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Eric A. Keyes

02/13/1948 - 11/30/2024

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Obituary For Eric A. Keyes

Remembering The Life of ERIC ANDREW KEYES

Eric Andrew Keyes was born on February 13, 1948, to Leonard and Dorothy Keyes in Fort Sill, Oklahoma, and was the fourth son of ten children. When he was four years old the family moved to Port Jervis, New York. He graduated from Port Jervis Senior High School in 1966 and received a wrestling scholarship to attend Elizabeth City State University in North Carolina. Eric won many wrestling championships and became a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. on December 6, 1969. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Health and Physical Education on May 10, 1970. He continued his educational endeavors by earning a Master’s Degrees in both Administration Supervision and Special Education from City College and Brooklyn College in New York.

He started teaching at Public School I.S. 320 in Brooklyn, New York in 1971 where he taught Physical
Education, served as Dean of Students, and was selected as one of the city’s first Crisis Intervention Teachers. He relocated to the Bronx, New York, and continued teaching at Public Schools I.S. 162 and I.S. 183. He served as Assistant Principal at Public School 49 from 1992 to 1996. Then he was assigned to Public School I.S. 151 where he became the Principal until he retired in 2005 after thirty years of service in Education. He was devoted to the success of his students which led his school to achieve double-digit improvement scores in the areas of Reading, Math, and Attendance. This earned him the Distinguished Progress Award by the New York City Board of Education.

Eric became a Lifetime Member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. (KUL) in November 1996. He was inducted into the Sports Hall of Fame at Elizabeth City State University in 1998.

He became a Master Mason of the Third Degree in April 2005 at Fidelity Lodge #32 of M.W. Hiriam Grand Lodge A.F. & A.M. Inc. State of New York. He was elected Grandmaster of Masons of Hiram Grand Lodge A.F. & A.M. Inc. State of New York from June 2020 to June 2024. He also held the additional following titles:

YORK RITE
Right Eminent Grand Junior Warden of the General Grand Encampment of Knights Templar for the USA and its dependencies. Supreme General Grand Deputy of the Supreme Grand Royal Arch.

SCOTTISH RITE
Supreme Grand Lecturer Meridian Supreme Council A.A.S.R.

SHRINERS
Illustrious Grand Potentate of Omar Temple State of New York

SHABAKA SOVEREIGN SANCTUARY
Past Most Illustrious Grand Conservator General

He was also a World Champion Martial Artist, a published author, an avid golfer, and a sports enthusiast. He loved dancing the Hustle with his best dance partner and wife of over twenty-five years, Deborah. He encouraged children and students to obtain a college education, and he sponsored them through scholarship programs and awarded them book grants. He had a great sense of humor with a robust laugh, and a very generous heart that was always willing to help anyone who needed it.

He was preceded in death by his parents Leonard and Dorothy Keyes; brothers: Jay R, Gary, Michael, and
Nelson; and sister Sheryl.

Eric leaves to cherish his memories: his loving and devoted wife Deborah Keyes; his son Eric A. Keyes Jr.; brothers: Salih Talib, Stephen Keyes, and Bryan Keyes, and his sister Diana Keyes. He will be truly missed by his two sisters-in-law: Lorae Smith, and Renee Smith, and her daughter Tamira Smith; along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, seven Godchildren, other relatives, and friends.

Services

13 Dec

Visitation

03:00 PM - 06:00 PM

A.M.E. Zion Church of Newburgh 111 Washington Street Newburgh, NY 12550 Get Directions »
13 Dec

Funeral Service

06:00 PM

A.M.E. Zion Church of Newburgh 111 Washington Street Newburgh, NY 12550 Get Directions »
by Obituary Assistant

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Condolences

  • 12/13/2024

    My sincere condolences to the Keyes Family. MW GM Eric Keyes supported our lodge and the family of a brother who passed. his support kept the family out of financial hardship. His support and compassion is just one example of his integrity and honor, and we are better for knowing him. Rest in Peace my Brother. PM Stephen Samuels, Triangle Lodge No 14

  • 12/12/2024

    On behalf of St. John Lodge #7, we send sincere condolences to Sister Deborah Keyes, Family and Loved Ones. A man is judged by his works and his commitment to his beliefs. Brother Keyes put his money where his mouth was and as well gave what can never be recouped, his time. Thank you for be a blessing to mankind PGM and being an example of how a man should conduct himself during good times and hard times, you will be missed. Rest in Peace. WM Steed

  • 12/12/2024

    My deepest condolences to the keys family🙏🏼thank you for the guidance thank you for your wisdom thank you for you leadership WM A. PIZARRO LIGHT LODGE #25

  • 12/12/2024

    To the Keys Family My condolences and prayers. GM Keys was a true brother and a giving man. He will be missed by our jurisdiction MW Hiram Grand Lodge. PM Darryl Baldwin Light Lodge #25

  • 12/11/2024

    On behalf of Fidelity Lodge #32, we extend our deepest condolences to Sis. Deborah, the Keyes family, and all who knew him. Past Grand Master Keyes was a pillar of Strength and Knowledge in Fidelity Lodge #32. With great courage, Past Grand Master Keyes guided the Most Worshipful Hiram Grand Lodge during a tumultuous time in the Grand Lodge's history. His leadership and fortitude was a testament to his character within Masonry. Fidelity Lodge #32 will always feel your absence, and we appreciate all that you have done for the Craft. May your legacy of Charity work continue through others. From Your Brother, Jaraad Abdul-Hakim Worshipful Master, Fidelity Lodge #32

  • 12/11/2024

    Eric, I love you very much and will miss you forever. Like the father I never had you always was there for me and mentored me when I came into teaching. You help prepare me for the Department of Education from a mental perspective. I will always cherish the Friday basketball recreations we had getting the best out of all the competition after school in 151. All the times you used to pick me and Shannon up in the morning car pooling for us to 151. Everything you ever did for me I am eternally grateful. RIP Eric A. Keyes Love You 4 Life!!!

  • 12/10/2024

    My condolences to the Keyes family, from Brother Roberson Mt Zion Lodge #1

  • 12/10/2024

    Eric was a principled man. He stood for what was right and honorable. I have many memories of Eric A.Keyes from the first time we met in Atlantic City and the many BBQs and dances we attended. However, one of my fondest memories of Eric was remembering the speech he gave as the best man at my wedding. His speech was engaging and comical. My wedding guests were amused as they did not realize Eric , with his serious demeanor, was a natural comic. I pray God continues to keep watch over Debbie and that she has many happy memories to uplift her.

  • 12/10/2024

    Good afternoon Today I mourn the loss of my Brother, and my friend Eric A. Keyes, what an impression he left on me. He was an icon within the Masonic Organization, A man of principle , truth, wisdom; a man among men. A man who had no problem telling the truth even when it made him unpopular. He lead by example and was generous with his time and money. His deep love and respect for humankind and the Masonic Order will be missed. May the great architect of the universe show favor on my brother. God bless. Rest in power my Brother.

  • 12/09/2024

    My condolences to Deborah and the Keyes Family. G.M. Eric Keyes was a True Brother, Great Motivator and Dear Friend, he will be missed. Eric Keyes was a Man of Integrity. I thank God for him. Brotherly Love and Rest in Peace. ILL. Clarence Wall Jr

  • 12/09/2024

    My condolences to the Deborah and the Keyes family. He was a true definition of what a man is suppose to be. I'm going to miss my Brother,Mentor but last but not least a true friend. He will be truly missed. Love you my brother. ILL. Ernest M Sistrunk Jr

  • 12/09/2024

    My condolences and sympathy 🙏 to the Keys Family

Tributes

  • Red and White Handled Basket

    Stuart Rose sent Red and White Handled Basket for Eric A. Keyes - 12/12/2024

    We're sharing in your sorrow and keeping you close in thought as you mourn and honor someone so loved by you and by so many. With Love, Sympathy and Caring. Bro. Stuart Rose and Karen Rose

  • Peace & Serenity Dishgarden

    Ursula D Stewart sent Peace & Serenity Dishgarden for Eric A. Keyes - 12/11/2024

    To Deborah & family, The Stewart family sends our heartfelt condolences on the passing of Eric. - From Janet, Ursula and Louis Stewart

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