John J. Keller Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

John J. Keller (“Jack”), 86, passed away of a “broken heart” and lung cancer, Saturday, Jan. 20, 2018, surrounded by his loving family. He returns now to the loving embrace of his wife, Floss, who gained her wings just nine short months before him. Jack was a long-time resident of the Oak Valley section of Deptford Township since 1958. He was born Dec. 11, 1931 and raised in South Philadelphia. He attended St. Gabriel’s Elementary School and Edward Bok Vocational High School. Jack was the beloved husband of the deceased Florence (Floss) C. Keller (nee Simmonds) for 66 years; wonderful, devoted dad of Jack Keller formerly of New York City, Karen Eckert (James) of Barrington, and James Keller (Patricia) of Williamstown; loving “Pop” of Jami Groff (Michael), Katie McLaughlin (Christian), Allison Chando (Matt), Tricia Keller (Ryan), Gabrielle Eckert (Jeremy), and Jimmy Keller, Jr. (Samantha); and the apples of his eye: great grandchildren Casey, Drew and Alexa Groff, and Mackenzie and Evan Chando. Brother-in-law of Eileen Simmonds. Many nieces and nephews also survive Jack. He was pre-deceased by his father, James, his mother, Catherine (Driscoll), and his brother, Jimmy (Ducky). Jack’s dedication and kindness were illustrated in both his professional and personal life. He was a member of the Oak Valley Athletic association in the beginning years of the program. He managed and umpired for many years. He was also involved in the formation and development of the Oak Valley Vikings Football Association. Jack was a head coach of the 70-pound squad that went undefeated and unscored upon in regular-season play in just its second season. They went on to win the Eastern League championship with an 11-0 record. Jack was a corporal in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict, serving as a guided missile systems technician. He was also a member of the American Legion, Post #133 located in Woodbury, N.J. Jack began his employment at American Gas Meter Co. located in Philadelphia and Somerton, Pa. from 1950-1956 with a break for military service. He was employed as a guided missile systems specialist for the U.S. Army Nike Ajax/Hercules Missile Systems Command from January 1956 through June 1957, located in the Philadelphia Quartermaster Depot. Jack transferred to the U.S. Navy Tartar Missile Systems Program as an engineering technician in the Naval Weapons Service office from June 1967 through June 1970, based in the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard. In June 1970 he accepted an engineering technician position with Naval Sea Systems Command, Planning and Engineering Group for Naval Surface Warfare Ships, located in the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard until his retirement in January 1988. Upon his retirement, he accepted a program manager position with Scientific Management Associates in Westville, N.J., which he maintained until October 1996 when he fully retired. He enjoyed spending time with his family, watching sports, and going to various casinos to donate his money and watch stage shows. Jack was a worldwide traveler and enjoyed visiting many different states and countries in support of his military and civilian careers. Some of his favorite destinations included San Diego, Japan and the Philippines. Jack was a wonderful and committed husband, taking great care of Floss while she struggled with COPD, until she gained her wings in April. Never once did he let us know that he was struggling with his own health issues, she was his priority. In his final months, Jack enjoyed visiting the St. Padre Pio Shrine in Buena, N.J. because it was there he felt her presence strongest. Relatives and friends are invited to his viewing Friday, January 26, 2018 from 9am to 10:15am at BOUCHER FUNERAL HOME, 1757 Delsea Drive, Deptford, NJ 08096 followed by a Mass of Resurrection at 11am at Infant Jesus Parish – St. Margaret Church, 334 Beech Avenue, Woodbury Hts., NJ 08097. Interment at New St. Mary’s Cemetery, Bellmawr, N.J. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Jack’s behalf may be made to the St. Vincent DePaul Society of St. Margaret’s Parish.

John J. Keller

December 11, 1931 - January 20, 2018