Ernest J. Keysock, Sr., 75, of Lancaster, passed away on Monday, December 15th, 2008 at home after a courageous battle with COPD. Born in Frackville, PA, he was the son of the late Metro D. and Agnes R. (Barowski) Keysock. Ernest was married to Theresa R. (Warner) Keysock on February 14th, 1953.

Mr. Keysock was a graduate of West Mahanoy Township High School class of 1950, where he was active in sports, especially basketball. He was employed by the Grinnell Corp. as an Actual Counter-Perpetual inventory from 1954-1973, Jan Martin Masonry, Resslers Inc., J&J Trane, and finally Rohrer's Plumbing where he retired in 1993. He served in the U.S. Air Force as an Air Plane Mechanic during the Korean War. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus #2294, V.F.W. Post #2435, Columbia Fish and Game. Ernest spent and enjoyed many years hunting in Huntingdon, Mifflin and Centre Counties. Ernest was also fond of fishing, the outdoors, camping and was a huge Phillies fan. He enjoyed watching his grandchildren and followed their various accomplishments throughout the years. After his retirement, was especially passionate about Cole's Warwick Little League Baseball career as he was his biggest fan. He will especially be remembered for his musical talents on the piano, organ, and accordion and for his love of country and polka music. He was also a member of St. Leo the Great Catholic Church.

Surviving is his wife, one son, Ernest J. Keysock Jr., husband of Brenda of Conestoga, three daughters, Theresa "Terri" L., wife of Robert Haas of Lancaster, Cynthia "Cyndi" A. Keysock of Lancaster, Margaret R., wife of Mark J. Barolo of Lititz, ten grandchildren, Ernest Joseph Keysock III, Dakota James Keysock, Angela Wells, Robert Haas, Jr., Frank Haas, Rebecca Kurtz, Maggie A. Mellott, Morgan B. Mellott, Dan A. Barolo, Cole V. Barolo, twelve great grandchildren, one sister, Sonia K., wife of Wilmot Fellows of North Wildwood, NJ, many nieces, nephews and cousins.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, December 22nd, 2008 at 11 AM with Rev. Peter Hahn as Celebrant at St. Leo the Great Catholic Church, 2427 Marietta Ave., Lancaster, PA 17601. A visitation will be held from 10 AM until the time of the service. Interment will be in Holy Trinity Catholic Cemetery, Columbia. Contributions may be made in Ernest's memory to LEMSA, 100 E. Charlotte St., Millersville, PA 17551, Attn: Suzanne Reiley; The Izaak Walton League of America, Red Rose Chapter; or a charity of your choice. Arrangements by the Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home Inc., 414 East King Street, Lancaster, PA, 17602, 717-393-9661. To send an online condolence, please visit www.snyderfuneralhome.com.