Peter Turn Kiefer

1934 - 2022

NEWARK - Peter Turn Kiefer, completed his earthly journey on May 20, 2022.

A Celebration of Life service will be held in State College, Pa. at a later time; details to be determined.

In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial contributions to Laurel House Comfort Care Home, 224 Fair Street, Newark, NY 14513; Penn State University Libraries: raise.psu.edu (search for University Libraries Future Fund). Checks may be sent with Pete's name in the memo area to: Libraries Development Office, 510 Paterno Library, University Park, PA 16802, or Asbury First United Methodist Church, 1050 East Avenue, Rochester, NY 14607

Pete was a cherished husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, son, brother, nephew and cousin. He was born in Philadelphia, Pa., on August 22, 1934, son of Murrel and Jean Kiefer, and grew up in Stroudsburg, Pa.

Pete graduated from the Pennsylvania State University in 1956 and was a devoted life-long Nittany Lion fan. He served in the US Army working on radio communication systems. His career expanded to broadcasting in radio at WFIL in Philadelphia and sound engineer for Philadelphia Orchestra at Robin Hood Dell. His career in audio, sound, recording, broadcasting, conducting, music publishing, archiving and curating spanned many organizations including RCA, Shawnee Press, Fred Waring's Pennsylvanians and finally Penn State University for over 25 years.

Pete was an extraordinary and dedicated sound man, drummer, choral director, showman, teacher, colleague, mentor, friend, avid reader, Revolutionary war history buff, and one of Fred Waring's Pennsylvanians. He directed vibrant church choirs at Faith Presbyterian in NJ, Stroudsburg and E. Stroudsburg Presbyterian and was a member of First Presbyterian in State College, Pa. He introduced many musical friends to the Bethlehem Bach Festival, attending for over 50 years.

Pete directed the Penn State "Singing Lions" show choir, inspired by the Waring "Blendors" for over 25 years. During his many decades with Fred Waring, he toured as a sound man and tour director, and directed the Fred Waring Summer Music Workshops. He kept Fred Waring's legacy alive through his establishment of Fred Waring's America Special Collection at Penn State, many feature articles and presentations, teaching Elderhostels, authoring the Fred Waring Discography and organizing Pennsylvanian reunions. He was a member and contributor to many industry, community and fraternal organizations, including Lion's Paw, Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, Kappa Delta Rho, Kiwanis International, American Choral Directors Association, Pennsylvania Music Educators Association, National Association of Jazz Educators, National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences, and PSU Alumni Association.

He and Julia befriended, cared for, and cooked for many young singers and musicians, church choir members and built vibrant communities of faith and music. "Music makes the world go round."

He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Julia Kiefer, daughters, Pamela (Bill), Susan (Glenn) and Corinne (Steve); grandchildren, Will, Rhonda, Julianna, Carly, Griffin and Auryn; and great-granddaughter, Grace.

He was predeceased by his son, Perry.

For those wishing to write a note of condolence, please visit www.devaneybennettfh.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the DeVaney-Bennett Funeral Home.