(September 11th 2004)

Bill was born in Philadelphia on May 1st 1981. Bill was the son of William III and Judy Keely, brother to Tina. He grew up in Lafayette Hill and graduated from Plymouth Whitemarsh High School in 1999.

He was actively involved in the school’s CITV program and went on to college to pursue a career in video technology. After a change of mind he joined the United States Navy in 2001. He loved boating and being out on the water. After serving in the NAVY for a year, he came home and worked on automobiles and did landscaping. Bill loved hands on activities. He also loved to help people. This is what brought him to join Barren Hill Fire Company.

Bill had joined Barren Hill a year before his passing, but in that year had accomplished so much. He had taken all the classes required of him, and attended all trainings and meetings, along with being one of the more active fire brigade members. Whenever there was a special service, or something no one else wanted to do, Bill was the first one to volunteer to do it, thats just the way he was, and thats what earned him a special place in the hearts of all of us at Barren Hill.

On September 11th, 2004 Bill was involved in an accident while helping a friend. He was taken to Temple University Hospital where Bill became an organ donor and gave his last great gift to five complete strangers, in need of help.

Bill lived his life to serve others. He was always willing to help wherever he could and he continued to do so in his passing. We’ll never know why Bill was taken at such a young age, but his spirit will live on forever in the memories we share of him. Godspeed Bill, you are sorely missed…

Obituary