Dean Kifer

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Dean C. “Pappy” Kifer, 89, on Wednesday, October 4, 2023. He passed peacefully at home surrounded by his family. Dean was born in Jeannette December 2, 1933, the son of the late John and Bernice (Smail) Kifer and was protestant by faith. Dean was very athletic and loved playing football while attending Jeannette High School, graduating in 1952.  He enjoyed watching football especially collegiate games, golfing and coaching Hempfield Midget football.  He belonged to several golf leagues, played bocce and volunteered at the St. Vincent DePaul store. He also was a member of the Jeannette American Legion. He was honorably discharged from the US Army in 1957 after serving two years in Germany.  Dean was known for his hard working nature and skills. He was employed as a union carpenter and supervised the construction of several Giant Eagle supermarkets in this area. He was always willing to help others. He loved the outdoors and enjoyed deer hunting, fly fishing, camping and working in his shop making furniture.  Dean loved and cherished his family above all else. He is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Mary “Sue” (Kotarski) Kifer, his children, son Richard Kifer and daughter Karen (Mark) Prinkey and his two grandsons Jacob and Zachary Prinkey.  Also surviving are his two sisters, Marlene Tilson and Charlene Berlin, Sister-in-law Tillie Zuzich and brother-in-law John Kotarski and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.  He also leaves behind his pet French Bulldog “Dolly.”  After retirement he and Sue were fortunate to do a lot of traveling and spent winters in Arizona, Texas but mostly in Florida.  They also enjoyed square dancing and camping with their group where they made many lasting friendships. Friends will be received in the Mason-Gelder Funeral Home Inc., 201 N. First St. Jeannette Friday from 10:00 AM till time of memorial service at 11:00 AM with Rev. Caroline Clifford officiating. Interment with full military honors will follow in Twin Valley Memorial Park, Delmont.  The family would like to thank the Redstone Hospice nurses Julia and Amanda and Redstone nurses Joni and Emily for the wonderful, compassionate care they gave Dean.  To send online condolences visit www.mason-gelder.com.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Humane Society of Westmoreland County, PO Box 1552 Greensburg, PA 15601 or the Wounded Worriers Project at www.woundedwarriorproject.org.

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