John A. Keding

Obituary of John A. Keding Albion: John A. Keding, 85, passed away peacefully January 18, 2021. John was born September 2, 1935 in Buffalo a son of the late Albert and Irene (Lazear) Keding. John’s love of mechanics started at a young age while working at Western Auto and then for the Smith Brothers. He was a graduate of Albion High School, class of 1953. He furthered his education in the field of automotive technology at the General Motors Institute in Flint Michigan, a two-year program. He worked for General Motors for three years, served in the Army at Fort Dix from 1958-1960 and then in the Army Reserves from 1960-1964. He worked for The Engle-Harrison Motor Co., Inc. for many years, eventually being instrumental in the building of their larger facility on Rt 31 that opened in 1972; he taught mechanics at B.O.C.E.S and also taught an evening class that he called W.O.W. (Women on Wheels). John is probably best know for Keding Automotive Service, which he established in 1974, located on East Avenue in Albion. After 46 years in business and 70 years being a respected mechanic, John retired in August, 2020. John said he was going to miss his customers and daily interaction with the community. John was a long standing member of the First Presbyterian Church of Albion and an active member for 52 years of the Albion Lions Club. He joined the club in 1968 and served as president in 1976 and for about 25 years as club secretary, taking attendance, writing the minutes from meeting and doing all the reports. John was awarded the Melvin Jones Fellowship Award for his love and dedication to the Lions club. He was instrumental in all club functions but some of his favorites were selling roses for Mother’s Day at his shop & cooking sausage at the Albion Strawberry Festival. He was also known for his grilling skills cooking sausage at the Pine Hill Airport Fly in Breakfast. Whenever there was an opportunity to give back to his community, John was there. John’s idea of a vacation or time off was spent working with his hands - he enjoyed wood working, repairing things & doing household renovations – several stories can be told of his time spent helping others renovate their homes, including a few with the “Drill from Hell”. John was a lover of all animals, especially his ‘grand pups’. He was known for his sense of humor & sarcasm, for being kind, honest, patient, hardworking & generous. He truly is a legend and will be greatly missed by all who knew him. John is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Pat (Schleider) Keding; children, Karen (David) Watts (NC), James (Laureen) Keding (FL) and Chris (Michael) Buongiorne; grandchildren, Jacob (Jessica) Marks, Katie (Gary) Pahura, Sara Keding (FL), Emma Keding (FL) and Elijah Buongiorne; great-grandchildren, Owen Marks and Noah Keding (FL); brother, Fred (Sharon) Keding (AK), sister-in-law Margaret Grose and several nieces and nephews. Saturday, September 11thwe celebrate his life in a way that would mean the most to him in the place that speaks best of John. Please join the family at Keding Automotive for an afternoon of stories and laughs remembering this wonderful man. The Albion Lions Club will have their famous sausage booth on site as a fundraiser to honor a man who’s life was all about giving and tobenefit the community he loved so much.”In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Supportive Care of Orleans (Hospice), P.O. Box 489, Albion, NY 14411 or the Albion Lions Club 13313 Eagle Harbor Knowlesville Rd, Albion, NY 14411. John’s arrangements have been entrusted to Christopher Mitchell Funeral Homes, Inc. 21 W. Avenue, Albion, NY 14411. To share a special memory of John, please visit www.mitchellfamilyfuneralhomes.com.