Keenan Eli Cryts

Keenan Eli Cryts, 23, of Schuylkill Haven, passed away Sunday, May 24th surrounded by his family.

Keenan was born in Pottsville on September 19, 2002, the son of Steven G. & Kimberly A. (Bensinger) Cryts.

He was a graduate of Blue Mountain High School – Class of 2021, and a graduate of Pennsylvania College of Technology.

He was employed as a surveyor in training by Benesch.

In addition to his parents, Keenan is also survived by three brothers: Jacob Cryts, husband of Tessah, Schuylkill Haven, Colton Cryts (Tomara Wingle), & Brody Cryts, both at home, two nephews: Crue & Cade, maternal grandmother, Sandy (Mommer) Bensinger, paternal grandfather, Billy Cryts, aunts & uncles: Karen Conage (Jason), Kevin Bensinger (Tami), Sheri Cryts (Todd Fekete), & Marci Kramer (Jeffrey), and cousins: Abby Vitez (Steven), Ethan Conage (Sammy), Josh Ashman (Ciara), Tyler Bensinger, Wyatt, Abby, Bethany, & Ben Kramer, and pets: Maizey and Bogey. In addition to his family, Keenan is survived by an army of friends and a community that held him close and loved him deeply.

He was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, Ronald (Pap) Bensinger, and paternal grandmother, Marion Cryts, as well as cherished pets: Stitch, Izzy and MoMo.

Not everyone leaves this world with a long list of accomplishments. Some leave something far more valuable behind. Keenan Cryts left behind love. He left it in the stories his friends tell. He left it in the laughter of his nephews. He left it in the hearts of his parents, his brothers, and the countless people who were fortunate enough to be loved by him.

Keenan passed away unexpectedly as the result of an MVA on May 24, 2026, at the age of 23. Though his life was far too short, it was marked by a kind of gentleness and sincerity that cannot be measured in years, only in impact. To know Keenan was to know someone who met the world without judgment or condition. He never asked people to become anything other than who they already were. There was an ease to him—an openness that made others feel accepted without explanation. If someone needed help, he gave it. If someone needed to be heard, he listened. If someone needed a friend, he was already there.

Family was the center of his world. He found happiness in the simple, ordinary moments shared with the people he loved—holidays, vacations, weekend meals, golf outings or just being in each other’s presence. He did not need grand plans to feel fulfilled. For Keenan, being surrounded by his people was enough and never taken for granted. He was a fantastic son, bringing so much pride and joy to his parents. He was also a treasured brother of Jacob, Colton, and Brody Cryts. The bond between the brothers was unshakable—built on years of growing up together as teammates, protectors, best friends, and sometimes rivals, but always brothers in the deepest sense of the word. At home, that love extended even further. As an uncle to Crue and Cade, he showed a tenderness that was unmistakable. His nephews adored him, and he returned that love without hesitation or restraint. The same quiet devotion could be seen in the way he cared for his dogs, Maizey and Bogey, who were loved as fully and unconditionally as everyone else in his life.

Keenan also cherished time spent with his friends. Whether he was playing sports, out on the golf course, sitting around a fire, or simply enjoying a day together, he had a way of making every gathering better just by being there. He will be remembered for his quick wit, contagious smile, competitive spirit, and the seemingly endless knowledge he carried about the things he loved. As a teammate, he was never focused solely on himself. He pushed others to be better, celebrated their successes, and always put the team first. That same quality carried into every part of his life. He was constantly thinking about the people around him and how he could support them. Curious by nature, he took a genuine interest in others, asking thoughtful questions and taking the time to know people beyond the surface. He made people feel important because to him, they truly were.

Keenan was also building a career with Benesch in Pottsville, Pennsylvania. Even in the early stages of that path, he was respected for his steady work ethic and the sincerity he brought into every space he entered. He didn’t need to demand attention—people naturally gravitated toward the way he carried himself, grounded and genuine.

In the days ahead, his absence will be felt in the smallest of ways—in routines that no longer feel complete, in conversations that reach for him out of habit, and in the quiet moments where his presence once felt certain. But what remains is not only absence. It is memory. It is laughter that echoes long after it happened. It is the way he made people feel safe simply by being himself. It is love that continues to exist in every person he touched. Some people leave behind achievements. Keenan left behind something quieter, but far more lasting. He left behind love.

Keenan’s legacy lives on through his Gift of Life organ donation to help others in need. The family prefers remembrances in the form of contributions to Gift of Life Donor Program, 401 North 3rd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19123 or at www.donors1.org/give.

A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held at 918 Long Run Rd., Schuylkill Haven, from 4-6 PM on Saturday, June 13th.

Geschwindt Stabingas Ebling Funeral Home, Inc. has been entrusted with arrangements.