Keith Warren Monroe

Keith Warren Monroe, 72, a resident of Fort Myers, Florida, passed away peacefully on Monday, October 13, 2025, surrounded by love from his sister Holly, his grandson Aiden, his son-in-law Bryan, his step-grandson Ryder, his daughter Paula, and his favorite cat and dog, Degas and Valkyrie. He was born February 18, 1953, in Glens Falls, New York, to Calvin J. and Jean Monroe, who preceded him in death.

Keith grew up in Bolton Landing, New York, and served proudly in the United States Naval Construction Battalions, as a Navy Seabee, and part of the U.S. Naval Construction Forces (NCF). After his service, he moved to Sanibel Island, Florida, where he met the love of his life, Valerie Ann Monroe. Together they raised their daughter, Paula, surrounded by the beauty of the island’s tides and wildlife.

He taught his daughter how to ride a bike, play basketball, do a handstand, and fish in Dinkins Bayou. He carried her through the currents of Blind Pass and Silver Key Pass when she was little, and twenty years later carried his grandson through the deep, flowing waters of Sliding Rock and Deep Creek in the mountains of Western North Carolina.

When Paula attended art school in Boston, Keith and Valerie moved to Waynesville, North Carolina, where he worked as a trim carpenter and she became a master gardener. Together they built another kind of home; one filled with flowers, birds, and hand-carved woodwork, along with a 12-string guitar and two banjos, including the claw-hammer he was so good at strumming. Neil Young, Béla Fleck, and the Beatles often played from his extensive vinyl collection, now cherished by his grandson Aiden.

Keith was a steady and loving presence in his grandson Aiden’s life. He helped raise him while his daughter, Paula, earned her master’s degree and subsequently had a career teacher. After working in beautiful custom homes, laying trim all day or putting up siding in the cold weather, he would arrive in his Carhartt jacket and overalls to pick Aiden up after school. Aiden was always so excited to see his grandpa. The two of them burned brush together on their mountain property and built sleds when the snow piled up at the mountain house. They went on hikes, fished in the creeks, and laid pennies on train tracks for a flattened return.

It was just two years after the passing of his wife, Valerie, when Keith became “Grampa,” a man who carried the task of being two grandparents in one. He was deeply devoted to Aiden, and together they created a phrase that continues to guide the family: “WWGD — What Would Grandpa Do?” Keith framed a bumper sticker for Aiden on Christmas. Aiden carries that legacy forward as he studies structural engineering and leads a college carpentry team called Timber Strong. Aiden aspires to be a living reflection of his grandfather’s craftsmanship and character.

In his later years, Keith also became a proud step-grandfather to Ryder Wagoner and delighted in saying he had two wonderful grandsons and an incredible son-in-law, Bryan, who is also a master carpenter.

Keith is survived by his brother Garth and his sisters Sandy and Holly. He was preceded in death by his brother Mitchell. Holly especially cared for him so lovingly in his final days, even shortly after the passing of her husband, Kevin. Her experience of caring for him and her mother Jean made her ready to be such a good caregiver for Keith.

He will be remembered for his humor, craftsmanship, musical talent, and the quiet strength that made everyone feel at home. His family believes he is in a garden his wife, Valerie, made ready for him.

A quiet beach vigil will be held in his memory, followed by a summer gathering in Bolton Landing, New York, with the Monroe, Wagoner, and Bolado families on June 16th, 2026.

The family wishes to recognize the meaningful friendships of Tony Lapi, Karen Kalisz, Ted Caldwell, and Fred and Jackie Spencer.

Memorial contributions in memory of Keith Warren Monroe are suggested to WNCW Public Radio (www.wncw.org).