Edwin U. Keates, 84, ophthalmologist, arts supporter

Edwin U. Keates, 84, of Philadelphia, a respected ophthalmologist and a supporter of the city's cultural arts, died Thursday, May 7, during heart surgery at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania.

A 1957 graduate of Jefferson Medical College, Dr. Keates was chairman of the department of ophthalmology at Albert Einstein Medical Center from 1969 to 1995.

He also led the Glaucoma Service at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital from 1974 to 1979 and was a director of the Glaucoma Service at Scheie Eye Institute from 1980 to 1988.

He was an international expert in the field of ocular drugs, and he served on the advisory board of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, authored 50 publications, and lectured to doctors around the world about glaucoma and related eye disorders.

He was a charter member of the American Glaucoma Society.

Born to Ann and Harry Katz, Dr. Keates graduated from Central High School and Trinity College. He started a practice with his father and brother, Richard, both ophthalmologists, and developed it into a successful practice in Jenkintown.

Many of his patients became friends, including Bruce E. Toll, cofounder of the home builder Toll Bros. He said Dr. Keates always asked about the Toll family during medical visits: "He remembered everyone and what everyone was doing."

Ed Snider, chairman of Comcast Spectacor, the sports and entertainment company, and another friend and patient, described Dr. Keates as "a wonderful man."

A very early riser, Dr. Keates would wait until 6 a.m. to call Marie Colasante, his practice manager and friend for almost 50 years. Colasante said he was a patient teacher who treated all with respect.

He loved culture and held subscriptions for years to the Philadelphia Orchestra, the Philadelphia Chamber Music Society, and theater groups.

Dr. Keates went on a safari in Kenya, tracked mountain gorillas in Rwanda, and sailed down the Nile River. He especially looked forward to family vacations in Nantucket.

He is survived by daughters Debra and Nancy; a son, Harry; seven grandchildren; a niece; and a nephew. His former wife, Lois Horgan, also survives. His brother, Richard, died earlier.

A memorial service will be at 10:30 a.m. Sunday, May 31, at the Union League of Philadelphia, 140 S. Broad St. Burial was private.

Donations may be made to the Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University via www.jefferson.edu/university/jmc.html.

610-313-8102

The is a corrected version of an earlier story.