Edward L. Keins, Jr.

Westford, Massachusetts - Edward L. Keins, Jr., 84, of York, SC, formerly a long-time resident of Westford, MA, passed away peacefully at home on October 2, 2023, surrounded by loving family.

He was born in Jersey City, NJ, in 1938 to Edward & Beatrice Keins. He attended Rutherford High School in NJ before studying Mechanical Engineering at Newark College of Engineering (now NJIT). During college, he joined ROTC, then enlisted in the Air Force as a 2nd Lieutenant, serving on a B-52 crew. He retired from active duty in 1966 and then was assigned to the reserves, where he served until retiring in 1988 as a Lieutenant Colonel. During his time in the reserves, he flew a C-130 and was fortunate to travel to many interesting places across the globe.

After retiring from active duty in the Air Force, Ed continued to enjoy a career in aviation, developing and selling flight simulators and working as a flight instructor, imparting his love and knowledge of aviation to new pilots. He revisited his love of teaching to fly later in life and retired as a flight instructor at age 80. Ed enjoyed almost anything related to physical fitness, with a huge passion for running. He ran an enormous number of miles around Westford and participated in a few road races, but most proudly completed 2 Boston Marathons. He enjoyed traveling on vacation when he could, with his most memorable trip to Australia, Tahiti, and Hawaii to celebrate his and Carole's 25th wedding anniversary. In his spare time, he enjoyed working on his cars, doing home improvement projects, grilling (during any type of weather), and sitting outside reading a book or The Lowell Sun and Sunday Globe. He was blessed with a large family and enjoyed many gatherings with the entire family.

He met the love of his life, Carole (Endicott), in 1963 at The Officer's Club at Westover AFB in Chicopee, MA. Excited to start their new lives together, the two were married in June of 1964. They celebrated an amazing 59 years of marriage on June 27, 2023. They were blessed with five children during their lifetime together.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Edward Keins, Sr., and Beatrice (Diomede) Keins. He is survived by his wife, Carole; his brother, Douglas (Carolee) Keins; his children Christine (Erik) Cannon, Lori Keins (Jim Gaetani), Steven (Bridget) Keins, Scott Keins, Cindy (Steve) Young; a brother-in-law, George (Krisanna) Endicott. He is also survived by thirteen grandchildren: one great-granddaughter, five nieces, and one nephew.

Family and friends will gather to honor and remember Ed for visiting hours on Wednesday, November 1, 2023, from 3:00-6:00 p.m. at the Badger Funeral Home, 347 King Street, Littleton. His celebration of life service will begin at 6:15 p.m. followed by U.S. Air Force Military Honors.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made in Mr. Keins' name to the Alzheimer's Association, 225 N. Michigan Ave., Fl. 17, Chicago, IL 60601 or Prostate Cancer Foundation, 1250 Fourth Street, Santa Monica, CA 90401.


Local arrangements under the care of Badger Funeral Home, 347 King Street, Littleton, MA 01460 978-486-3709 www.badgerfuneral.com