Kevin "Dusty" Keating passed away peacefully at Yale New Haven Hospital on December 14th 2024 at the age of 74. He was born on October 29th, 1950 in Hamden, Connecticut son of the late James & Ruth McKay Keating. He spent his early years in the Newhallville neighborhood where he credits learning his dance moves.  Later, the family moved to a house at the base of Sleeping Giant Mountain. He graduated from Hamden High School in 1969 and was most proud that he served as mayor of the day. Dusty never missed an opportunity for a good time or adventure. At 15 years old he drove his sister-in-law cross country to see his brother who was in the service. He attended Woodstock where his camper was promptly blown down the hill by a helicopter. Dusty married "Chief" Michelle in 1973 on the fourth of July and set down roots on Westwoods Rd. Their 51st anniversary occurred just this past summer. He was a devoted father to his son and daughter, always supporting them any way he could. He worked as a sheet metal mechanic, proudly owned his own business, and worked alongside his brothers and close friends until retirement. After retiring, Dusty dedicated his time to golf and attending nearly every sporting event his grandchildren participated in. There was no greater fan than GPD (Grandpa Dust). Dusty was a lucky recipient of a lung transplant in 2021 he affectionately nicknamed "Louis" and was supported by Dr. Benvenuto and his team at NY Presbyterian Hospital. Dusty would make you laugh with his quick wit, jokes and funny work stories. You should consider yourself lucky if he ever left a "rocketship" message on your answering machine. He touched many lives. He rarely went anywhere without seeing someone he knew. His proudest moments are his two holes in one, his beautiful gardens, and the first harvest of honey from his beekeeping hobby. He was also an avid UConn, NY Mets and NY Jets fan. Dusty was a character in every sense of the word. He was loved by many and will be forever missed. He is survived by his loving wife Michelle Landino Keating of Hamden, a son Kevin (Tara) Keating of Branford, a daughter Amy Jane (Scott) Berney of North Haven, brothers, Robert (Linda) Keating of Wallingford, James Keating of Madison, William (Betsey) Keating of North Haven, and Dennis (Peggy) Keating of North Haven, sisters Patricia Keating of Branford, and Penny Parillo of New haven, grandchildren Avery & Shane Berney, and Tessa & Ellie Keating , a sister-in-law Mary Beth (Jeff) Cannata, and several nieces & nephews. He was predeceased by sisters Judy Kopjanski & Honey Bear Keating a brother-in-law, Peter, and a sister-in-law Geraldine. Calling hours will be held Saturday from 11 am - 2pm in the Peter H. Torello & Son Funeral Home, 1022 Dixwell Ave., Hamden. A brief parlor service will take place at 12pm. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Lung Association ( www.lung.org )