Gregory K. Keefer

Gregory K. Keefer, 70, died peacefully on January 30, 2023, after nearly a decade living with a cruel form of early-onset dementia – Frontotemporal Degeneration (FTD).

Greg was born on January 4, 1953, to the late Jerry and Maxine (Seanor) Keefer in Oil City, PA. The son of two teachers, he also became a teacher after graduating from Clarion University.  He stayed in touch with many folks from high school and college and loved to reconnect with others later in life through social media. He taught 7 ^th grade math at Curtin Middle School in Williamsport, PA for 33 years (and was a substitute teacher even after retirement), mentoring and encouraging countless students and befriending all his coworkers.

Greg was smart and also wise. He had a great sense of humor and loved to laugh, especially at a pun or dad joke. He was engaged in his community and church, quick with a smile and a handshake or hug. His kind, genuine nature endeared him to everyone he met through his numerous activities. These included singing tenor in multiple choirs, playing trombone in bands, preforming in community theater, admiring antique cars, biking, playing racquetball, woodworking, waving a Terrible Towel, cheering at swim meets, and playing (usually winning) trivia at the Bullfrog, the Sticky Elbow, and Buffalo Wild Wings. Greg loved music, cars, chocolate, and learning new things. Greg’s deep faith in God was the foundation for the way he loved people.

Greg especially loved, and was beloved by, his family. He met his wife, Kristin (May) Keefer at a South Pacific cast party. She went to support a friend in the musical then saw him singing “Some Enchanted Evening” in a tuxedo and the rest, as they say, is history. They married on August 6, 1982, and were devoted to each other for 40 years, but their love deserved longer. He always made sure her car was immaculate and that she got a sparkly bauble for Christmas. Greg was kind, patient and supportive father who was unceasingly proud of his two children, Bennett (Lindsay) Keefer and Ellen (Andrew) Slikker. Having summers off together was the best, with lots of time spent in our backyard pool and pools across Central PA.  Greg captured many family memories from behind a giant, 1980s camcorder which are now treasured videos. His kids carry on his warm brown eyes, allegiance to Pittsburgh sports, and compassion for others.  His granddaughter, Elliot Slikker, brought a great deal of joy to his final years. He was preceded in death by his sister and best friend, K. Christine Holman. He is also survived by many extended family members, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who were like family.

The Keefer family wishes to extend our sincere thanks to our wide support system of friends, Ascend Health hospice service, and the dedicated staff of Bridge Haven in Lawrence, KS.  Your actions, thoughts and prayers were integral in assisting Greg and us.

In lieu of flowers, and without expectation, donations can be made in Greg’s name to the Williamsport Community Woodshop’s Veteran’s program (gifts made to Factory Works for Williamsport Community Woodshop, mailed to 1307 Park Ave Box #12, Williamsport, PA 17701) or to the Friends of Rider Park https://www.fcfpartnership.org/donate/

A small remembrance service will be held at Vintage Church in Lawrence, KS on Saturday, February 4 at 10:30am. We ask that attendees wear a mask. A celebration of life will be held in Pennsylvania at a later time.