“The mountains are calling, and I must go.”
Raymond E. Keefer, Jr passed away on May 8, 2022 at the age of 63, after a courageous battle with cancer. He passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones.
An enthusiastic traveler, he took every opportunity to venture out to the mountains to spend time telling stories with Doug Wheeler and other friends. Ray will be forever remembered for his quick wit, dry sense of humor and his kind and compassionate heart.
He was born on June 10, 1958 in Rochester, PA, the cherished son of Elizabeth and Raymond E. Keefer Sr.
A 1976 graduate from Center High School, Ray was an all-conference lineman for the Trojans.
Ray was instrumental in developing the Beaver County Youth Football League were he served on the executive board. He was also an excellent coach, sharing his passion for football with the youth of Monaca and New Brighton. He also coached basketball in Monaca and Center. After he hung up his coaching whistle, he continued to be involved with youth sports as a baseball and softball umpire.
He was the proud father of two sons, Raymond E. (Bethany) Keefer III and Shaun Benjamin (Kelly) Keefer. Grandchildren Grayce and Fayth, Jayda and Luke Keefer, and Taylor, Sal and Antonio Laure. He was the loving brother of sister Robin Bojanac.
Ray had a special place in his heart for his long time companion Vicki Farrow.
He will sadly be missed by his many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Ray was preceeded in death by his parents, brother Richard Keefer, Sr, sister Renee Erickson and grandparents Ellsworth R. and Ellener (Towney) Keefer and Robert and Mary Hill.
Ray was a Logistics Manager for LaserShip in Pittsburgh. He loved to travel and had a passion for golf. He took great pride in maintaining his personal golf course in the “hollow”.
The family would like to thank Dr David Jansma and Dr William Ferri for their great care, and are grateful to the wonderful staff at Good Samaritan Hospice of Beaver who comforted him in his last days.
All are welcome for visitation at Simpson Funeral and Cremation Services, 1119 Washington Avenue, Monaca, PA 15061 on Thursday, May 12th from 4pm to 7pm. A memorial service to follow at 7 pm with Pastor Don MacNeil officiating.
In lieu flowers, the family would prefer donations be made in memory of Ray Keefer to the Good Samaritan Hospice, 1000 Dutch Ridge Road, Beaver, PA 15009.
To leave online condolences, view his video tribute, add photos, light a memorial candle, get directions, please visit Ray’s permanent memorial at www.simpsonfuneralhome.com.
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