IN MEMORIAM: Keith Preston, Oneonta;

Taught 35 Years At Otego, Unadilla Schools

ONEONTA – Keith Preston, Oneonta, who retired from a career of teaching seventh and eighth grades at Unadilla and Otego elementary schools, passed away Feb. 17, 2018.

He was born to Leona (Hutchinson) and Darrell Preston and grew up in Johnstown, along with five brothers, Ralph (deceased), Merton (deceased), Ted (deceased), Ronald and Darrell Jr., who all went on to raise families of their own.

Keith Preston was married to Cynthia (Westcott) for more than 65 years; a father to Leslie, Wendy (Dulin), Scott and Paul; a grandfather to Elizabeth (Dulin) and Harrison (Dulin), Megan (Awong) and Marikate (Groves); and he was great-grandfather to Maggie (Groves).
In addition for teaching more than 35 years, Keith was a Masonic member for more than 50 years. He was a lifelong Giants fan. He shared box seats at the Oneonta Yankee baseball games where he watched rookies play that later would go on to be future greats of the game.

He loved a good cup of coffee, black, not modified, and he enjoyed getting together with friends for breakfast on Wednesday mornings at Morey’s. Most of his life was spent in Oneonta.

He was a longtime member of Saint James’ Episcopal Church.

He loved to go camping and used those free summer days when he was not teaching to travel about with the family and his Nimrod trailer.

Keith served as a commissioner for the Boy Scouts. Because he was not able to be a scout when he was a child, he truly enjoyed this second chance to participate as a member of this organization. Some of his favorite memories were camping with the troop leaders at the Crumhorn Mountain Boy Scout Camp.

Keith was a survivor of illnesses that left him crippled, but that could not quench his spirit. He was a good guy and will be greatly missed.

A memorial service will be 2 to 5 p.m.,Thursday, Feb. 22, at St. James’ Episcopal Church (includes reception), 305 Main St., Oneonta.