Allen George Keller, teacher, NASCAR fan
Allen “George” George Keller, 76, of Dover, passed away Friday, Aug. 12, 2022, at Kent General Hospital after an extended illness.
George was born Aug. 10, 1946, in Kane, Pa., to the late John Keller and Ruth McAllister Keller. He grew up in Smethport, Pa., and graduated from Smethport High School. After high school, he followed in his mother’s footsteps and became a teacher. He attended Mansfield State College, where he received his bachelor’s degree in secondary education. He later obtained his master’s degree in administration at Washington College.
Due to a new racetrack opening in Dover and his love for stock car racing, Mr. Keller accepted a teaching position at Dover High School in 1969. He served as an 11th grade history teacher and administrator for 30 years in the Capital School District. He was the head coach for Dover High School golf team and during his tenure, amassed 14 State Championships, including seven consecutive titles from 1991-97. While teaching, he also became a part-time real estate agent. Mr. Keller also obtained his brokerage license, making him the first part-time real estate broker in the state of Delaware. He worked for over 25 years, with great success, in Kent County Delaware.
George’s passion was for racing. Soon after moving to Dover, he obtained a part-time job working for what was then known as Dover Downs International Speedway. He had the distinction of attending all of the track’s NASCAR events, dating from Richard Petty’s six-lap triumph in the inaugural Mason-Dixon 300 July 6, 1969, until the last race of the 2019 season.
On race days across more than half a century, he did everything from delivering champagne to the winning driver in victory lane, to driving sponsors and fans around the noted Monster Mile and serving as a pit road reporter. After retirement from his teaching career, he took a full-time role at the speedway. Eventually, he became the track historian and was highlighted in all the race programs with his own column titled “George Keller Remembers.” George’s efforts in promoting the Monster Mile were honored when he was named Kent County Tourism Person of the Year in 2015. He conducted numerous track tours and served in that position until his retirement. This was his dream job; he loved going to work every day.
George was also a part-time race reporter who covered the local dirt track racing to include: Little Lincoln Speedway, Delmar Speedway and Georgetown Speedway.
George was a member of Dover Rotary Club and Dover Elks Club Lodge 1903. He was also a member of Norwich Township Fire Hall in Crosby, Pa., as well as Sons of the American Legion Post 976.
He was preceded in death by his first wife Sandra Gruwell Keller.
George is survived by his wife, Suzie Schaub Stehle Keller of Dover; son, Hudson M. Keller and his wife Tracey of Lewes; daughter, Leah D. Mills and her husband Thomas of Chesterfield, Va..; sister, Susan Keller of Smethport, Pa.; brother-in-law, Robert Gruwell and his wife Randa of New Port Ritchey, Fla.; brother-in-law, Charles Schaub and wife Debbie of Salisbury, Md.; stepsons, Grant Brumback and his wife Tulay of Cozumel, Mexico, and Paul Stehle of Denver, Colo..; grandsons, Hudson and Derickson Keller, David Hamaker, and Roman and Stone Stehle.
A service and celebration of life will be held beginning at 2 p.m., Friday, Aug. 26, at Bally’s Dover Casino Resort, Diamond Room, Dover. Viewing and interment will be private.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions be made online in honor of George Keller to Speedway Children’s Charities, official charity of Dover Motor Speedway, list George in the in memory of field at: speedwaycharities.org/donate, or mail to Speedway Children’s Charities, Attn: George Keller Memorial, 5555 Concord Pkwy. South, Concord, NC 28027.
Letters of condolence may be sent and guestbook signed at torbertfuneral.com.
