Arthur Harry Keiths

Arthur H. Keiths, 74, of Punta Gorda, FL died peacefully at home on February 22, 2008 after a courageous battle with colon cancer. He was born in Philadelphia, PA in May 1933 to Herman and Etta Keiths. Art was always successful in any venture he attempted. He was a Naval Corpsman and learned his basic medical skills there. After the Navy he was in the auto body business with his dad in Philly. From there he went to insurance appraisals and became the VP of Home Insurance when he moved to Florida in the early 70's. Following that he went into business with Phil Levitz buying auto body businesses throughout Florida as well as starting a leasing company and founding "Sun Pop" soda company. He convinced local gas stations to sell the Sun Pop when gas stations only sold gas. Then Art became a Real Estate Broker and Mortgage Broker dealing mainly with commercial real estate in the Ft. Lauderdale area. Finally, the last 25 years were spent in the medical field once again. He built and ran dialysis units in Miami, was an Executive VP of a nephrology network and did consulting for a variety of nephrologists in the state.

Throughout his life Art was an avid boater owning over 30 boats and fishing regularly in his early years. Later in life he became a "softie" and couldn't harm a fly much less a fish. He became an animal lover and went to extremes to take care of his "puppies". Art will always be remembered for the smile on his face, his soft heart and his way of complimenting a job well done.

He is survived by his loving wife of 26 years, Anne; his children Joel Keiths of Davie, FL; Lisa Sam Cypressi of West Grove, PA; Donna Keiths of West Chester, PA; and his grandson, Jacob Keiths also of West Chester, PA, and his sister Phyllis Neal of Boynton Beach, FL. He also leaves behind his favorite four-legged child, Ebby.

A Visitation will be from 2:30 pm to 3:30 pm, Sunday February 24, 2008 at the Kays-Ponger Funeral Home, 635 E. Marion Avenue, Punta Gorda, FL. The Funeral Service will begin at 3:30 pm Sunday with Rabbi Solomon Agin officiating. Interment to follow at Ft. Myers Memorial Gardens. An additional memorial service will be held at a later date in Ft. Lauderdale. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Art's name to The Animal Welfare League, 3519 Drance Street, Port Charlotte, FL 33980.