John H. Keller Sr.

John H. Keller, age 71, passed away on Sunday May 31, 2015 in St Anne’s Mercy Hospital. John was born in Toledo, Ohio on August 13, 1943 to Herman and Lauretta Keller. He graduated from St Ann’s Grade School and Central Catholic High School, class of 1961. John earned a football scholarship to the University of Toledo but left football signing a contract with the Cincinnati Reds to play baseball in their minor league system. After injuries lead to his retirement in 1966, John worked in the real-estate and insurance industries. He eventually retired after 15 years as a courier for Mercy Health Partners. He enjoyed being an assistant baseball coach at Central Catholic, eventually becoming “The Voice of the Irish,” announcing their football and basketball games from 1978 - 2014. John also spent several years as the PA announcer for the University of Toledo as well as the Toledo Mud Hens. In 1992, John was awarded membership in the Central Catholic High School Athletic Hall Of Fame, joining his brother Richard Keller, and eventually his son John, as members. In 2007, he and his son John became the first father and son inducted into the Toledo City Athletic League Hall Of Fame. Most recently, he was nominated for entry into Central Catholic High School Music Hall Of Fame. John was an active member of Little Flower Catholic Parish for 45 years where he served in the music ministry and coached basketball. He was a founding member and current president of the CCHS Alumni Glee Club. He was also a member of The Toledo Swiss Singers, The Toledo Elks Lodge #53, the Downtown Coaches Association, and the Old Newsboys. John was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Richard. He is survived by his wife, high school sweetheart, Joan Vollmayer Keller; children John H (Madelon) Keller Jr, Laura (Craig) Keller Jones; 7 beloved grandchildren; his sister Ann L. Wing; and many nephews and nieces. Friends may visit at the Coyle Funeral Home, 1770 S Reynolds Rd; on Friday June 5, 2015 from 2-8 pm where the CCHS Alumni Glee Club will sing a tribute to John at 6:00 pm, followed by a brief Scripture Service at 6:30 pm. Funeral services will be held at Little Flower Catholic Parish on Saturday June 6, 2015 at 11:00 am. The family will greet guests starting at 10:00 am. Interment will be private. Memorial contributions can be made to either Little Flower Catholic Parish or to Central Catholic High School.

Tributes

John H. Keller Sr.

August 13, 1943 - May 31, 2015