Obituary of Gary D. Keefer

Gary D. Keefer, age 83 formerly of Wilson and Wrights Corners, died Thursday, February 18, 2016 in Eastern Niagara Hospital in Lockport after a brief illness. Gary was born April 8, 1932 in Buffalo, NY, the son of the late Everett and Marion (Dustin) Keefer. He was a 1950 graduate of Bennett High School and attended the University of Buffalo from 1951 to 1956 pursuing a degree in pharmaceutical science and working part time as a pharmacist apprentice. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1956 and upon his honorable discharge in 1958 he completed his studies at UB and received his Bachelors of Pharmaceutical Science in 1959. Gary had worked for Okie's Pharmacy in Wilson, Barnum's Pharmacy in Youngstown, and Smith Pharmacy in Lockport, retiring from the Rite Aid Pharmacy in Lockport in 1994. He was a member and former elder of St. Peter Evangelical Lutheran Church at North Ridge; a member of the U.S.S. Canberra Association; the UB Pharmaceutical Alumni and the Kappa Psi Pharmaceutical Fraternity. Gary was a collector of model railroad, aviation, antique and contemporary military memorabilia. He enjoyed photography, history, geography and most especially fishing with his grandchildren. He is survived by three sons, Timothy Keefer (Connie Lum) of Middlebrook, VA, Thomas (Valerie) Keefer of Wilson, and Paul Keefer (Patrick Corey) of Washington, DC; and his grandchildren, Steven, Elizabeth, and Evan Keefer. A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, February 27, at 11:00 AM in St. Peter Evangelical Lutheran Church at North Ridge, with the Rev. Robert Hoffman officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Peter Evangelical Lutheran Church at North Ridge, 4169 Church Rd., Lockport, NY 14094. Arrangements have been entrusted to HARDISON FUNERAL HOME, 3648 Ransomville Rd. Ransomville, NY.