Richard Bernard Keith, the son of the late Russell and Bernice Keith was born in New York City on January 27, 1919. He was the older of two sons born to this union. His brother, Kenneth, preceded him in death. On December 24, 2006, Richard passed from this life to eternity. He often said, "Death is your reward for living."

Rich, as he was affectionately called received his formal education in the public schools of Philadelphia, PA and New York City, NY. In 1940, before the attack on Pearl Harbor, he enlisted in the Navy and served with distinction during World War II. He had planned to make the Navy his career, but due to the serious illness of his mother-in-law, he acquiesced to his wife, Lucille's request to come home. He was honorably discharged after 12 years of service to his country.

Between his tours of duty, he married the late Lucille Gunther. They were blessed with two children, Michele and Richard, Jr.

Upon discharge, he returned to the U.S. Post Office and worked there for over 25 years. During that time, he received numerous awards and citations.

His beloved wife Lucille, died in 1968 leaving him to raise his teenagers alone. Although he was an eligible bachelor, he felt it incumbent upon him to raise his children as a single father.

Richard's spirit was unflappable. Even after complications of illness thirty years ago, he lived life to the fullest. He and his dear companion, June Carter, traveled extensively to many countries on all six continents with the exception of Antarctica. He never lost his love of the sea and took numerous cruises with family and friends. One of his greatest joys came when he and his teenage granddaughters took a grandparents trip and toured the west by train. Love of his children and grandchildren was never in dispute. He was so proud of their accomplishments.

He joined the Catholic Church at an early age and did his best to live life according to the scriptures. His relationships with others speak volumes about his Christian experience. He was never too busy to offer his assistance to family and friends alike and even acquaintances made use of his home remodeling expertise.

Rich was voracious reader and showed consummate skills in cross word puzzles. For a number of years, he enjoyed volunteering his service to cerebral palsy's fund raising events.

Throughout his illness, he persevered quietly and with dignity, remaining valiant as he fought the good fight. The race was not given to the well, nor the strong, but to he endured to the end.

Those who cherished his memory and celebrate his life include his devoted daughter, Michele, whose love for him was boundless, his son Richard, Jr. (Teresa) of White Plains, N.Y.; grandson, Kendall Johnson (Shindy) of Brooklyn, N.Y, granddaughters, Brooke Keith, a senior at Howard University and Britny Keith, a freshman at Bringhamton University; great grandchildren, Kiyome and Madiba Johnson, step-daughter, Karen King, Ed D., Kew Gardens , N.Y.; a remarkable 102 year old cousin, Mrs. Dorothy P. Peace (cousin Dot), Philadelphia, PA; a beloved supportive first cousin, Dolores Hagood, Mt. Laurel, N.J.; a friend forever, June Carter, Bronx, NY, cousin Robert G. Brooks, Washington, D.C.; Samuel R. Hopkins (Dorine), Bronx, N.Y. and other loving relatives and friends.

The family will receive friends from 3:00p.m. to 4:00p.m. at the McMahon-Lyon & Hartnett Funeral Home, Inc., 491 Mamaroneck Ave., White Plains, New York. Memorial Services begin at 4:00p.m. (906-949-7777)