Obituary of Gilbert A. Keinath

Gilbert “Gil” A. Keinath, age 80, of Millcreek Twp., passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 29, 2016 at UPMC-Hamot after an extended illness. He was born in Erie on October 27, 1936, the son of the late George J. and Alice B. Engesser Keinath. Gil was a 1955 graduate of the brand-new McDowell H.S. and was the first student council president of the school. He was employed for 45 years with the Millcreek Twp. Municipality; serving as a foreman and past manager of heavy equipment. Gil retired in 1999. For 58 years, Gil served with the West Ridge Fire Dept. serving in many positions, and for many years as Chief. He was a life-long member of Westminster Presbyterian Church; serving as an Elder, Trustee, usher and choir member. He was instrumental in creating the new sign outside the church. He was a K- 11 member of Erie Koinonia, and former Judge of Elections for Millcreek Twp. District 9. He so much enjoyed his family, the fire department, and church. Gil was a woodworker, gardener, loved the outdoors, and attending his grandchildren’s sporting events. He was preceded in death by his first wife Barbara Fannin Keinath, one son Steven Keinath, two sisters; Mildred Johnson, Jean Strong, and one brother George Keinath. Gil is survived by his loving wife Shirley L. Wittenburg Keinath, one daughter Jennifer L. Pryber (Brian), two sons; Mark A. Keinath (Karen), Brian C. Keinath all of Millcreek Twp., six grandchildren: Tyler, Maura, Sydney, Samuel, Ashley, and Derek, three step-children; Michael Brown, Connie Seaton, Todd Williamson, four step-grandchildren, one sister Nancy Ferguson of Traverse City, MI, many nieces and nephews. Friends may call at the Dusckas-Martin Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 4216 Sterrettania Rd. on Tuesday, November 1,2016 from 7 to 9 p.m. and Wednesday, November 2, 2016 from 2 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. and are invited to Westminster Presbyterian Church on Thursday, November 3, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. for the Funeral Service. Interment Laurel Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to West Ridge Fire Dept., 3142 West Ridge Rd., Erie, PA 16506 or to Westminster Presbyterian Church, 3642 West 26th Street, Erie, PA 16506.