Robert A. 'Whitey' Keidel, 70, of Sanborn, NY, passed away on November 25, 2019 at Veterans Administration Medical Center in Buffalo, NY.  Born in Buffalo, NY, he was the son of the late William H. and Helen (Paulson) Keidel, Sr.

Whitey graduated from Starpoint High School in 1967.  He proudly served his country from 1969 until his honorable discharge in 1971 in Vietnam.  Robert was a Decorated Veteran, earning several combat awards, including the Combat Infantry Badge, Air Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Parachute Badge, the Vietnam Campaign Medal, National Defense Medal, and the Army Airborne Medal.

Robert was employed for 38 years as a delivery driver for UPS in Buffalo - serving mainly the Southtowns and Pendelton – until his retirement in 2007.  He was an avid horse trainer and competitor, and was a lifetime member of the National Reining Horse Association (NHRA) and Yankee Reining Horse Association (YRHA).  At one time, he was ranked 11 ^th in the Nation for Novice Non Pro, placing in the National Horse Congress.  Above all, he will be remembered for being a loving father and husband, who cherished time spent with his family. His life was total dedication to his childrens' lives, aspirations, and social activities.

Robert is survived by his wife, Demaris A. Wilson; his children, Jackson Robert Keidel and Lily Grace Keidel; his siblings, William H. (Tina) Keidel, Jr., Kenneth P. (Sharon) Keidel, and Nancy Keidel-Kennedy, as well numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, one great great niece and his true and loyal companion and best friend, his dog Swiper.  He was predeceased by his brother, Kevin C. Keidel.

Whitey's family is truly grateful to the Buffalo VA Medical Center for the excellent care and compassion shown to him.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, December 1, from 4 – 8 PM at M.J. COLUCCI & SON NIAGARA FUNERAL CHAPEL, 2730 MILITARY ROAD, NIAGARA FALLS, NY 14304, where funeral services will begin at 8 PM, concluding with Military Honors.  If desired, memorial offerings may be made to Western New York Heroes, 8205 Main Street # 1, Williamsville, NY 14221 or to the Niagara County SPCA, 2100 Lockport Road, Niagara Falls, NY 14304.  Visit mjcoluccifuneralchapel.com for online condolences.