Keith Clugston; Obituary, Death: It is with deep sorrow and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Keith Clugston, a beloved father, son, brother, and friend, who left this world too soon on January 25, 2025, at the age of 52. Keith, a lifelong resident of Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his family and loved ones. His sudden departure has left a profound emptiness in the lives of those who knew him, but his legacy will forever live on in the memories of those he touched with his kindness, generosity, and unwavering love.
Keith was born on March 12, 1972, in Erie, Pennsylvania, to his parents, Robert and Linda Clugston. He grew up in a close-knit community where he developed deep relationships that lasted throughout his life. Keith was the kind of person who made lasting impressions wherever he went, always offering a helping hand and a listening ear. His compassionate spirit and innate ability to make people feel at ease earned him the respect and admiration of everyone who met him.
A graduate of Erie High School, Keith went on to pursue a career in construction, where he became known for his strong work ethic and dedication. He took great pride in his work, always going above and beyond to ensure that every project was completed with precision and care. His craftsmanship was highly regarded in the local community, and he was often sought after for his expertise. Keith was not only a skilled worker but also a mentor to younger colleagues, always willing to share his knowledge and experience to help others grow.
Keith was more than just a hardworking professional. He was a family man through and through, deeply committed to the people he loved. As a father, he was patient, loving, and always present in the lives of his children. He cherished every moment spent with them, whether it was attending their school events, coaching their sports teams, or simply enjoying a quiet evening at home. Keith’s dedication to his family was unwavering, and he instilled in his children the values of hard work, integrity, and kindness.
In addition to his role as a father, Keith was also a devoted son and brother. He had a special bond with his siblings, often sharing laughs and making memories that will forever be cherished. He was the type of person who would drop everything to help a family member in need, offering both practical support and emotional comfort. His parents, Robert and Linda, will forever hold in their hearts the love and pride they felt for their son, and his siblings will carry his memory with them always.
Outside of his professional and familial commitments, Keith had a variety of hobbies and interests that he pursued with passion. He was an avid outdoorsman, enjoying hiking, camping, and fishing. Many happy weekends were spent on the trails or by the water, where Keith found peace and solace in nature’s beauty. He also had a love for sports, particularly baseball, and he was a loyal fan of the Pittsburgh Pirates. Keith enjoyed spending time with friends, watching games, and engaging in friendly debates about his favorite teams and players.
He was also a talented cook, often preparing meals for family gatherings and friends, where his culinary skills were always appreciated. Keith’s warm and engaging personality was one of his most defining traits. He had a gift for making others feel welcome and valued, and his sense of humor brought joy to every conversation. He had an infectious laugh and a knack for telling stories that left everyone in stitches. Keith was the kind of person who could brighten even the darkest days with a simple smile or a thoughtful word.
His generosity, both in spirit and action, made him a beloved figure in the community. Sadly, despite his many strengths, Keith faced personal struggles that he kept mostly to himself. He battled with depression and other mental health challenges throughout his life, but never let it define him. His ability to push through difficult times and continue caring for others was a testament to his resilience.
Those closest to him knew of his inner struggles, but Keith rarely spoke about them, preferring to shoulder the burden on his own. It is with a heavy heart that we acknowledge that these challenges ultimately led to his passing. His family hopes that by sharing this, they can raise awareness about mental health and encourage others to seek help when needed.
Keith’s death is a tragic reminder of the importance of caring for one’s mental health and reaching out to those around us. It is a call to action for all of us to be more open, supportive, and understanding of the struggles that others may be facing. Keith’s family hopes that his memory will inspire others to check in on their loved ones, to offer support when needed, and to remember that it’s okay to not be okay.
A funeral service to celebrate Keith’s life will be held at 1:00 PM on Wednesday, January 28, 2025, at the First Presbyterian Church of Erie, 1515 Cherry Street, Erie, Pennsylvania. Family and friends are invited to join together to remember Keith and share in the stories and memories that defined his life. A reception will follow at the church hall, where everyone is invited to continue celebrating his life and the impact he made on all of us.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to a local mental health organization or a charity of your choice. Your contributions will help support those who, like Keith, are struggling and in need of care and support. Keith Clugston’s passing leaves a profound void in the hearts of all who knew him, but we take comfort in the countless memories of his love, laughter, and generosity.
He was a man who gave freely of himself to others, and his spirit will live on in the stories we tell, the lessons he taught us, and the love we continue to carry in our hearts. Rest in peace, Keith. You will forever be missed but never forgotten.
