Obituary for James M. Keller
James M. Keller, 83, of Centre Twp., passed away Thursday, July 14, 2022 in Reading Hospital and Medical Center. He was the husband of the late Mary Ann (Hoppe) Keller.
Born in Reading, he was the son of the late James E., and Fern (Kissinger) Keller. He graduated from Governor Mifflin High School in 1958. Later, he received a Bachelor’s Degree (’62) and Master’s Degree (’71) in Education from West Chester State College, where he was equipment manager of the undefeated 1961 NCAA Men’s Soccer Championship team. James worked as a special education teacher at the Devereux Foundation and Greenbank School, both in Chester County. He owned his own landscaping company, worked as a realtor and later, spent some time working as a professional driver for Eshelman and Kraft transportation companies. He was always involved in his class reunions and events at the Glenmoore Fire Company, was an avid stamp collector and enjoyed birdwatching. James was the most dedicated Philly sports fan around, often wearing the same shirt repeatedly to bring good luck!
He is survived by three daughters: Lisa M. (Keller) Goulet, wife of Robert L., Mohrsville, PA, Lori A. (Keller) Beavers, wife of Lawrence C. Beavers, Jr., Mechanicsville, MD, and Christine Keller-Quirk, wife of James L. Quirk, IV, Newark, DE; five grandchildren: Andrew and Jake Goulet, Meredith and Emily Beavers, Ryan Quirk; and one great-grandchild: Myah Goulet. He was also survived by a brother: William L. Keller, husband of Leslie, Annapolis, MD, and a sister-in-law: Lucille A. (Hoppe) Tschop, wife of William P., Wyomissing, PA.
Services will be private at the convenience of the family. In remembrance of James’ life, the family asks that any charitable donations be made to Animal Rescue League of Berks County, 58 Kennel Road, Birdsboro, PA 19508 (berksarl.org). For online condolences, please visit www.leibenspergerfuneralhomes.com, Leibensperger Funeral Homes, Inc., Leesport, PA.
Born in Reading, he was the son of the late James E., and Fern (Kissinger) Keller. He graduated from Governor Mifflin High School in 1958. Later, he received a Bachelor’s Degree (’62) and Master’s Degree (’71) in Education from West Chester State College, where he was equipment manager of the undefeated 1961 NCAA Men’s Soccer Championship team. James worked as a special education teacher at the Devereux Foundation and Greenbank School, both in Chester County. He owned his own landscaping company, worked as a realtor and later, spent some time working as a professional driver for Eshelman and Kraft transportation companies. He was always involved in his class reunions and events at the Glenmoore Fire Company, was an avid stamp collector and enjoyed birdwatching. James was the most dedicated Philly sports fan around, often wearing the same shirt repeatedly to bring good luck!
He is survived by three daughters: Lisa M. (Keller) Goulet, wife of Robert L., Mohrsville, PA, Lori A. (Keller) Beavers, wife of Lawrence C. Beavers, Jr., Mechanicsville, MD, and Christine Keller-Quirk, wife of James L. Quirk, IV, Newark, DE; five grandchildren: Andrew and Jake Goulet, Meredith and Emily Beavers, Ryan Quirk; and one great-grandchild: Myah Goulet. He was also survived by a brother: William L. Keller, husband of Leslie, Annapolis, MD, and a sister-in-law: Lucille A. (Hoppe) Tschop, wife of William P., Wyomissing, PA.
Services will be private at the convenience of the family. In remembrance of James’ life, the family asks that any charitable donations be made to Animal Rescue League of Berks County, 58 Kennel Road, Birdsboro, PA 19508 (berksarl.org). For online condolences, please visit www.leibenspergerfuneralhomes.com, Leibensperger Funeral Homes, Inc., Leesport, PA.