Robert Edward Keithley

AUGUSTA – Robert Edward Keithley, 87 passed away at the Maine Veterans Home in Augusta on Oct. 29, 2025. He was born in Saco on June 1, 1938, to parents Emily and Joseph Keithley of Saco.

Robert grew up in Saco and attended Saco schools, graduating from Thornton Academy in 1957. Robert was a member of the Thornton Academy Alumni Association from 1992 to 1997. He helped to run the reunions for the class of ’57, and also was the contact person for the class of 1957 until his death. Bob was a member of the Thornton Academy football team 1954, 1955, 1956, 1957. They were state champions 1955 and 1956 winning 22 straight games. Also, a member of the track team freshmen and sophomore years, winning his varsity letter his freshmen year. Bob was an avid Red Sox, Patriot, Bruin and Celtic fan. He watched all games and often said, now that the Red Sox won the World Series, He could die in peace.

He joined the U.S. Navy in 1958 and retired after 30 years of service as a Master Chief Radioman. He served in Vietnam in 1966 and 1967. He loved the Navy right up until his death. He served aboard The USS WILLIS A. LEE DL-4, USS ARCADIA AD23, USS CASCADE AD16, USS ANCHORAGE LSD-36, USS PEORIA LST-L183, USS IWO JIMA LPH, USS PRINCETON LPH, USS MILLER FF1091. He was stationed in Naval Station Key West, Fla., NTC San Diego, Calif., SERE SCHOOL, Brunswick, and the NAVAL SPACE COMMAND, Dahlgreen, Va. Robert retired after all three of his sons joined the Navy. One was in air, one in surface, and one in the air.

He was predeceased by his mother, father, sisters, Priscilla, Florence, Patricia, brothers, Donald, Arthur and Jimmy.

Burial will be at the Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 163 Mt. Vernon Road, Augusta, on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025, at 1 p.m., with Navy honors celebrating Robert’s 30 years of service to our country.

He leaves his wife of 35 years Lynne Keithley, daughters, Michelle Aguirre of San Diego, Cailf., Brenda Kosen of Mammoth Lakes, Calif., Kimberly French of Farmingdale, sons, Robert of Tempe, Ariz., Gregory of San Diego, Calif., Jason of Chelsea, stepson, John Miller of Derry, N.H., sister Janice Nunan, 20 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.