Paul H. Keyes

Paul Keyes, 82 of Grosse Pointe Park, MI, passed away peacefully in the comfort of his home on April 16, 2026. He was predeceased by his parents Frank H. Keyes and Esther Bergquist of Newington, Connecticut. Paul was the loving husband of Mary Ellen Keyes for 39 years and the proud father of Robert Keyes and his two grandchildren Leo and Ella.

Paul received his BS in Physics from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, his PhD in Physics from University of Maryland and conducted his post doctorate research at the University of Delaware. He was a professor of Physics at the University of Massachusetts, University of Delaware, and Wayne State University where he retired as an Emeritus professor after mentoring countless students. As a highly respected physicist, Paul often attended physics conferences all over the world.

Paul also planned Mystery Trips for Mary Ellen, who was unaware of where in the world they would end up. Paul, always the data collector, kept a list of 35 years of visiting about 64 countries.

Paul always found the humorous side of life. During these trips, he would make silly faces for the camera, take pictures of the back of Mary Ellen’s head or a selfie close up and photo bomb trash cans around the world strategically placing them in front of the best back drop, stare at thermostats in art museums and walk like the “minister of silly walks.”

An avid sailor from his college days, Paul and Mary Ellen sailed out of Crescent Sail Yacht Club, their extended fun family, which was 7 minutes from their home. They were also active in the cruising group having fun all over Lake St. Clair. Paul worked on the Monday night sailboat races and cooked some amazing lunches for approximately 125 members on CSYC workdays. He also had about 300 cookbooks and used them regularly to create his wonderful dishes at home and potluck parties. Paul loved to garden, listen to classical music, cook, read books, complete word and number puzzles, critique physics papers, write his own physics papers and speak like Donald Duck. Paul lived a life of discovery, wisdom and curiosity, all with a smile for the many people whose lives he touched. He lived his life to the fullest. Please join us for a Celebration of Life at Crescent Sail Yacht Club, 276 Lakeshore Road, Grosse Pointe Farms, MI on Saturday July 11th from 1:00 to 4:00.