CINCINNATI — William Keating Sr., the former Ohio congressman, Cincinnati councilman and a founding attorney at Keating, Meuthing and Klekamp, died Wednesday at age 93.
"On behalf of all of the attorneys and staff at Keating, Muething & Klekamp, we are saddened by the passing of Bill Keating," Managing Partner Alan Fershtman said in a statement late Wednesday. "Bill is a founder of Keating, Muething & Klekamp dating back to 1954, and we are proud that our firm continues to bear his name.
"Bill dedicated his life to serving others and will be missed not only by our firm but also the community."
Keating was born in Cincinnati in 1927 and graduated from St. Xavier High School and the University of Cincinnati College of Law, according to his congressional biography.
Keating joined the Navy during World War II before he began his law career in Cincinnati. In 1954, Keating helped found what would become the law firm of Keating, Muething & Klekamp.
Over a lifetime of public service, he served as Ohio's assistant attorney general, a Hamilton County judge and a Cincinnati councilman from 1967-1970.
He was elected the U.S. representative for Ohio's 1st district in 1971. He later chaired the board of the Cincinnati Enquirer and became president of its parent company, Gannett. He was the chairman of the Associated Press from 1987 to 1992.
UC Athletics also confirmed Keating's passing Wednesday night, where he was an award-winning swimmer. The university's aquatic center now bears his name.
Keating is survived by his wife, Nancy; daughter Nancy (Dale) Roe; daughter-in-law Joan Keating (widow of Bill Jr.); son Mike (Jane); son Dan (Becky); daughter Susie (John) Lame; son Tom; and son John (Michelle); 28 grandchildren and 25 great grandchildren.
Keating's family asks that donations be made in lieu of flowers to the Nancy and William Keating Scholarship Fund at St. Xavier High School, Xavier University or the University of Cincinnati.
WCPO will update this story when funeral arrangements are released.
