Dr. Thomas John Keating

Tom was born October 1, 1941 in Los Angeles, to John and Marie Keating. Tom and his sister Joan (Keating) Smith grew up in San Gabriel, CA. Tom attended San Gabriel High School and then attended UCLA where he received Honors at Entrance for his undergraduate studies and then attended USC dental school. He graduated from dental school in 1966. Tom served in the U.S. Navy and served a tour of duty in Vietnam from 1967-1968 where he was attached to a U.S.M.C. unit working as a dentist. While in Vietnam he received the Navy Commendation Medal for his help with the wounded. Tom met the love of his life, Diane Hirsch, October 22, 1966, on a blind date. They were married July 27, 1968 at St. Anne's Catholic Church in Las Vegas. Tom and Diane moved to San Jose, CA shortly after their marriage to start his dental practice. They decided to return to Las Vegas where Tom started practicing dentistry and practiced for 46 years. Diane and Tom always wanted a big family and in 1970 they welcomed their first child, John Thomas Keating. Two years later Thomas Patrick was born in 1972. Michael Edward was born in 1973, Mary Theresa arrived in 1975 and then Diane and Tom were blessed with the birth of twins in 1979, Ryan Timothy and Anne Elizabeth. Brendan Joseph was born in 1981. Last but not least, Bridget Marie was born in 1985. Tom and Diane lovingly raised their eight children with a strong Catholic faith. Tom was very involved in his children's lives and activities. He was on the St. Viator School Board, he coached youth soccer, tutored his kids in math and took them on multiple hiking, fishing and hunting adventures. Tom and Diane were blessed with twenty-three grandchildren who have provided so much joy and love to them. Tom was a friend to all who knew him. He had no enemies and had a kind word for everyone. Tom was loyal, caring, loving, hard-working, faith-filled, adventurous, loved the outdoors, and was fun-loving with a wonderful sense of humor. Tom will be greatly missed and has been so loved and cherished. Visitation will be at 4pm Mon., April. 1, with a rosary to follow, both at Palm Mortuary, 7600 S. Eastern Las Vegas. Funeral Mass will be at 10am Tue., April 2, at St. Viator Catholic Church, 2461 E. Flamingo, Las Vegas. Burial to follow.