Obituary of Keith M. Dewey

The Rev. Dr. Keith Merton Dewey, age 89, born October 28, 1927 to Harry Philip and Sallie Mae (Hill) Dewey in Gaines, Pennsylvania, died on December 2nd at the Leo Center for Caring in Rochester, NY. An eleventh generation American nurtured in a loving family; wedded on June 28, 1947 and married for six decades to L. Flo (Hoak), an angel whom he had known since the fifth grade and with whom he graduated from Gaines High School in 1945 (d. February 13, 2010). Keith was also predeceased by his parents and a brother, Philip H. Dewey II. Keith is survived by a sister, Betty Jean Parker of Wellsboro PA and a sister-in-law, Anne Dewey of Melbourne FL; by his seven children, whom he described as "remarkable": Dennis (Susan) of Utica NY, Wayne (Laura) of Schroon Lake NY, Brenda of North Chili NY, Paul (Debbie) of Honeoye NY, Christine (Allen) Carstensen of Trumansburg NY, Nancy (Blair) Brown of Rochester NY, and Philip (Bonnie) of Lima NY; grandfather of 15: Julia Jane Dewey, Josiah Dewey, Jesse Dewey, Marcy Mahoney, Kelly Walsh, Patricia Frangella, Carie Burtner, Christy Burtner, Brandon Burtner, Amy Carstensen, Edwin Carstensen, Laura Flo Carstensen, Alison Mae Armstrong, Hillary Brown, Gregory Dewey; great-grandfather of nine; and several nieces and nephews. Keith was educated in and degreed from three universities; ordained and ministered in the United Methodist Church for forty-one years in three states; a teacher of high school English for 21 years mostly at East High School in Rochester; a radar specialist in US Army Signal Corps; an Army Reserve Chaplain for six years; a world traveler, player of chess, hypnotist; author of a dissertation on Robert Frost's poetry entitled Risking Spirit; lover of people; speculator; a worker with words, a poet of sorts; a very happy man who loved his extended family and whose joy was helping those in need; a lover of music, dancing and singing, and always sharing his sense of humor. He left behind these words: "All of life went so quickly. Measured against the timescale of the universe, the human life span is immeasurably insignificant, a dream. Love one another. Thanks to the many who trusted, nurtured and loved me." In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to charities that support children, or a charity of your choice. Calling Hours at Merton H. Kays Funeral Home, Inc. 59 Monroe Street Honeoye Falls, NY on Sunday December 11th from 2 pm to 4 pm. A service celebrating his life will be announced at a later date. To light a candle or leave a remembrance of Keith, please visit www.mertonkaysfuneralhome.com