Joseph E. Keate, 79

REHOBOTH BEACH - Joseph E. Keate of Rehoboth Beach, and The Villages, Fla., passed away Sunday, Aug. 26, 2007, in Florida. He was 79.

He was born July 9, 1928, in Los Angeles, son of the late Joseph and Janet Keate.

Mr. Keate retired from Montgomery County, Md., Department of Transportation, and moved to Rehoboth Beach in 1983.

He worked for Coldwell Banker Rehoboth Resort Realty and Anderson Stokes.

Mr. Keate then traveled extensively and became a Florida "Sunbird."

He was active in St. Edmond"s parish as a Eucharistic Minister, a member of the RCIA, and a member of the St. Vincent dePaul Society.

Mr. Keate overcame many medical problems with a cheerful heart and now has earned his well deserved rest.

Mr. Keate was the beloved husband of Barbara Keate and the brother of Mae Miles of Solvana, Calif..

He loved being a part of Barbara"s large family; her eight children, their spouses, and 19 grandchildren.

A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated 11 a.m. Friday in St. Edmond"s Catholic Church, King Charles and Laurel streets, Rehoboth Beach, where friends may call one hour prior.

Interment will be private.

Instead of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to the St. Vincent dePaul Society, c/o St. Edmond"s Catholic Church, P.O. Box 646, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971.

Arrangements are being handled by Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Lewes, DE.