Bill & Frances Keys

William John “Bill” Keys

January 27, 1932- June 19, 2025

Frances Marie Satariano Keys

August 26, 1934 - February 21, 2026

Bill and Frances shared a 70-year marriage rooted in family, community, and a deep love for Long Beach, California. Bill was born in Long Beach to Clifford and Edith Keys, and Frances was born in Pittsburgh to Frank and Gertrude Satariano. They met as teenagers in 1947 and married in 1955, raising their three children—Kimberly Ann, William John “Korky” Jr., and Michael Francis—in the city they cherished.

Bill began his career teaching English in Bellflower in 1959 before becoming one of the first computer instructors at Long Beach City College, where he worked until 2003. He authored early computer programming textbooks, including Introduction to Computer Programming: BASIC Fortran IV — A Practical Approach.

Frances was deeply rooted in her community, volunteering in many organizations including the Emerson PTA and the Long Beach City College Faculty Wives, where she served in several roles, including president. She later shared her eye for style as a fashion consultant at Neil’s Apparel in Marina Pacifica and at Dottie’s on Main Street in Seal Beach.

Bill and Frances shared a lifelong love of travel, music, and community. They spent many years camping with their children and later explored every U.S. state and all continents except Antarctica. Bill, a lifelong violinist, and Frances especially loved Dixieland jazz and enjoyed attending festivals and performances together.

They were active participants in Elderhostel, Senior Follies, LBCC Senior Studies, and jazz nights at Curley’s in Signal Hill, building friendships that lasted throughout their lives.

They were devoted grandparents to Andrea and Rachel, cherishing morning breakfasts before school and afternoon pick ups that often ended with a stop at 31 Flavors.

Bill and Frances will be remembered for their deep devotion to family, their lifelong partnership, and the many friendships they built throughout their lives.

A celebration of life for Frances and Bill will be held at Stricklin/Snively Mortuary on April 1, 2026, at 11:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers the family would prefer contributions to the Keys Family Scholarship C/O LBCC Foundation, 4901 E. Carson St. B12, Long Beach, CA 90808