Keith J. Bilodeau of Plantsville, 63, left this earth on Feb. 8, from a three-year battle with bladder and bone cancer. Born on Nov. 9, 1959, in Bristol, Keith was the first born to Dorsey and Louise (Roy) Bilodeau, deceased. 

He is survived by his loving wife of 19 years, Kyla Northrop-Bilodeau, and his children, AJ Watson, Danielle Tidman and her husband, Mark, Josh Habib, Trisha Northrop-Norton and her husband Buddy and Danielle Cordova and her husband, Pedro. Keith is also survived by his brothers, Roy Bilodeau and his wife, Kristy and David Bilodeau and his wife, Elizabeth, his brother-in-law Scott TenEyck, and is predeceased by his sister, Tina TenEyck. Keith is also survived by his former wife and friend, Catherine Bilodeau and beloved grandchildren, Lilly, Owen, Aubrey, Gavin, Kamron, Addison, several nieces and nephews, his extended family, many friends, co-workers, and his beloved and faithful pup Chloe.

At peace now, Keith earned it and will be celebrated for an impressive personal and professional life. He had a passion for music and at the age of 9 picked up his first guitar. His love of playing led him to be the lead guitarist and vocalist in many bands over the years. He enjoyed the comradery and beating on the big bass drum with the St. Peters Drum Corps in Torrington. He loved to compose music, sing, and entertain those around him. As an outdoorsman with a guitar, Keith also loved camping, jamming by the fire, and trips to New Hampshire with family and friends. He loved to travel, gather with family, and dote over his grandchildren. Keith was a funny, kind, and generous soul.   

Keith was also born to create when working too. Earning a Bachelor’s in Engineering at Naugatuck Valley Community College, he dedicated over 20 years with Waring Products, Torrington & Sensio in Montreal, and New York as a Senior Project Engineer.  Keith designed numerous patented products, including the one he was most proud of, the Drew Barrymore ® Kitchen Appliance Line. Keith made many trips to China to assist in product manufacturing and reveled in the experience of working abroad.

The family would like to extend their sincere thanks to the Hartford Healthcare At Home Hospice Team, the Hospice Staff of The Hospital of Central Connecticut, New Britain, and Karen Carney — Hospice Social Worker for their care and compassion of Keith and the entire family through his transition.  Special thanks to niece Angela for her constant assistance, support, and knowledge throughout Keith’s illness, as well as his Pastoral Counselors, Donna- Marie Brown and James “Jim” Mercurio for helping Keith gain understanding, accept & prepare for his next journey.  

Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 16, with a memorial service immediately following at Funk Funeral Home. In lieu of Flowers, gifts may be made to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Keith’s Memory to support cancer research and patient care at: Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, P.O. Box 84168, Boston, MA 02284 (dana-farber.org/gift) or to the charity of your choice.

Please visit Keith’s memorial website at www.FunkFuneralHome.com.