Obituary of Robert E. Keay

Robert "Bob" E. Keay, 73, of State College, passed away Friday, June 15, 2018, at his home after a long battle with pancreatic cancer.

Born August 23, 1944, in Binghamton, NY, he was the son of the late William H. and Marion Kautz Keay.

Bob is survived by his wife, Janice M. (Porter) Keay; three children, Robert S. Keay (and wife, Mia); Terri Tarantino; and William Keay; step-son, Adam Schneider; one grandchild; two step-grandchildren; cousins Al Kautz (and wife Mary) and Don Kautz; and sister-in-law, Peggy Keay Germain.

In addition to his parents, Bob was preceded in death by his brother, William C. Keay and cousin, Pat Kautz.

Bob graduated from Dallas High School in Dallas, PA, in 1962. He received his bachelor's degree at Rider University, in Lawrence Township, New Jersey. In 1975, he eared his doctorate in Chemistry from Penn State University.

He began his career at FMC Corp in Princeton, NJ as a research organic chemist. After moving to State College in 1987, Bob worked for Ruetgers-Nease Chemical Company and later for The Penn State University Applied Research Lab.

Throughout his life, Bob enjoyed all kinds of boating with his family and friends. In retirement, he joined the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, Raystown Flotilla, as a volunteer. On his passing, a best friend from the other side of the planet said of Bob, "he was a proud and patriotic citizen of the United States… who saw that love, peace and good living is the right way forward… his time on this planet was appreciated and loved by so many".

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to Family Hospice and Palliative Care, 20 Sheraton Drive Altoona, PA 16602, or online at www.familyhospicepa.org, in memory of Robert "Bob" E. Keay.

Arrangements are under the care of Koch Funeral Home, State College. Online condolences and signing of the guest book may be entered at www.kochfuneralhome.com.