James E. Keller, Sr., age 85, of Greene Township, passed away Tuesday, April 17, 2018 at Edinboro Manor. He was born in Erie, on January 31, 1933, the son of the late Elmer S. and Harriet Leptenski Keller.

Jim graduated from East High School in 1952 and went on to serve in the United States Navy. He worked as a manager for Erie Concrete & Steel Supply Company for over 30 years and later as a security guard at PNC Bank. Jim was an avid bowler and enjoyed hunting and fishing at his camp in Spring Creek, PA. He spent many years vacationing on the beach with his family at Fenwick Island, Delaware. Jim was a member of the Moose Lodge 593 in Harborcreek.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his wife of 53 years, Carol Ann Murphy Keller; his sister, Audrey Keller; and his step-father, Daniel Emanuele.

Survivors include his daughter, Michele Ventrello and her husband Stephen, of Erie; his three sons, James Keller Jr., and his wife Emmie, of Erie, Daniel Keller and his wife Peggy of Edinboro, and Timothy Keller and his significant other Tammy Drayer, of Greene Twp.; his four grandchildren, Stephen Ventrello, Alexander Ventrello, Dan Keller, Jr., and Katie Keller, SR Airman, USAF; his sisters, Harriet Mahoney and Caroline Hogue; and many nieces and nephews.

Jim’s family would like to thank the staff at Edinboro Manor and Great Lakes Hospice for all the care they gave Jim.

Friends may call at the Russell C. Schmidt & Son Funeral Home, Inc. 5000 Wattsburg Rd. on Friday from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. and are invited to a funeral service there the following morning at 10:00 a.m. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the VA Medical Center Hospice - Attn:Volunteer Services / Hospice Quilters - 135 E 38th St, Erie, PA 16504 or to Great Lakes Hospice - 1700 Peach St #244, Erie, PA 16501.