Keith M. Westervelt | Bar manager, 40

Keith M. Westervelt, 40, of Northeast Philadelphia, a Navy veteran and bar manager, died of an apparent heart attack Sunday, May 23, at home.

Mr. Westervelt grew up in North Jersey.

In 1987, he enlisted in the Navy and served on the Iwo Jima, an amphibious assault ship, as a hull technician. In 1990, the ship participated in Operation Desert Shield.

After he was discharged in 1991, he joined a Navy friend, Christopher Tanner, in Philadelphia. For 10 years Mr. Westervelt was a manager for Avellino's Tire & Auto Service and for Pep Boys. Since 2001, he had managed the 19th Hole Lounge in Ardsley. He also bought, renovated and sold properties in Brigantine, N.J., for several years.

A car enthusiast, he bought a DeLorean, a vintage Triumph, a Jaguar, and a Mercedes-Benz over the years with profits from his real estate ventures. He also had Harley-Davidson motorcycles, and loved boating and cruising down the Delaware at top speed, Christopher Tanner said.

He was a silent benefactor who would find needy families at Christmas and buy them groceries, Tanner said. He participated in the annual Toys for Tots motorcycle run for the benefit of Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and lent his cars, cash, and home to friends in crisis, Tanner said.

Mr. Westervelt is survived by his father, Percy; his stepmother, Doris; brothers Lawrence and Peter; a sister, Noreen White; and nieces and nephews.

Friends and family will be invited to share their memories about Mr. Westervelt at a memorial service at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, June 12, at Wackerman Funeral Home, 8060 Verree Rd.