Chad Keller Obituary

Chad Michael Keller, a devoted husband, loving father, and passionate college basketball coach, passed away peacefully at the age of 50, surrounded by his family.

Born in Roaring Spring, Pennsylvania, Chad moved to Florida at the age of nine and spent most of his childhood in St. Cloud, Florida, where his love for basketball first took root. He was a standout player at St. Cloud High School before going on to play for Flagler College, where he had a memorable and inspiring collegiate basketball career as a point guard and team captain.

After graduation, Chad began what would become a remarkable coaching journey-starting as an assistant and eventually becoming head coach at Leesburg High School in Leesburg, Florida. There, he led his team to a State Championship, leaving an indelible mark on the school and its community. During this time his success and leadership opened the door to a long and impactful tenure at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, where he joined forces with Coach Steve Ridder. For 21 years, Chad helped shape young athletes on and off the court, instilling in them values of discipline, perseverance, and heart. This tenure included 6 national tournament appearances, a NCAA Sweet 16, recruited multiple All-American players and future coaches to the program. In 2025, he was inducted into St. Cloud High School Athletic Hall of Fame.

Beyond the game, Chad's greatest joy was his family. He loved watching Kiley grow into a young woman, graduating college and traveling the world; Colby growing into a young man full of compassion and a gift for guitar; Caden, his mini-me graduating from high school in 2025 about to embark on playing basketball for Flagler College. In the spring of 2019, he met the love of his life, Gwynne. Their connection was instant, deep, and unwavering-even in the face of his cancer diagnosis shortly after they met. Chad created a bond with Gwynne's children, Colin & Vivian , inspiring Colin to go after his dreams, facing fear in its face and Vivian "his little buddy" to pursue her love of Volleyball. Once Gwynne & Chad got together, they blended their beautiful families and built a life filled with love, strength, and unforgettable memories. His life was complete with watching sports, playing golf with his Dad & friends, including spearheading the St. Cloud Open, creating the Breakaway Trails Tennis League, and always sharing laughs & stories with friends.

Chad approached every moment with grit and gratitude. He had the opportunity to share his perspective on life speaking at numerous functions. His courage, humor, and unshakable faith throughout his cancer journey inspired everyone around him.

He is survived by his loving parents, Ronald Keller(Gail) and Connie Shaw(Eric); grandmother, Marian Shaw; his sweet sister Holly Stone(Kathy); his devoted wife, Gwynne; and his beloved children: Kiley, Colby, Caden, Colin, and Vivian.

Chad leaves behind a legacy of excellence, leadership, integrity, and love. He was a coach, a husband, a father, and a warrior-and he will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

A Memorial service will be held at 10 AM on Saturday, August 2nd, 2025 at Tomoka Christian Church, 1450 Hand Avenue, Ormond Beach, Fl 32174. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University's Chad Keller Memorial Scholarship. You can make your donation online or mail a check to Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Attn: Advancement Services, 1 Aerospace Blvd, Daytona Beach, FL 32114-3900.