July 30, 2018
July 30, 2018
I shall always miss and never forget Phil's kindness and helpfulness to my father and my family. He was one of my Dad's best friends and I miss them both.
Philip “Phil” J. Keating, Jr., 70, passed away on Saturday, July 29, 2017 at his home in Newport, Va. He was born on May 25, 1947 in Newark, New Jersey to Col. Philip and Bettie Keating, Sr.
Phil grew up in many areas of the world, traveling where the Air Force led his father. He graduated from McLean High School in McLean, Va. and later attended Frederick College in Portsmouth, Va. Phil was in the air force and served in the Vietnam War. Phil married Judy Massey in 1975 in Suffolk, Va. They were happily married for 42 years.
He worked at Virginia Tech for 36 years as a turfgrass research technician in the Department of Plant Pathology, Physiology & Weed Science.
He enjoyed hunting, fishing, boating, hiking, spending time with family and enjoying his farm in Clover Hollow.
Phil was preceded in death by his parents Philip and Bettie Keating.
Phil is survived by his spouse Judy of Newport; his daughter Julie (Dedra) Prester of Christiansburg; his daughter Chelsea Keating of Newport; his sister Susan Frihse of Lake Lanier, Ga.; and his loving brother and sister in-law, nieces and nephew.
A private memorial service will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial donations be made to the Newport Rescue Squad 418 Blue Grass Trail Newport Va 24128 (540) 544-7695 http://www.newportrescue.com
Tributes
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August 21, 2017
August 21, 2017
Phil, you will be missed. I remember Phil's white knuckled ride with me when we sailed in high winds at the Outer Banks. White knuckled perhaps but, at the same time, Phil hooting at the top of his lungs with the sheer joy of living life. Zoe and I are much saddened by the passing of a good man; we are all better to have known you Phil. Rest in Peace.
August 5, 2017
August 5, 2017
I was lucky to have Phil as my brother. Even though we always lived miles apart I knew I could count on him if I needed him. Phil was not just a brother but a friend. We had some great times together and will be forever missed. My heart breaks for Judy, Julie and Chelsea's loss.
August 5, 2017
August 5, 2017
Judy and family,
Anton and I are saddened by the passing of Phil. Please accept our sincerest condolences. We are honored to have met him and had so much fun on the lake when you came to visit Susan last summer. The cook-out that evening and Judy's fabulous corn on the cobb, topped it off. Thoughts and prayers go out to you, Judy, and the family. I'm sure that Phil's spirit will always be with you.
Anton and I are saddened by the passing of Phil. Please accept our sincerest condolences. We are honored to have met him and had so much fun on the lake when you came to visit Susan last summer. The cook-out that evening and Judy's fabulous corn on the cobb, topped it off. Thoughts and prayers go out to you, Judy, and the family. I'm sure that Phil's spirit will always be with you.
August 5, 2017
August 5, 2017
Dear Judy and family,
So sad to hear of Phil's passing. We always enjoyed visiting with you guys.
It is hard to believe that such an effervescent delightful personality will no longer be a part of our lives.
We will forever enjoy the memories of our contacts over these many years.
Our hearts and prayers are with you.
Love, Kathy and Wayne Surles
So sad to hear of Phil's passing. We always enjoyed visiting with you guys.
It is hard to believe that such an effervescent delightful personality will no longer be a part of our lives.
We will forever enjoy the memories of our contacts over these many years.
Our hearts and prayers are with you.
Love, Kathy and Wayne Surles
August 4, 2017
August 4, 2017
Judy and family we are very sorry for the loss of Phil. He was a good friend and he will be missed. If there is anything that you need please let us know. Lloyd Caldwell and Family.
August 3, 2017
August 3, 2017
Judy and girls, Phil made a huge impact out here on Bridger Creek and he became part of the family. From the first time we met he fit right in and was here in bad times as well as good. And then he brought you Judy and he told me you wouldn't stay long because you wouldn't like it. How wrong he was! The fish fry is the 6th and it will be a lonely place without you both but before we sit down to eat we will say a prayer in honor of Phil. I will be posting some pictures a little later. God speed Phil and to your family I hope you can find some peace knowing Phil lived doing things he loved. Love you all
August 3, 2017
August 3, 2017
Judy Lynn and family, I just read the sad news. I am so sorry. I know your wonderful memories will comfort you now! Love you'll!
August 3, 2017
August 3, 2017
Judy, Julie, Chelsea,
I was so fortunate to have known Phil when he worked in plant pathology. Lots of memories and a good friend that I won't forget. If there is anything you all need, I'm just a phone call away. In my Thoughts and Prayers. Judy Fielder
I was so fortunate to have known Phil when he worked in plant pathology. Lots of memories and a good friend that I won't forget. If there is anything you all need, I'm just a phone call away. In my Thoughts and Prayers. Judy Fielder
August 3, 2017
August 3, 2017
Judy, Julie, and Chelsea:
So sorry to hear about Phil. Let us know if there is anything we can do for you. Phil had a great love and respect for the outdoors and he took many on fishing and hunting trips. He took in our graduate students, always willing to help them out on their projects. Phil was a dedicated, hard worker, going out of his way to get tasks completed. He was a gracious host and I always enjoyed his sense of humor. He will be truly missed. Jeff Derr
So sorry to hear about Phil. Let us know if there is anything we can do for you. Phil had a great love and respect for the outdoors and he took many on fishing and hunting trips. He took in our graduate students, always willing to help them out on their projects. Phil was a dedicated, hard worker, going out of his way to get tasks completed. He was a gracious host and I always enjoyed his sense of humor. He will be truly missed. Jeff Derr
August 2, 2017
August 2, 2017
Judy and family, we were all so lucky to have known Phil in our life and we are all better people for it. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers. Lynn Howell Sheckler
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Recent Tributes
July 30, 2018
July 30, 2018
I shall always miss and never forget Phil's kindness and helpfulness to my father and my family. He was one of my Dad's best friends and I miss them both.
August 21, 2017
August 21, 2017
Phil, you will be missed. I remember Phil's white knuckled ride with me when we sailed in high winds at the Outer Banks. White knuckled perhaps but, at the same time, Phil hooting at the top of his lungs with the sheer joy of living life. Zoe and I are much saddened by the passing of a good man; we are all better to have known you Phil. Rest in Peace.
August 5, 2017
August 5, 2017
I was lucky to have Phil as my brother. Even though we always lived miles apart I knew I could count on him if I needed him. Phil was not just a brother but a friend. We had some great times together and will be forever missed. My heart breaks for Judy, Julie and Chelsea's loss.
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July 16, 2023
The last time I remember, we were listening to Wild,Wild horses couldn't drad me away, Rolling Stones and Mrs. Massey was telling us to open a window to let the smoke out. Love you Judy lynn. Please call me.
July 16, 2023
Please have Judy Lynn call me. I am sure she would want to hear from me. Call me any time 252-364-9687!! She would be surprised in a good way, I wanted to find her but my parents only knew her parents moved to a farm in NC. Had no way to contact her. Still love you and Cinnamon!!!
PPWS-Judy Fielder
August 11, 2017
There is a memory from the plant pathology department I won't forget - there is a push cart located on the basement floor of Price Hall and was I dared to get on it for a ride by Phil. Of course I get on it and he goes running down the hallway pushing that cart and me yelling the whole time. Simpler times..................