It is with deep regret that the Alert Fire Co. No. 1 of Downingtown, PA announces the following:

Whereas, the Almighty God, in his infinite wisdom has removed from our midst on Tuesday, August 20, 2024, one of our beloved brothers and Life Member, Richard J. Keers, 85, who was always found faithful in the discharge of his duties and whose every thought and purpose was for the welfare of his company and department. And, while we deeply regret and mourn the loss sustained in the death of our late brother, we bow in humble submission to the Divine Will.

Therefore, be it resolved that we, the members of the Alert Fire Co. No. 1 of Downingtown, PA, do hereby extend and convey to the bereaved family and friends our deep and heartfelt sympathy.

Richard J. “RJ” Keers, 85, formally of Downingtown, passed away on Tuesday, August 20, 2024, at the Hickory House Nursing Home in Honey Brook.

He was the beloved husband of the Carol (Suloff) Keers for 62 years. Born in West Chester and raised in the West Ward of Downingtown, he was the son of the late James and Elizabeth (Shnepf) Keers.

Rich graduated from Downingtown High School in 1958, where he was an All-County Halfback for the Whippets football team.

He became an active volunteer firefighter at Alert on February 27, 1956, serving a total of 68 years at the time of his passing. He played a major role in the company and held several officer positions since 1956. They included, Lieutenant 1973, 1993-94; Captain 1974-80; Assistant Fire Chief 1981-86; Fire Chief of the Downingtown Fire Dept. 1987-89; DFD Safety Officer 1990-92. RJ was awarded his Lifetime Membership of Alert on January 31, 1976.

RJ, as he was known to the volunteers of the Downingtown Fire Dept. and friends will leave a lasting impression on those who served with and under him. If you were anywhere near RJ, you would know that it was him, with his signature, big cigar that he always was smoking! He had a great wealth of knowledge of firefighting and had his own distinct way of teaching it to new firefighters! RJ was a member of the West Chester Gun Club and was a passionate trap shooter, competing in tournaments across the country and earning numerous championships. His dedication to the sport was a point of great pride and reflected his commitment to excellence in every endeavor he pursued. He also enjoyed trout and salmon fishing.

Mr. Keers retired from the Chester County Hospital in West Chester, where he worked for 30 years as a Plumber in the Operations Department.

He is survived by his wife Carol and daughter Stacy (Beau) Crowding of Downingtown.

A viewing will be held on Monday, August 26th. from 9:45 to 10:45 AM at the James J. Terry Funeral Home, 736 E. Lancaster Ave., Downingtown, followed by his funeral service at 11:00 AM.

Interment will be conducted privately at the convenience of the family.

Memorial contributions in his memory can be made to The Alzheimer’s Association or the Alert Fire Co. No. 1 of Downingtown.