George A. Keating, 92, aerial navigator

George A. Keating Jr., 92, a Yeadon native and decorated World War II veteran, died Tuesday, Dec. 2, of pneumonia at a hospital in Rockville, Md.

A resident of Springfield, Delaware County, since 1951, Mr. Keating had been in Maryland, visiting his daughter for the Thanksgiving holiday, when he became ill.

A graduate of St. Joseph's Preparatory School, Mr. Keating began active duty with the Army in July 1944. He was trained as a navigator and aerial observer at the AAF Navigation School in Coral Gables, Fla., and also attended Butler University to master an instrument used in oceanography.

Mr. Keating served as a navigator for the 447th Bomber Group of the Eighth Air Force in World War II and participated in campaigns in the Rhineland and central Europe. He was awarded the Air Medal for meritorious achievement while flying. He also was honored with the Distinguished Flying Cross with three oak leaf clusters.

"Like a lot of veterans, he didn't talk about it," said son Michael.

In November 1945, Mr. Keating was honorably discharged with the rank of first lieutenant. He was present at the 50th anniversary of the squadron in England.

"He really enjoyed seeing all the old guys from the group," his son said.

Mr. Keating worked as a navigator for Trans World Airlines and, later, for Overseas National Airways, transporting troops home from Vietnam in the 1970s. He retired from Overseas National after technology replaced the human navigators aboard airplanes.

He worked as a salesman for a filtration equipment company, serving the mid-Atlantic region until retiring a decade ago. Later, he was one of the founding members of the Retired Professional Navigators.

Surviving, besides his son Michael, are another son, Dennis; a daughter, Anne Keating Schumacher; a granddaughter; and a sister. His wife, Anne M., died in 2006.

A viewing at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, 2130 Franklin Ave., Morton, will be followed by a Funeral Mass at 10:30 a.m. Interment is in Holy Cross Cemetery, Yeadon.

Donations may be made to the Endowment Fund, St. Joseph's Preparatory School, 1733 W. Girard Ave., Philadelphia 19130.