Celebrating the life of Daniel Keating
Daniel Keating, born September 20, 1953, entered into eternal life with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on August 21, 2025, at the age of 71. He died peacefully at home beside his loyal companion and best friend, his dog Mustang.
His life was extraordinary, marked by resilience, brilliance, creativity, a great sense of humor, and an unwavering devotion to God and his family. In his early twenties, Daniel survived a near-fatal motorcycle accident that could have ended his story far too soon. Instead, it ignited a deeper purpose. As a gifted manufacturing engineer, he used his intelligence and compassion to design innovations that made life easier for others. Among his achievements was the cut out design for wheelchair lifts and headrests, inspired by his desire to help those who could not walk. His inventive mind never rested, always alive with new ideas, blending practicality with heart.
Daniel was a man of remarkable strength and protection. Those around him always felt safe in his presence. He stood boldly in defense of women who had been abused and carried himself as a guardian for those who needed someone strong to lean on. Yet alongside that strength was a generous heart and a joyful spirit. He was known for his quick wit, his playful humor, and an infectious laugh that could fill a room and brighten even the heaviest of days. His laughter lingers as one of his family’s most cherished memories.
As a father, he filled his children’s lives with adventure and care. He took them on countless trips to the beach, teaching them to swim around piers and rise with the waves. He shared his love for the water through sailing trips on his yacht, while camping trips in the mountains gave them a taste of life under open skies. At home, he brought his family together with the aroma of homemade pastas and Italian dishes, meals seasoned with both skill and love.
Faith was at the center of Daniel’s life. A preacher and storyteller, he shared testimonies, dreams, and wisdom from the Lord with such conviction that people would stop and listen for hours. His long conversations, whether with his children, close friends, or even strangers, often circled back to God’s goodness and the hope of eternity.
His journey carried him from his early years in California and eventually to the Carolinas where he retired. His later years were spent overlooking the water he loved so much, sitting by the lake with his Bible open, lifting prayers, and hosting family gatherings at his home. Those quiet moments, sacred and steady, were the reflection of a life well lived.
He carried a strong and enduring friendship with the mother of his children, Cathy Beck. Their bond was a testament to the love and respect they shared for one another and for the family they built together.
Daniel is survived by his loving mother Beverly Keating; his children Daniel Keating Jr., Nathaniel Keating, Glori Keating Gardner (Matt), and Katie Pace (Darin); his brother Tracy Keating (Cheryl); and his grandchildren Ryan Carsten, Christian Keating, David Keating, Joshua Gardner, Lynette Keating, Daniel Scott Gardner, Blakeleigh Pace, Kyleigh Pace, and Gabriel Pace. He also leaves behind other cherished family, including Reshea, Miceala, and Aleah, who held a special place in his heart. He was preceded in death by his brother Brian Keating and his beloved stepdaughter Deanna DeCarlo. He is also lovingly remembered by his nephew Joshua Keating, son of Brian Keating.
Daniel’s legacy is one of courage, generosity, humor, faith, and love. He endured hardship with resilience, built with brilliance, nurtured with tenderness, laughed with joy, and preached with fire. Though his absence leaves a profound ache, his story lives on in his family and all who were shaped by his wisdom, his laughter, and his strength.
“Well done, good and faithful servant… enter into the joy of your Lord.” – Matthew 25:21
Please contact Katie Pace for service information.
The Keating family has entrusted Jackson Funeral Service with the arrangements.
