Elmer W. Keyes
05/14/1918 - 03/18/2008
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Obituary For Elmer W. Keyes
Elmer W. Keyes, 89 of Rockland died on March 18,2008 at the Coyne Healthcare Center after a period of failing health. He was born in Boston son of the late Wong and Bertha (Bland) Kee and was raised and educated in Onset. Elmer was a World War II veteran of the U.S. Army. He had been employed for over 20 years as a LPN at Boston City Hospital and had previously worked in the same capacity at the Mattapan State Hospital. Mr. Keyes had also been a cab driver in Brookline for several years. A talented artist, he enjoyed using watercolors, oils and many other mediums in his work. He was a member of the Disabled American Veteran's and volunteered frequently at the Jamaica Plain VA Hospital. He is survived by his wife Constance C. (O'Connor) Keyes and his children, William E. Keyes of Milton, Paul R. Keyes of W. Roxbury, David H. Keyes of Florida, Emily C. Keyes, Sara A. Hologitas both Rockland and Nancy P. Matterazzo of Framingham. He was the grandfather of Alyssa Keyes, William Keyes, Paul Keyes, Eric Keyes, Lindsay Keyes, David Keyes, Darenda Davis, Rob Davis Chris Davis, Michael Matterazzo, Kelly Hologitas and Denny Hologitas. Also surving him are 4 great grandchildren. Visiting will begin at 10:00AM on Friday prior to a Funeral Service that was held at 11:15 AM in the Magoun-Biggins Funeral Home 135 Union Street ROCKLAND. Burial followed in the Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne. The family requests that donations in his memory be made to the Disabled American Veteran's Room 546, State House Boston, MA 02133.
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Condolences
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04/07/2025
Nancy Matterazzo
Tears to heaven Dad, Missing you
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03/12/2024
Sara Hologitas
16 years....you will never be forgotten...love Sara
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05/13/2023
Nancy Matterazzo
Happy heavenly birthday Dad always thinking about you, Love you, As always right. Back at ya
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04/12/2023
Nancy Matterazzo
Dad, I miss you still, I still cry, my heart is missing part of its foundation. Tears will always come, memories will always be, time will always pass. I love you with fond memories Daddy,
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05/25/2021
David R Keyes
What was not to love
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05/25/2021
Sara Hologitas
You may not be here physically but I am sending you spiritual hugs and kisses on your birthday! Your memories live on within me. "right back at ya"
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05/25/2021
Sara Hologitas
12 years and your memory lives on with me. Miss you and your grumpiness. Right back at ya!
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05/25/2021
Nancy Matterazzo
Dad, thinking of you as always. Miss home so much. I miss you just always being there. Happy birthday in heaven. Love you, right back at ya
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05/25/2021
Nancy Matterazzo
Now that you two are together, now that there is no more pain, now maybe you can enjoy without the worries of life. The stresses of life that bear so much, the love that endured the years of trials. The family will continue I'm sure with both your spirits watching loving and waiting for us all to be together once again. You both are missed so much your love and example will follow for generations, the pieces of our hearts all six plus went with both of you. Thank you for without you both we would not have life.
We owe so much gratitude for which you both endured through the times of so much controversies. looking forward to being together again.
I love you Daddy, I had no idea how many people you helped. I love you mother I will see you soon. Half my heart is gone. Without a foundation the building cracks. -
05/25/2021
Nancy Matterazzo
Now that you two are together, now that there is no more pain, now maybe you can enjoy without the worries of life. The stresses of life that bear so much, the love that endured the years of trials. The family will continue I'm sure with both your spirits watching loving and waiting for us all to be together once again. You both are missed so much your love and example will follow for generations, the pieces of our hearts all six plus went with both of you. Thank you for without you both we would not have life.
We owe so much gratitude for which you both endured through the times of so much controversies. looking forward to being together again -
05/25/2021
Sara Hologitas
1/13/2018 Daddy....Mom has left us to join you. May you all be happier. Love you both and will always miss you! Right back at ya!!!!
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05/25/2021
Sara Hologitas
Always thinking of you. Keeping you in my memories.
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05/25/2021
Kaliopy
Grandpa, it's been a whole year and yet it feels like yesterday I was bringing you your dinner to your room. I have never forgotten about you and never will, and I know that in the worst and best times you have been by my side guiding me and helping me. I love and miss you and one day we'll both be reunited! Love you grandpa! -Kaliopy H.
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05/25/2021
Mary Ni
I was terribly sorry to learn about the death of Elmer Keyes. From his son, Paul, my squash partner, I know that his dad had lived a good and long life. Yet it is always wrenching to lose someone we love. Sojouner Truth said of herself, "I'm not going to die. I'm going home like a shooting star." I think one more shooting star has just gone home. And, I know, since the people we love live on in our hearts, that Elmer Keyes is going to live on in this world for a long, long time. Your whole family is in my thoughts and prayers. Love, Mary Ni
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05/25/2021
Chris Burnieika
Sarah and Kelly I am so sorry for the lose of your dad and your grandfather. may i express to you my heart felt sympathy to you in this time of need. May god bless you and bring you happiness in the coming days to come. with love Chris Burnieika
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05/25/2021
Margaret Hogan Harding
A nice man. Sorry for your loss.
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05/25/2021
Sara
Daddy you have given me the strength to live and now I will continue on without you standing beside me, but I shall always hold you in my heart. Love always.
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05/25/2021
Sylvia Leonard
Dear Connie, Paul, Emily, Pam, David, Billy, & Sarah: I am so sorry for your loss. I will always remember childhood days on Hingham Street. I always admired your father's paintings - so expressive. He is with good company, now. May he have everlasting peace. I think about you often. Sylvia Leonard Wareham, MA
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05/25/2021
Sara & Peter
Daddy, you are my strength and inspiration to live. May I be able to give this to my children as you have done to me. I love you and will miss you.
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05/25/2021
Sara
Happy Father's Day....you will never be forgotten
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05/25/2021
Sara
Another year has past and I still hear you and sense you about me. Your spirit lives on and I will always remember and love you with all my heart.
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05/25/2021
Sara
Wishing you a happy birthday you will always remain in my heart. Love you
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05/25/2021
maryellen young
All my adult life I've looked for a man who would compare to Elmer Keyes.I loved him. He and his wife took me in when I was a kid and they taught me everything I know that's good in the world. I love all the kids and miss them and remember them all so often. Emily my best friend David Sara Billy Paul and Mrs. Keyes who taught me all work is honerable. Maryellen Dunn Young
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05/25/2021
DARENDA MARIE DAVIS-CONKLIN
GRANDPA WAS ALWAYS CALLING ME DODEE AND TELLING ME I NEEDED TO SAVE A PENNY AND MAKE SURE YOU PUT MONEY AWAY. SOMEHOW I NEVER HAVE BEEN ABLE TO GRASP THAT SKILL LOL. I ALWAYS ENJOYED SITTING NEXT TO HIM IN HIS BED AND HOLDING HS HAND AND HOW ARE YOU DOING DODEE?? YOU KNOW IVERY LOVE YOU RIGHT! HE WAS NEVER ONE TO SAY HIS THOUGHTS OR FEELINGS EVERYDAY BUT WHEN HE DID IT ALWAYS WAS AT THE RIGHT TIME. HE WAS AND STILL IS MY GRANDPA AND I LOVED HIM VERY MUCH AND THERE ISN'T A DAY THAT GOES BY THAT I TALK TO HIM AND WISHHE WAS STILL HERE. FOR ME TO EVEN JUST HERE HIS VOICE ON THE OTHER LINE ON THE PHONE WAS COMFORTING. HE WAS A AMAZING ARTIST AND I STILL HAVE SOME OF HIS WORK. HE IS ALWAYS LOOKING DOWN ON ME NOW AND I LOOK TO THE SKY AND WONDER IF HE LAUGHS AT SOME OF THE CHOICES I MAKE... HE WILL ALWAYS BE IN HEART AND I LOVED HIM VERY MUCH AND I STILL DO HE WAS MORE THAN JUST A GRANDPA HE WAS MY FRIEND!
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05/25/2021
Kelly
Grandpa, everyday when I take a walk downstairs and pass by your room, I think of you. When I get mad or stand by my word, I know I'm taking after you and staying strong. Through one of my toughest years right now, I know your standing by me watching, and guiding me and when you send me those signs, I know you're close by....love you grandpa and I still miss you!
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05/25/2021
Kelly
<3
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05/25/2021
Sara
Happy Father's Day! Your memory lives on in my memory and prayers! I give you this flower so that I can remember the day sitting outside looking at the birds and flowers!
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