Fr Thomas F. Keating, III – Diocese of Syracuse

| Jul 29, 2019 | Abuser Profiles, Catholic Church

Father Thomas F. Keating, III

Diocese of Syracuse

Ordained: 1966

Removed: 2004

Died: 2016

Assigned as follows:

  • 1967 – 1968       Our Lady of Angels (Endwell, NY)
  • 1969                  St. Mary (Cortland, NY)
  • 1970 – 1973       Our Lady of Good Counsel (Endicott, NY)
  • 1973                  Seton Catholic High School (Endicott, NY)
  • 1974 – 1978       St. James (Johnson City, NY)
  • 1979 – 1981       Our Lady of Angels (Endwell, NY)
  • 1982 – 1993       St. Mary (Cortland, NY)
  • 1985 – 1986       Priests’ Senate
  • 1989 – 1995       Cortland County Jail (Cortland, NY)
  • 1994 – 2004       Most Holy Rosary (Maine, NY)
  • 2004                   Pastoral Examiners

Summary of Abuse Allegations Against Father Thomas F. Keating, III:

According to media reports, in March 2003, a woman filed a lawsuit accusing Father Thomas F. Keating of sexual abuse in 1982. She said he abused her when she was a teenage girl after she after confided in him that another priest had raped her between 1978 and 1981. She was working as a maid for the priests at St. Mary’s. No action was taken on her complaint.

In January 2004, three sisters told their story and then filed a civil suit. The women alleged that Father Keating groped, molested, and abused them when they were between the ages of 11 and 13, from 1982 to 1985. The girls worked at the rectory with Father Keating on church fund-raisers, youth events, and the parish council of St. Mary Church, where he was pastor.

He denied all allegations and remained in ministry until February 2004, when he took a leave of absence. In December, Father Keating was removed from ministry and his case was sent to the Vatican for review.

In September 2006, both suits were dismissed by an appeals court due to the expiration of the statute of limitations.

Four women came forward in the early 2000s and accused Fr. Thomas F. Keating of sexually abusing them as children in the 1980s. He was removed from ministry and stripped of his privileges in 2004, and his case was sent to the Vatican.

He died in November 2016.

Father Keating’s name appeared publicly on the Diocese of Syracuse’s list of clergy credibly accused of sexual abuse of minors, published in December 2018.

Horowitz Law is a law firm representing victims and survivors of sexual abuse by Catholic priests and other clergy in the Diocese of Syracuse in New York.  The Diocese of Syracuse filed for federal bankruptcy protection in June 2020.  Anyone sexually abused by a priest or employee of the Diocese of Syracuse may be entitled to file a claim against the Diocese in these bankruptcy proceedings, but very strict filing deadlines apply.  Most victims of abuse in the Diocese of Syracuse will never be able to take any legal action if they miss this bankruptcy filing deadline, so it is important that you contact us immediately to discuss your potential case.  Our lawyers have decades of experience representing survivors of clergy sexual abuse in New York and nationwide. We can help.

Contact us at 888-283-9922 or [email protected] to discuss your options today.