JOHN J. KEATING Sr. was born on October 4, 1915 to Helen and Daniel Joseph Keating in Camden, New Jersey. The Keatings owned a home at 110 North 23rd Street in East Camden. Daniel Keating was working as a crane operator when the Census was taken in January of 1920. By the time the next Census was taken in April of 1930 he had changed occupations, supporting his family by working as a bartender. By 1939 he had gone into the tavern business, having acquired the bar at 2000 River Road in Cramer Hill. The Keating family operated this establishment, known as Keating's Cafe,  through at least 1966. The 1930 Census shows Daniel and Helen Keating living at 110 North 23rd Street in East Camden with their children John J., Grace, Henry J., and Frederick.

John J. Keating was appointed to the Camden Fire Department on June 30, 1949.  He reported for duty the following day, and was assigned to Engine Company 9, at North 27th Street and Federal Street in East Camden. His younger brother, Henry J. Keating, was appointed to the Camden Fire Department on December 1, 1953. On December 20, 1953 John Keating was transferred to Engine Company 11 on North 27th Street in Cramer Hill.

John Keating resigned from the Camden Fire Department on March 1, 1956. He was replaced by William O'Connor. Fire Department records state that his address was 2000 River Road when he resigned.

John J. Keating passed away on July 19, 1968.