Patrick Joseph Keating

Long time Grosse Pointe resident Patrick Joseph Keating, 83, died peacefully Thursday, January 20, 2011 with his family by his side. Patrick was born Sept. 23, 1927, in Petoskey, Michigan to Francis Louis and Bertha (McGarey) Keating. He attended St Francis Elementary School and Petoskey High School where he was President of his Senior Class when he graduated in 1945. After High School he served his country as a pilot in the U.S. Navy. After completing active duty he used his GI bill to pursue his undergraduate degree at the University of Virginia and subsequently his law degree at the University Of Detroit School Of Law where he graduated JD in 1953. Patrick spent his legal career in private practice until his retirement as a Senior Partner with the firm of Clark, Hill PLC. In addition he served for ten years on the State Bar of Michigan Board of Commissioners and was elected as the 47th president in 1981-1982. He also served as vice-chairman of the Representative Assembly, chairman of the Real Property Law Section, vice-chairman and chairman of the Michigan Attorney Discipline Board, and a member of Institute of Continuing Legal Education's Executive Committee. He also was a member of the Michigan Supreme Court Historical Society, the State Bar Foundation, American and the Detroit Bar Associations. He was one of the two founders of the Real Property Law Section of the Michigan State Bar. Patrick or "Pat" as he was known by friends had an innate ability to command a room when he spoke. Whether it was discussing issues in one of his many chairmanships, speaking to a group of lawyers or simply passing the time with friends and family, everyone was listening. He will best be remembered by his sense of humor, his quick wit and a kind word for everyone, Patrick was a faithful follower of the Catholic Church as a Eucharistic Minister and Catechist at St. Clare de Montefalco, Catechist, and RCIA sponsor at St. Paul on the Lake, alter server and lector at Sts. Peter and Paul and frequent volunteer wherever he was needed. He was also a 25 year retreat participant at Manresa Jesuit Retreat House with the Detroit Area Catholic Lawyers and served on Manresa's Board of Directors. He was a lifelong Michigan resident and enjoyed many outdoor activities including cross country skiing, sailing and golf. He was a devoted fan of the Detroit Tigers, either attending games, listening on the radio or watching on TV. He also enjoyed taking trips to Napa Valley and an annual hiking trip with friends to Southern California. Patrick was very proud of his Irish heritage and was a loyal Notre Dame Fighting Irish fan, a member of the Irish American Lawyers Association and the Gaelic League. He enjoyed spending time with his family including coaching many sports teams for his children and taking yearly family trips to Northern Michigan and Cedar Point. After retirement he volunteered his time and legal services to Focus: Hope. He also loved spending time with his grandchildren. He will be greatly missed by his 7 children, Patrick (Roxann) Keating, Connie (David) Leannais, Victoria (Chris Brady) Keating, Krystn McIntyre, Brendan (Christine) Keating, Sheridan Keating, and Alison (Sharon Spooner) Keating, his grandchildren, Kaileigh, Kerry, Katie, J.P. and R.J. and his former wife Judith K. Keating. He also leaves behind a sister, Mary Wright and many nieces and nephews. Patrick was preceded in death by his brothers, Harlow, Ed, Robert and Waldo. Visitation will take place on Sunday, January 23, 5pm until 9pm at A.H. Peters Funeral Home 20705 Mack Ave. in Grosse Pointe Woods and Monday, January 24, from 2pm until 9pm, with a funeral service at 7 pm. Memorial contributions may be made to Focus: Hope, 1300 Oakman Blvd., Detroit, MI 48238. ahpeters.com

Funeral Home:

A. H. Peters Funeral Home of Grosse Pointe

20705 Mack Avenue

Grosse Pointe Woods, MI

US 48236