Gregory K. Keefer, 70, passed away peacefully on January 30, 2023, after living nearly a decade with a cruel form of early dementia – frontotemporal degeneration (FTD).
Greg was born on January 4, 1953 to the late Jerry and Maxine (Seanor) Keefer in Oil City. The son of two teachers, he also became a teacher after graduating from Clarion University. He stayed in touch with many people from high school and college, and enjoyed reconnecting with others later in life through social media.
He taught 7th grade math at Curtin Middle School in Williamsport for 33 years (and served as a substitute teacher even after his retirement), mentoring and encouraging countless students and befriending all of his colleagues.
Greg was smart and also wise. He had a great sense of humor and loved to laugh, especially at a pun or a dad joke. He was committed to his community and his church, quick with a smile and a handshake or a hug. His kind and genuine nature endeared him to everyone he met through his many activities, including singing tenor in several choirs, playing trombone in bands, performing in a community theater, admiring cars oldies, riding bicycles, playing racquetball, woodworking, waving a terrible towel, cheering at swimming competitions and playing (usually winning) trivia games at Bullfrog, Sticky Elbow and Buffalo Wild Wings.
Greg loved music, cars, chocolate and learning new things. Greg’s deep faith in God was the foundation of his way of loving people.
Greg especially loved his family and was loved by them. He met his wife, Kristin (May) Keefer at a cast party in the South Pacific. She went to support a friend in the musical, then saw him sing “An enchanted evening” in a tuxedo and the rest, as they say, is history. They were married on August 6, 1982 and devoted for 40 years, but their love deserved longer. He always made sure his car was spotless and that it got a sparkly ball for Christmas.
Greg was a kind, patient, and supportive father who was endlessly proud of his two children, Bennett (Lindsay) Keefer and Ellen (Andrew) Slikker. Spending summers together was the best, with plenty of time spent in our backyard pool and Central Pa pools.
Greg captured many family memories behind a giant camcorder from the 1980s, which are now treasured videos. His children carry on his warm brown eyes, his allegiance to Pittsburgh sports and his compassion for others. Her granddaughter, Elliot Slikker, brought much joy to her later years.
He was predeceased 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 would like to express their sincere thanks to our extensive support system of friends, the Ascend Health palliative care service and the dedicated staff at Bridge Haven in Lawrence, Kan. Your actions, thoughts and prayers were integral to the help Greg and we received.
In lieu of flowers, and with no wait, donations can be made in Greg’s name to the Williamsport Community Woodshop Veterans Program (donations made to Factory Works for Williamsport Community Woodshop, mailed to 1307 Park Ave Box #12, Williamsport, PA 17701) or at Friends of Rider Park https://www.fcfpartnership.org/donate/.
A small memorial service will be held at Vintage Church in Lawrence, Kan. Saturday, February 4 at 10:30 a.m. We ask participants to wear a mask. A celebration of life will be held in Pennsylvania at a later date.