Sidney Nelson Keyes, Jr.

Sidney Nelson Keyes Jr. passed away peacefully with his wife by his side on February 18, 2023, at the age of 88.  He is survived by his loving wife of 35 years, Phyllis; children, Sidney Keyes Jr. (Lynnell) of Arizona, Judy (Terry) Shelton, Sharon (Allen) Robinson, Joy (Jim) Bowen, Albert (Linda) Denis, as well as many beloved cousins, nieces, nephews, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Sidney is survived by his remaining siblings; Dorothy Penna, Betty Popiwny, Grace Fogarty (Teresa Elkins) and Herbert (Verna) Keyes.      

Sidney was born on October 15, 1934, to Vivian Adams Keyes and Sidney Nelson Keyes Sr. One of 13 siblings, Sidney grew up on the family farm in Hamlin, New York.  This instilled a lifelong passion for family, church, and farming. Sidney was predeceased by his first wife Loraine and his daughter Janet Perkins. Sid worked for over 30 years for General Motors/Rochester Products, in addition to raising cows and chickens on his farm in Hamlin, New York.  

As fate would have it, two young widows would find each other years later. Sidney was the local “egg man” who stocked the corner grocery store with fresh eggs. Years later, he met Phyllis Denis, who was working at the Wohlers grocery store, and he took an immediate liking to Phyllis. He brought her eggs and asked to take her out. They quickly fell in love and the two families joined together in 1984. 

Sid doted on his loving wife Phyllis and enjoyed taking her out for dinner and buying her jewelry. He cherished his family and often told stories about growing up in a big family and life on a farm.  

He enjoyed being outdoors and working in his backyard vegetable gardens. Sid and Phyllis enjoyed taking their motor home on camping trips and later purchased a permanent lot at Faun Lake in Bliss, N.Y. They spent many years at Faun Lake and enjoyed having their family come visit them and in their little slice of heaven.  He took pride in maintaining his lawn and vegetable gardens. He enjoyed watching westerns, collecting coins, playing golf, fishing and tinkering around camp in the summers. Above all, Sidney took pride in his family and adored spending time with all of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. His grandchildren fondly remember attending the Keyes family reunions, where he proudly introduced his grandchildren to his brother, sisters, and their families.    

Everyone that knew Sidney Keyes, knew of his love for his family, his church, and the importance of community service. He was a retired Air Force Veteran and took pride in serving his country.  He had a big heart and a giving nature. He will be greatly missed by his grandchildren and great-grandchildren whom he was very proud of and enjoyed spending time with.   

He was a long-time member and Trustee of the United Methodist Church in Holley, N.Y. He devoted much of his time to serving his church and helping his fellow parishioners. He was a longtime member of the Clarendon Fire/Police, volunteer at Lakeside Memorial Hospital and later a volunteer at Lakeside Beikirch Care Center.  

The family would like to thank the staff at Orchard Manor Nursing Home in Medina, New York for their compassion and care of Sidney during the past two years.  

The family will receive friends at The Christopher Mitchell Funeral Homes, 16650 State Rte. 31 in Holley, N.Y. on Thursday, February 23rd.  from 1:00-3:00 p.m. where his Celebration of Life Service will be held at 3:00pm followed by Military Honors.