Keith Hamilton Obituary

The Honorable Keith V. Hamilton dedicated his life to serving his community with passion and purpose. A steadfast father, reliable brother, loyal friend, and faithful follower of Jesus Christ, Keith was deeply committed to showing up for his community and his people-with vision, compassion, and heart.

Keith was born on July 18, 1955, to Miriam Horsey and Hubert Hamilton Sr. in the City of Trenton-a city he would dedicate his life to serving. He graduated from Trenton Central High School before serving five years in the U.S. Air Force. Upon returning home, Keith earned an Associate Degree from Mercer County Community College and began a distinguished career as an electronics engineer with Bell Laboratories, where he contributed to multiple innovative patents alongside his team, helping shape the early foundations of modern technology.

While working as an engineer, Keith also unlocked his passion for politics when he served on the Hamilton School Board, which ultimately led to his decision to run for local office. In 1995, Keith was elected to serve as a Mercer County Freeholder. Following his retirement from Bell Labs, he fully devoted his professional life to public service. He went on to spend nearly a decade with SERV Behavioral Health System, where he worked tirelessly to expand access to housing and medical services for individuals living with chronic mental illness, substance use disorders, and intellectual and developmental disabilities.

At the time of his passing, Keith was working full-time with Trenton Biogas, a company he supported from its early stages in its mission to reduce food waste. Among the many initiatives he championed, he was especially passionate about his work as a faithful Trustee, wise financial steward, and guardian of the Greater Mt. Zion A.M.E. Church and its Community Development Corporation. Through these partnerships, Keith helped bring to life the Back in Our Hands Birthing and Wellness Center, a transformative project dedicated to ensuring that women in the City of Trenton have a safe, accessible, and local place to give birth.

In addition to his professional accomplishments, Keith generously gave his time in service to others. He served for decades as a Board Member of Mercer County's Board of Social Services, most recently as the chair as well as the Chief Financial Officer for the Trenton Literacy Movement, and Adjutant at the American Legion Post 182. Yet, among his many acts of service, one of his most cherished roles was his annual portrayal of Santa Claus for HomeFront NJ-a tradition that brought joy to countless families.

Keith's impact on the community was profound and far-reaching, touching lives from birth through adulthood and spanning efforts in sustainability, healthcare, and social services. His legacy lives on throughout the City of Trenton, Mercer County, and the State of New Jersey.

Keith was predeceased by his beloved mother, Miriam Horsey; his father, Hubert Hamilton Sr.; his stepfather, Frederick Lowe; and his cherished brother, LeRoi R. Carr.

He is survived by his siblings, Hubert, Wade, and Lynne, with whom he shared a rich and storied life; his eldest daughter, Shauwea, his partner in travel and adventure, and her husband, Johan, whom he embraced as a son; his youngest daughter, Seraphine, his protector and confidant; their mother, Donna; and, perhaps most treasured, his grandsons, Rahman and Keith, who will carry their name with great pride.

He also leaves to cherish his memory his dear friend, Jenny; extended family; church family; colleagues; and the great people of the City of Trenton-all who were blessed to know him and to experience the depth of his positive impact on the community.

Instead of sending flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the Greater Mount Zion Community Development Corporation. Contributions can be made through the following link: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=Y4LMQC4LY96PA

Funeral service will be 12pm Saturday, March 28, 2026 at Greater Mt. Zion AME Church, 42 Pennington Ave., Trenton, NJ 08618. Calling hours will be 10am until the time of service at the church. Interment will be private.

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