William A. Keely IV
Lafayette Hill, PA
Team Philadelphia
May 01, 1981 - September 11, 2004
A Legacy of Love and Giving
Billy was a miracle baby who came into this world on May 1, 1981 and although it was a cloudy day, he brought sunshine and happiness to everyone who knew him. He died the way he lived…helping others. His generosity and caring heart gave five complete strangers his greatest gift…a second chance at life. Although he is no longer with us, he continues to make a difference.
Billy grew up in Lafayette Hill, PA where he lived with his parents, Judy and Bill and his younger sister, Tina. He graduated from Plymouth Whitemarsh High School in 1999. While in high school, Billy could always be found hanging out at the schools’ CITV Program. He went onto college to pursue a career in video technology.
After a change of heart, he joined the United States Navy in 2001. He loved boating and being on the water.
When he returned home, he decided he wanted to become an auto mechanic and earned the required certifications. He learned very quickly that although he loved working on cars, this wasn’t the career he wanted. He turned to landscaping and construction where he was working as a site manager at the time of his passing. His employer at the time was a volunteer fireman who fought the fires in New York on 9/11/01. He loved Billy so much that he asked us to bury him with the special pin awarded to him and the firemen who fought so bravely on 9/11.
Billy loved hands-on activities and helping others. That took him to the Barren Hill Fire Company where he devoted all his spare time. He took all the required classes and attended all trainings and meetings. Billy was only there for one year but he accomplished so much. He never turned down a task including the ones that no one else wanted to do. He was one of the most active brigade members and this dedication earned him the Chief Engineer’s Award for exemplary service.
Billy had many friends and loved camping and boating with them. Weekends at the Jersey shore have left us with many happy memories and stories that we will share for years to come.
Billy was a ball of fire and never sat still. He loved life and lived it to the fullest, dedicating himself to helping others. This is why his decision to donate his organs came as no surprise to his family and friends. His legacy lives on in the lives of the five people who received his last and greatest gifts..
No one knows why Billy was taken at such a young age but his spirit will live on forever in the memories we share. Billy, no one can take your place and you are loved and missed every day.