John L. Keating, 71, of Las Vegas, Nev., formerly of Newtown and Danbury, died at his home on June 28.

Mr Keating was born September 14, 1944, to Anita (Cuff) and Edward Keating. He attended Danbury schools, graduated from Danbury High School with the Class of 1962 and was a graduate of Danbury State Teachers College where he received his BS and MS in education. He then received his Sixth Year Degree in administration from the University of Bridgeport.

His teaching career began at Hayestown Avenue School; he later served as an administrator at both Broadview Middle School and Rogers Park Middle School. Mr Keating's career in Connecticut culminated as principal of Woodbury Middle School. Upon retirement, he moved to Las Vegas where he also served as an administrator in its public school system.

Mr Keating loved sports. He coached basketball at Broadview Middle School, Danbury High School, and Newtown High School. He had a passion for golf, horse racing, playing cards, and loved the New York Yankees. Mr Keating was recognized by the Danbury Old Timer's Athletic Association for his involvement in sports in the greater Danbury area.

He had a warm smile, embraced everyone, and will be sorely missed.

His wife Catherine (Brennan) Keating of Las Vegas; his children Patricia Shay, and husband Marc, and Kasey Schneider, and husband Brandt, all of Southbury; six grandchildren; two sisters, Mary Keating Tahan and Kathleen Kopec, and husband Ken; and three nieces survive him.

In addition to his parents, Mr Keating was predeceased by his brother-in-law Joseph C. Tahan, Sr.

The family will receive friends at Jowdy-Kane Funeral Home, 9 Granville Avenue, Danbury, on Saturday, July 9, from 3 to 5 pm, with a memorial speaking program at 5 pm.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Old Timer's Athletic Association, PO Box 1113, Danbury CT 06813-1113 or The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research at michaeljfox.org.