Edward James “Jim” Keith, 68, of Harmony died Thursday at UPMC Passavant Hospital surrounded by family after courageously battling many health problems over these past four years.
Born March 21, 1948, in Cambria County, he was the son of the late Eddie F. and Veda E. (Laney) Keith.
Jim attended the Seneca Valley schools and proudly served our country in the U.S. Army in Germany from 1967 to 1968. He was employed by Vesuvius Lava Crucible Refractories in Zelienople, Aramark Food Service at Slippery Rock University and Mine Safety Appliances in Evans City. He was associated with the Friendship Presbyterian Church of Slippery Rock.
Jim enjoyed traveling, going to the movies and watching Pittsburgh sports teams. He especially was happy to be able to travel to Florida to see the Pirates in spring training the last two years. In earlier years, he loved riding his motorcycle, going to antique car shows and hunting and fishing.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Ruth (Dickey) Keith, whom he married on Dec. 29, 1973; his son, Frank E. Keith of Harmony; his daughter and son-in-law, Maryann R. Keith and Boris Velickovich of Reston, Va.; his sister's children, Larry Kretzler and his wife, Cindy, Amy Wheeler and her husband, Joe, Elaine Rush and her husband, Shawn, and Debbie Harper and her husband, Coop; his aunt, Ellen Kennedy of Evans City to whom he spoke on the phone every day; his uncle, Mike Laney of Cresson, Pa.; and several brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, aunts, uncles, nephews, nieces and cousins.
In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by his sister, Leona Keith Kretzler and her husband, Robert Kretzler; and his brother-in-law, David Dickey.
KEITH — Friends of Edward James “Jim” Keith, who died Thursday, June 2, 2016, will be received from 2 p.m. until the time of a memorial service at 3 p.m. Sunday at the Boylan Funeral Home, 324 E. Grandview Ave., Zelienople.Memorial donations may be made in Jim's honor to the Friendship Presbyterian Church of Slippery Rock, c/o Sarah Datt, 328 S. Main St., Harrisville, PA 16038.Expressions of sympathy may be shared with Jim's family at www.boylanfuneralservices.com.
