KEITH M. BRIGODE June 23, 1953 - January 18, 2025 Keith M. Brigode, age 71, died peacefully in hospice, after a 35-year battle with Parkinson’s disease, on Saturday, January 18, 2025, with his loving wife of 48 years, Denise, by his side. Keith was born in Toledo, to Thomas Dale and Mary Francis (McManus) Brigode on June 23, 1953.

Keith’s interests in science and technology led him to be known for his know-how, as a repairman, builder and problem solver, as well as a troublemaker. No matter what the situation, Keith’s sense of humor (or sarcasm) was always present.

Keith loved growing up in Perrysburg, attending St. Rose School, where he enjoyed participating in Boy Scouts and camping. While attending St. John’s Jesuit High School in Toledo, Class of 1971, Keith participated in the theater and the ham radio club, among other activities. His first real job was working at Mills Hardware, and it was where he returned to work when he was living in town.

After graduation, Keith attended the Ohio State University and joined the U.S.

Navy, before returning to Perrysburg to attempt school again, settling on computer programming. He gained enough knowledge to be hired without a degree and within a couple of years had started his own business. With his success he eventually became an associate of Brigode and Associates, Inc., a consulting firm started by his father.

Keith married Denise Lynn Sartor in Toledo, on August 27, 1976. They were blessed with three sons.

Keith enjoyed a love of trains starting in his childhood at home, and renewing the interest with the birth of his first son. He began collecting model trains and setting up layouts at home followed by becoming involved with the Swanton Model Railroad Club. Later, Keith moved to standard gauge trains, joining and volunteering at the Toledo, Lake Erie and Western RR, which ran the Bluebird train. He trained and operated as an engineer and conductor. Keith acquired a couple of train cars from the railroad and rebuilt/refurbished them: the #15 steam engine (technically the Brooklyn Eastern District Terminal Railroad H.K. Porter built 0-6-0T No. 15) and a Pullman sleeper car titled “Erie Railroad 6 American Life.” After Keith restored #15, the Strasburg Railroad in Pennsylvania purchased it and converted it to “Thomas the Tank Engine.” It is the only full-size steam locomotive to be Thomas the Tank Engine in the USA. The Pullman car was donated to the Mad River and NKP Railroad Museum in Bellevue, Ohio, in 1997.

In good health, Keith was hands-on with remodeling and building projects, he enjoyed traveling with family, especially by train, and weekends at the lake. As his health diminished, he enjoyed being a mentor, tinkering with his grandchildren, singing karaoke, playing euchre and being a Green Bay Packers fan. Having attained a ham radio license in high school, Keith rekindled this interest in retirement. He continued testing until receiving the highest level of ham radio license available.

Keith’s final act was donating his brain to research for Parkinson’s disease.

Keith was predeceased by his parents; brother, Craig Brigode; sister, Darcy Brigode; grandparents, and parentsby his wife, Denise; brothers, David and Bruce (Barb) Brigode; sister, Karen Brigode; sons, Nicholas (Jessica Rill) Brigode, William (Colleen Kauth) Brigode and Charles (Samantha) Brigode; grandchildren, Isabella, Elizabeth, Walter, Alaina and Hayden Brigode, and many other family members.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation of Northwest Ohio, pfnwo.org; the Toledo, Lake Erie and Western Railroad, tlew.org, or to the Brigode Family Science Scholarship at St. John’s Jesuit High School and Academy, sjjtoledo.org.

The family wishes to thank the many doctors, nurses and staff who took care of Keith along the way, particularly those at ProMedica facilities, Hospice of NW Ohio, Rosary Care Center and Kingston Residence of Perrysburg.

A Celebration of Life is being planned for a later time.