Obituaries

William Ray Keifer

WILLIAM RAY KIEFER, 72, of New Manchester, formerly of Weirton, WV passed away at his home on Thursday December 15, 2022. Bill was born December 30, 1949, to George William and Dorothy Solenday Kiefer in Pittsburgh, PA. Bill grew up in Forest Hills PA, and graduated from Churchill Area High School, (1967); Bethany College, (B.A. History 1971) and the University of Pittsburgh School of Law, (J.D. 1974). Bill commenced his Legal career in Weirton WV, with the law firm of Bogarad and Robertson. In 1985 he joined the legal department of Weirton Steel Corporation after that entity’s creation as the then largest, 100% employee owned, industrial company. He remained with Weirton Steel until 2004, rising to the rank of Vice-President, General Counsel and Secretary. Following the bankruptcy of Weirton Steel, he spent several years with the law firm of Steptoe and Johnson which he left to become Executive Vice-President, General Counsel and Chief Financial Officer of his beloved Bethany College. Although he retired from the college in 2013, he remained its General Counsel until 2022. From 2006 until 2017 he also practiced law with the firm of Frankovitch, Anetakis, Colantonio and Simon, of Weirton, (a successor law firm to the firm he originally joined in 1974.) From 2014 to 2021, he served as General Counsel to Pittsburgh Technical Institute, now Pittsburgh Technical College, and was involved in its transition to a private non-profit educational institution. Bill was an active and meaningful participate in the community chairing The United Way Board of Directors, Weirton General Hospital and Weirton General Hospital Foundation. He was a member of the Weirton Christian Center Board, the Business and Development Board, The Chamber of Commerce and many other boards during his tenure at Weirton Steel and thereafter. Bill exhibited his loving and giving nature through numerous relationships with his family; many friends and numerous organizations to which he donated his time and ability. As an attorney his demeanor was gentle, but his effectiveness was legend among his peers. He is survived by his wife Tamara Pettit of New Manchester; brother Neil (Cece)Kiefer of St. Petersburg, FL. Also left to cherish his memory are three sons Christopher M.D. (Autumn M.D) of Morgantown; Attorney Stephen (Stephanie) of Sewickley, PA and Alex (Andreas) of London, England, and the children’s mother, Maria Kiefer, of Canonsburg, PA. The light of his life, his six grandchildren survive as his legacy of all that is joyful and hopeful about our future. Also surviving are two stepchildren Shannon Pettit of New Cumberland and Attorney Douglas (Laurie) Pettit of San Diego, CA; six step-grandchildren: and one great step grandchild. Visitation was held Monday, December 19, 2022, at Greco-Hertnick Funeral Home, Weirton. The funeral service was conducted at Bethany Memorial Church on Main Street in Bethany Tuesday, December 20, 2022. A private burial followed in New Cumberland Cemetery, New Cumberland, WV. Throughout Bill’s lifetime his commitment and passion were directed towards the preservation and survival of Bethany College. Those wishing to do so may make a memorial contribution in his name to Bethany. Share tributes at www.grecohertnick.com.