Allen Leroy Keller dead; musician, Freeport native was 90

Allen Leroy Keller, a Freeport native who wowed crowds as a musician in one of the nation’s highest-octane entertainment meccas — Las Vegas — and retired in one of its quietest enclaves — Boynton Beach, Florida — died of lung cancer at his home on Jan. 6, family and friends said. He was 90.

The 1938 Hempstead High School graduate and son of an engineer and homemaker was as much a crowd pleaser as educator, never hesitating to instruct people in the finer points of any of the instruments he had mastered.

Longtime friend Wilbur Breslin of Old Westbury, a prominent Long Island real estate developer, said Keller’s life was devoted to displaying his talent as a singer, composer, dramatic actor and teacher of music and voice.

Keller played a range of music from Big Band to jazz and had several albums to his credit, having been a recording artist for Metro-Goldwyn Mayer Studio. One of his albums was titled, “For Keyboard Lovers, the King of the Keyboard.” Breslin said Keller was influenced by his brother Jack, a musician who wrote the theme song for the popular television show “Bewitched.”

Keller found his calling after relocating in the 1980s to Las Vegas, where he performed at various venues, including Harrah’s, for more than two decades.

Friends and family said he began entertaining people with his keyboard skills at 16.

“He always loved music, and on his way to school one day was approached by someone who knew his brother Jack and asked him to play in his band. He needed a piano player,” said Breslin, a childhood friend with whom Keller remained close. “He told him he couldn’t do it, and the man said, ‘Don’t worry, we will teach you whatever you need to know,’ and before he knew it, he was playing the piano.”

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Keller moved to Florida more than five years ago, where he lived with Kathy, his wife of 32 years, and tended to their parrots, Rico Girl and Pepper Boy.

He served as a Universal Brotherhood Movement, Inc. minister, performing weddings. He was also involved in many charities and performed at a number of benefits.

In addition to his wife, Keller is survived by a nephew, Bradley Keller, of Delray Beach, Florida; and two grandnephews.