Dover – Leo E. Keating, 86, of 97 Durham Rd., died Thursday, August 28, 2003 at the Wentworth-Douglass Hospital.

Born in Dover on August 21, 1917, the son of Henry and Mary (Hayes) Keating. He has resided here all of his life and was a graduate of St. Mary Academy and Dover High School.

Leo was a US Army Veteran of World War II and was captured in Northern Africa and sent to an Italian prison camp where he remained a POW from Dec. 6, 1942, until he escaped on Sept.14, 1943. He was with the 1st Armored Division, 27th F. A. Battalion, Company C. Cpl. Keating was a life member of Dover Post #8 American Legion, a member of the D.A.V. and the V.F.W.

He was a 30-year employee of the New England Telephone Company and retired as a supervisor in 1975. He was a member of the Telephone Pioneers of America.

Leo was loved and admired by all who knew him. A humble and generous man, he was an inspiration to his family and always regarded his grandchildren as very special blessings. Unselfish in nature, he derived much pleasure from helping others, always willing to share his talents. Leo was a skilled woodworker whose wooden treasures can be found in all his relatives’ homes.

He was also an avid camper who thoroughly enjoyed the many camping trips with his family, nieces and nephews.

He was a communicant of St. Joseph Church and a member of Our Lady of the Rosary Council #807, Knights of Columbus.

He is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Eleanor (Fenton) Keating, two daughters, Kathleen A. Hall and husband Steven of Dover, and Mary Ellen “May” Glovinski and husband Gary of Berwick, ME, a son James F. Keating of Dover, three grandchildren, Amanda K. Hall of Portsmouth, Carly B. Glovinski and Kayla A. Glovinski both of Berwick, ME, a sister Loretta Labrie of Dover and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Four brothers, James Keating, John Keating, Peter Keating, and Henry Keating and three sisters Elizabeth King, Mary Stackpole and Margaret Cavanaugh predeceased him.

Relatives and friends are invited to call Sunday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. at the Tasker Funeral Home, 621 Central Ave.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 12:00 noon Monday at St. Joseph Church, 150 Central Ave. Burial will follow in St. Mary New Cemetery.

Memorials in his name may be made to St. Mary Academy, 222 Central Ave., Dover, NH 03820, or to the charity of one’s choice.

Please go to www.taskerfh.com for more information or to sign the on-line guest book.