Michael J. Keating, 82, died February 21, 2023, of dementia at Gilchrist Center Towson. Mike is survived by his wife of 54 years, Margie Kidd Keating, son, Jim Keating and his wife, Aimee Freeman, and grandchildren, June and Avery Keating.  Also surviving him are his sister, Mary Eaton, and brothers, Kevin Keating and Eddie Tippen.  Mike is predeceased by his father, Charles A. Keating, mother, Hazel Keating who died when Mike was 11, and stepmother, Marguerite Keating.  His son Charlie Keating died in 1993 at age 22 of cancer.

Mike was born in 1940 in Frostburg, Md., and always cherished the memories of growing up there. He entered St. Charles Seminary, Catonsville, for high school and graduated eight years later with a BA in Philosophy.

When he left the seminary, he focused on teaching college English and earned his Master's degree. Always a wordsmith and avid reader, Mike found his calling as an adjunct professor for many years in the English Departments of Towson University and UMBC.

Mike's special interest was Irish literature.  He created a minimester course at Towson U. about Irish writers, which included two of his favorites, James Joyce and W. B. Yeats.  He enjoyed teaching the course for many years.

At age 40, Mike began acting in local community theatre, and it became a passion of his for 30 years. He was in 70 performances, many at Spotlighters, and two John Waters movies.

Mike was easy-going, gentle, kind, and had a clever wit and great sense of humor. He loved being a father to his two boys and spending time with his grandchildren. He enjoyed long walks in Baltimore City neighborhoods, and as a lifelong baseball fan, he attended many Orioles games.

The family thanks the Gilchrist Home Hospice team for their concern, compassion, and excellent care of Mike and his wife for six months. They also thank the Gilchrist Center Towson for continuing this care during his last days.

Services are private. If you desire, please consider a donation in Mike's name to Gilchrist at gilchristcares.org or 11311 McCormick Road, Suite 350, Hunt Valley, MD 21031.