Deceased: Captain Richard Charles Keckler passed away peacefully on May 17, 2023, surrounded by his loving family, after nine months of courageously battling painful and debilitating complications from surgery. Richard, “Richie,” son of Otto Keckler and Anne Kraus, was born in the Bronx, New York on July 9, 1942, and grew up in the Homefield neighborhood of Yonkers. He graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1960 and went on to study and play football and basketball at SUNY Farmingdale, where he was selected for the Junior College All-American football team in 1961-62 and named Most Valuable Player (football) and Outstanding Graduate in 1962. Though he never played high school basketball, he made the Aggie basketball team and quickly rose to Captain. He played both sports so well that he was often mentioned in newspaper articles for his natural athleticism, work ethic, and outstanding sportsmanship. Following his athletic and academic achievements as an Aggie, he received full scholarship offers to several 4-year colleges, and chose to attend the University of Rhode Island, where he played football for the URI Rams and joined the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. He had an impressive football career, with many mentions in newspapers for his performance in the starting position of defensive end. He graduated with a BS in Agriculture (Chemistry) in 1965 and had been accepted to start Veterinary Medical school at the University of Oklahoma (Richie loved animals). However, he could no longer defer his draft orders to serve in Vietnam. So, like the true patriot he was, he enlisted in the Marine Corps as an officer-in-training and after completing eighteen months of flight school in Pensacola, Florida, was assigned to Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 364 (HMM-364), also known as The Purple Foxes. He was stationed in the Republic of Vietnam’s Quang Nan Province, where he flew CH-46 helicopters on countless dangerous missions and advanced to the rank of Captain. Captain Keckler’s exceptional aviation abilities, stunning bravery, and keen intelligence earned him numerous medals and accolades, but more importantly to him, saved many soldiers’ lives. In one instance, the helicopter he was piloting was shot down as he was medevacking his fellow Marines to safety. He was awarded a Silver Star; Purple Heart; Distinguished Flying Cross; Air Medal; Combat Action Ribbon; Presidential Unit Citation; Vietnam Service Medal; Vietnam Cross of Gallantry; Vietnam Campaign Medal; and a Boeing Rescue Citation, to name a few. After being honorably discharged from active duty in 1970, he returned to Yonkers, NY, where he met his beautiful bride, Barbara Pizzurro, and began a successful and highly lauded twenty-eight year career as a Special Agent Pilot for the United States Department of Justice. Richie was known for his big-hearted, generous, kind, and fun-loving nature, and for his dazzling smile that would light up a room and melt hearts. He was always punctual and always knew the weather report; talking about the weather might have seemed to be small talk to put people at ease, which was true, but for him, an interest in the weather was also about safety and rooted in his training as a pilot. He was a gym rat before the term was coined, and he met many lifelong friends at the various health clubs he frequented over the years. He made friends wherever he went, and he enjoyed being a “regular” at local restaurants and businesses. He loved summer visits to Montauk, swimming with his kids and sunbathing with a Tom Clancy novel in hand. He was the kind of dad who rose at dawn to jog five miles before cutting his daughters’ toast into happy face shapes. His fearlessness came in handy as parent, whether it came to diaper changing, which, a man ahead of his time, he would do with a military-esque efficiency (and, of course, gentleness); he was also the kind of father who gleefully rode the scariest rollercoasters with his daughters or held their hands as Atlantic Ocean waves tumbled towards them. He would sometimes even fly his helicopter over the schoolyard, waving at his children on the playground below. He was the kind of husband who supported his wife’s goals and passions, such as her decision to pursue her doctoral degree at the age of 40. He celebrated, valued, and touted the academic, athletic, and artistic achievements of his wife, daughters, and grandchildren. Richie enjoyed the small pleasures in life: asking his grandchildren about school and attending their games and offering high fives; celebrating family members’ and friends’ birthdays; watching the deer passing through his yard; cheering on the Giants, Yankees, and Knicks—he often rooted for the underdogs in sports and in life. He enjoyed giving (and receiving) greeting cards to those close to him for any occasion, and the funnier the card, the better. He loved Christmas and was known to throw festive holiday parties and had a knack for picking out the fullest evergreens. A homebody at heart, he had a green thumb and leaves behind perennials planted in the gardens of all the homes he inhabited that continue to rise spring after spring. Richie is survived by his true love and devoted wife of 50 years, Barbara Keckler; his two loving daughters, Kristen Keckler (Scott Bigelow) and Kara Schiliro (Joseph); his beloved grandchildren, Paige, Joseph, and Harrison; his sister Susan (Michael) and sister Ginger Ansel; his brother-in-law, Nicholas Pizzurro (Alice); and many cousins, nieces, nephews, great and great-great nieces and nephews. Please consider a donation to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation or a veteran advocacy group of your choice in Captain Keckler’s name. His family would like to thank the nursing staff of Calvary Hospital for the compassionate care he received. Always a protector, we will now have his protection from above. Semper Fidelis; we love you and you will remain in our hearts for eternity. We will forever be as faithful and loyal to you as you were to us. Visitation will be held at the Edwards-Dowdle Funeral Home in Dobbs Ferry, NY on Tuesday, May 23, from 1 to 4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. Mass of the Resurrection will be held at Immaculate Conception Church in Irvington, NY on Wednesday, May 24 at 11:00 a.m. followed by entombment at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Valhalla, NY. OCS: D-2 TBS: Pensacola
Deceased: Calvin passed 13 Apr 2019, was born in Ephraim, UT. He graduated from USU. He received 2 Purple Hearts during his Vietnam service. OCS: D-3 TBS: D-3
Wife: Sandra
Address: P.O. Box 1001, Duck Creek Village, UT 84762
Deceased: Age 80 Died peacefully at his farmhouse in River Falls, WI on Sept. 26, 2020 after living and struggling with cancer for 20 years. Jack will be remembered for his compassion, patience, listening skills, and his lifelong service to others. He is survived by his wife Julie, his daughters Bridget (Gerald) Swanson, Kiki (Wayne) Augustin, Nicole (Bill) Barth, his brother Tom Kenefick, five grandchildren and two step-grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Adoray Home Health and Hospice or the Free Clinic of Pierce and St. Croix Counties. An immediate family only service will be held at his home with military honors. Bakken-Young River Falls 715-425-8788 www.bakken-young.com OCS:- TBS:- Class: 4-66 Service : 2165128 Officer : 093958
Wife: Julie
Address: W7184 810th Ave, River Falls, WI 54022-4524
Deceased:With sadness in our hearts we share the passing of our adored husband and father, Raymond T. Kerwin on September 26, 2023. He was a gentle man whose love and hugs will stay in our hearts forever. He was a generous and loving husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. He grew up in Rutherford with his 3 brothers and 2 sisters and later moved to Lincoln Park where he raised his family. He served as a captain in the Marines stationed in Camp Lejeune, NC. Throughout his life, he remained a proud soldier and American. He taught us to have pride in our country and love for our family. He was a sharp dresser who loved the Yankees, going “down the shore “, golfing, his boys and grandchildren, and Joanie’s cooking. He was a man of faith. Being a parishioner at St. Joseph’s Parish and serving as a lector and Eucharistic Minister brought him much joy. He especially loved cooking and preparing for the Seder he hosted at Easter. He was an active member of his community serving as a councilman for 26 years. He was always ready to lend a hand whether as a member of the Lincoln Park Sewer Authority, liaison to the First Aid Squad, or PAL Baseball League. He was a member of American Legion Post No. 279 in LincolnPark. He was predeceased by his parents, Raymond and Jeanette, and his brothers Jerry, Paul, and Jimmy. He leaves behind his loving family - his wife, Joan and his sons Tim (Holly) and Sean; his cherished grandchildren Brian, Jake, and Samantha; his sisters Jeannie Allen and Celine Kerwin; his sister-in-law Carol Jordan Stark and his brother-in-law John Jordan (Nancy); and many cherished nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews as well as all his wonderful friends and neighbors. Visitation is Thursday, October 5, 2023 from 4-8 pm at the Keri-Lozito Funeral Home , 125 Main Street, Lincoln Park, NJ . Funeral Mass at St. Joseph’s R.C. Church, 216 Comly Road, Lincoln Park, NJ on Friday, October 6, 2023 at 11 am. Memorial Donations to the Lincoln Park First Aid Squad, Lincoln Park , NJ or St. Joseph’s Parish would be appreciated. OCS: B-2 TBS: E-3
Wife: Joan
Address: 357 Gettysburg Way, Lincoln Park, NJ 07035
Maj. Ronald Dwight Kincade (USMC Ret.), 85, of Woodbridge, Virginia, died on Dec. 9, 2021, due to congestive heart failure.
He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Virginia "Ginger" A. Kincade; sons, Bradley (Sonia) and Brent Kincade (Lindsay); a sister, Diane Clayworth; grandsons, Thomas, Brian (Sohany) and Aaron Kincade; and four great-grandchildren; Savannah, Harlee, Tommy and Brian Jr. Ron was preceded in death by his father, mother and brother, Donald Topolski.
Ron was born June, 26, 1936, in Hammond, Indiana, to Aaron Dwight Kincade and Lillian (Thardorf) Kincade. He graduated from New Buffalo High School in Michigan; and Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, Michigan, with a Bachelor's of Science degree. After graduation he worked as a public school speech therapist in the St. Joseph County School System for 2 1/2 years until he returned to the U.S. Marine Corps in 1966.
He retired from the Marine Corps in 1986, after more than 24 years of service as both an enlisted man and an Infantry officer. He served more than two years in Vietnam and was awarded the following decorations: The Bronze Star Medal with combat "V"; the Meritorious Service Medal with Gold Star; a Combat Action Ribbon; Presidential Unit Citation with 2 stars; Meritorious Unit Citation with 1 star; Good Conduct Medal; National Defense Medal; Vietnam Service Medal with 4 stars; Sea Service Deployment Ribbon; Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm; Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm and Colors; and the Vietnam Campaign Medal with device.
Subsequent to his retirement from the Marine Corps., he purchased a business – Rural Mail Boxes – which he worked for another five years.
Ron was a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7916, Occoquan, VA and the AMVETS Post VA-MAL.
Ron's message: "This side" has been good to me and I've given it my best shot. I hope I will be remembered as a Patriot, a Marine for Life and a person who truly loves and cares for this country and its people. I love my family and the many dear friends I have met along the way ... Thank you for your friendship. Enjoy your life, count and realize life's blessings and empty that bucket list of things you want to do. Don't wait.
Visitation will be 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 6, 2022, at Mountcastle Turch Funeral Home, 4143 Dale Blvd. Dale City, VA, 22193. A graveside service will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, Jan. 7, 2022, at Quantico National Cemetery, Triangle, VA, 22172.
In lieu of flowers memorials can be made to: Fisher House Foundation, Inc., 12300 Twinbrook Pkwy Suite 410, Rockville, MD, 20852, donations@fisherhouse.org.
OCS:- TBS:- Class: 4-66 Service : L509439 Officer : 093960
Wife: Ginger
Address: 4125 Burning Ridge Rd., Woodbrige, VA 22192-6635
Deceased: Mike died on July 17, 2017 at the Johns Hopkins University Hospital in Baltimore, MD. He was buried in Conewago Chapel Cemetery in Conewago Township, PA. OCS: B-2 TBS: D-3
Wife: Diane
Address: 5218 Rockery Road, Spring Grove, PA, 17362
Deceased: On May 17, 2021, Kenneth A. Koelln, 78, was called home to the Kingdom of God to meet his Savior, where he joined his beloved wife and loved ones. Ken proudly served his country for 20 years in the USMC. He was a Purple Heart recipient from combat in the Vietnam War where he served two tours. Following his service, he completed his PhD in economics at the University of Florida, then went on to become a tenured professor at the University of North Texas until he retired. He loved the Florida Gators, Texas Rangers, and chocolate. Ken was a faithful man who loved the Lord, his family, and his country. He is survived by his 4 daughters, Karen (Steve) Nevener, Kimberly (Patrick) Pool, Kelli (Brian) Collins, and Kristin Spencer; along with his brother-in-law, Hank VanVeenendaal; nephew, Gerry (Lisa) VanVeenendaal; sister-in-law, Veronica Geister; 9 grandchildren; and 13 great grandchildren. He will be missed. Semper Fi. OCS: D-1 TBS: D-3
Wife: Gretchel
Address: 8022 South 75th East Avenue, Tulsa, OK 74133-5460
Deceased: Joe passed on 5 Oct 2016 and was born on 26 May 1943 in Forest City, PA. He attended UNC at Chapel Hill on a NROTC scholarship. Served a Vietnam tour flying choppers. He had cardiac arrest in 2004 and declining health thereafter. He will be missed. OCS:- TBS:Pensacola Class: 4-66 Service : - Officer : 091292
Deceased: Bob died while hospitalized in Union City, GA on July 3, 2018. He had tours on Okinawa and Da Nang during the Vietnam War. He also started up the first Redeye Hand-Held Infrared Missile Platoon at Camp Lejeune. The Redeye evolved into the Stinger. After the war, Bob received an MBA at Rutgers and became an executive in the Franchising Industry. Bob's funeral mass was conducted at St. George Catholic Church in Newnan, GA and he was laid to rest with his parents at Queen of Heaven Catholic Cemetery in Hillside, IL. OCS: A-2 TBS: D-3
Deceased: Died May 5, 2008
Deceased: Died July 29, 2013 after fighting esophageal cancer for 7 years.
Deceased: Bob died while hospitalized in Union City, GA on July 3, 2018. He had tours on Okinawa and Da Nang during the Vietnam War. He also started up the first Redeye Hand-Held Infrared Missile Platoon at Camp Lejeune. The Redeye evolved into the Stinger. After the war, Bob received an MBA at Rutgers and became an executive in the Franchising Industry. Bob's funeral mass was conducted at St. George Catholic Church in Newnan, GA and he was laid to rest with his parents at Queen of Heaven Catholic Cemetery in Hillside, IL.
