Leroy Keys Sr., 68, of Brockton, passed away on April 26, 2022 at home surrounded by his family.
He was born in Trenton, North Carolina, a son of the late Richard and Olivia (Whitfield) Keys and after graduating from high school, served in the U.S. Navy at the end of the Vietnam War era. Leroy resided in Brockton for over 35 years. Leroy began his law enforcement career as a Metropolitan Police Officer and transitioned to a Massachusetts State Trooper. In total, his law enforcement career spanned thirty years in which he was stationed mostly out of the Milton and South Boston barracks.
Throughout his career, Leroy was a proud member of H-Troop, the Community Action Team, and served as the Sergeant In Arms for the West Seldon Street and Vicinity Neighborhood Association for over 20 years, before retiring in 2015.
Leroy was proud of his family, his work, and community. He coached YMCA basketball and baseball and enjoyed fishing and hunting; he was also a member and served as the Judge Advocate of the William E. Carter American Legion Post 16 in Mattapan.
Leroy was the beloved husband of Phyllis (Burns) Keys for over 35 years; loving father of Natasha Palmer (and her husband Robert) of New Jersey, Barbara Baylor of New York, Mercedes Porter of Maryland, Lareeca Sampson (and her husband Jared) of North Carolina, and Leroy Keys Jr. of Brockton; devoted grandfather of Maya and Zoe Palmer, Alan and James Sampson, and Saviour Rudolph and Ryan Johnson Jr.; dear brother of Gladys Meadows, Larsene Steele, Richard Donald Keys, William Ned Keys , Joseph Glen Keys and Gary Donnell Keys, all of North Carolina, Calvin Leon Keys of Indiana, and the late James Welton Keys and Pauline Steele; and a host of nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and other family members.
All are welcome to calling hours Tuesday, May 3rd from 5 to 8 p.m. in Waitt Funeral Home, 850 North Main St. Brockton, his funeral Wednesday, May 4th at 10 a.m. in Waitt Funeral Home and burial at Melrose Cemetery, Brockton. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the Prostate Cancer Research Institute https://pcri.org/donate
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