Edward Jay Keck

EDWARD JAY KECK, age 51, of Bel Air, died in Stella Maris Hospice on January 28, 2004. Born in Knoxville, Tennessee, he was the son of Glenna Mae Hellard Keck of Tennessee and the late Claude Wesley Keck, Sr. He retired on January 1, 2004 from the Harford County Sheriff’s Department where he was a Deputy First Class.

In July 1972, Edward J. Keck was hired as a radio dispatcher until 1974 when he was reclassified as a law enforcement deputy. He graduated from the Baltimore City Police Academy in December 1974.

From 1974 to July 1988, Deputy Keck worked in the Sheriff’s Office Civil Division. In 1979, Ed was promoted to Deputy First Class and in July 1988, DFC Keck was selected to staff a newly created juvenile Unit. Soon after, DFC. Keck took on the responsibilities of detective in the Major Case/ Crimes Against Persons Unit where he remained (over 15 years) until his retirement on January 1, 2004.

In 1996 Detective Keck received a Letter of Commendation (award) from the Sheriff for his work on a homicide investigation that resulted in five arrests and convictions.

In January, 2004, Detective (Retired) Keck received the John T. Brosseau Community Service Award. This award is given to a person who demonstrates excellence in community service to the citizens of Harford County. The nominee must be an employee of the Harford County Sheriff’s Office who demonstrates commitment and dedication in the spirit of true volunteerism on behalf of the agency and themselves.

Mr. Keck was given this award because for a number of years he and his wife, Connie, opened their home (and Lives) to foreign families and students. Most of the people were refugees fleeing both North and South Vietnam; while staying in refugee camps, arrangements were made through St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in Abingdon for the newcomers to reside with Ed and Connie until they were educated and comfortable to live on their own in this country. These were not exchange students, but were refugees fleeing countries that offered little in quality of life and prosperity. Ed and Connie received little, if any, financial assistance, but gained something more that one cannot measure in terms of money ---their family expanded by 23 sons and daughters. Ed and Connie’s “expanded” family come together on holidays, and each summer they get together for a barbeque. Those who have been with Ed and Connie in the presence of some of their “expanded family” quickly noticed that Ed and Connie are addressed as Dad and Mom and likewise, they are referred to as our sons and daughters. Of the 23 Vietnamese Ed and Connie sponsored, 22 live in Maryland and one lives in California.

In addition, Ed and Connie have hosted 10 foreign exchange students from Spain, France, Thailand, China, and Japan.

Captain R. Richick of the Sheriff’s Office said, “Ed and Connie have demonstrated the true spirit of volunteerism by opening their home to strangers and providing them with the guidance to start a new life. They are truly dedicated and committed to their community, their country, and to humanity.”

Mr. Keck lived most of his life in Harford County and was a member of St. Mary’s Episcopal Church since 1985. He served as an usher. All of his activities centered around his family.

In addition to his mother, Mr. Keck is survived by his wife of 18 years, Constance
Joan Riggs Keck; eight sons, Cuong Nguyen of Westminster; Minh Ngo of Finksburg; Huu Nguyen of Baltimore; Hai Nguyen of Baltimore; Phuoc Vo of Reisterstown; Tho Bui and his wife, Ven Bui of Rosedale; Nghia Bui of Rosedale; and Linh Hoang of Parkville; eight daughters, Kim Dieu Van of California; Nhon Nguyen of Virginia; Linh Vo of Reisterstown; Ha Nguyen of Owings Mills; Long Nguyen of Oregon; Trang Bui, Trum Bui; Linh Bui all of Rosedale; one step-daughter, Kelly Sharpley of Delta, Pennsylvania; two step-sons, Michael Carmichael of Hickory; Chuck Offney of Hickory; brothers, Wesley Claude Keck of White Marsh; Horace Long of Tennessee; one sister, Jessie Sue Morales of Tampa, Florida; 17 grandchildren; one nephew; one niece; and one great-niece. In addition to his father, he was predeceased by one step-daughter, Paula Offney.


Pallbearers were members of the Harford County Sheriff’s Department: Lt. Mark Forwood, Lt. David Elliott, Sgt. Lee Dunbar, Sgt. Paul Cole, Detective Daniel Staniewicz and Detective Thomas Bradley.

Those who desire may contribute to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 572, Bel Air, Maryland 21014.