william kiefer

William Ray Kiefer, 72, of New Manchester, formerly of Weirton 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.

Viewing will be held Monday at 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Greco Hertnick Funeral Home,3219 Main Street Weirton. The funeral Service will be conducted at Bethany Memorial Church on Main Street in Bethany, WV, at 11 AM Tuesday where friends may view his body from 10 AM until the time of his funeral services at 11 AM.

A private burial will follow 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

Services

Visitation: December 19, 2022 1:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Greco-Hertnick Funeral Home
3219 Main Street
Weirton, WV 26062

(304) 748-3219
http://grecohertnick.com

Visitation: December 20, 2022 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Bethany Memorial Church
Main Street
Bethany, WV 26032

304 829 7138

Funeral: December 20, 2022 11:00 am - 12:00 pm

Bethany Memorial Church
Main Street
Bethany, WV 26032

304 829 7138

Charities

The family greatly appreciates donations made to these charities in William Ray Kiefer 's name.

Bethany College


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www.bethanywv.edu

Memories Timeline

Guestbook

  1. My most sincere sympathy to Bill’s family. I worked for him for several years at Bogarad & Robertson; and we remained friends over the years. I am so very sorry for your loss.

  2. Candle Selection 5May the memories you shared bring you comfort moving forward during this period of grief. May he Rest In Peace.

  3. A couple of months ago, I had occasion to talk to Bill for the first time in years. I am so glad we had that conversation! He has been a family friend (and unofficial counselor) for as long as I can remember, and is one of very few people whose career spanned my grandfather’s, my father’s, and mine at National and Weirton Steel.

    R.I.P., Bill. My heartfelt condolences to the entire family.

  4. I am sorry that I will not be able to attend my friend and brother Bill’s celebration of life. My thoughts are with you though. I wish that I had met with you, Tamara, in Willamsburg. My sincerest sympathy to you, Neil, Chris, Steven, and Alex.
    Bob and Sharon Whipkey

  5. Candle Selection 8Our sincere condolences to the Kiefer Family and his dear friends. Always in our hearts and in our prayers.
    With Love the Drakos Family

  6. Candle Selection 2I worked with Bill at PTC for a number of years, he was always friendly and was a wealth of West Virginia political knowledge. You could ask Bill anything and he would get you an answer. He spoke often of his kids. He was a good guy. Our prayers are with his family. Rich and Candace Kirkwood

  7. Candle Selection 3Very nice man. We swapped interesting stories about our pasts. I am still sorry that I could not talk him into taking Arabic but he said “if there are no Latin letters, then he was not interested.” You will be missed, Bill.

  8. Condolences to his sons & their families. I babysat for Maria & Bill when I worked at Foodland back in the early 1980’s. He was always so kind and as the years passed and we would see each other, he would always take time to chat for a few minutes. Memory eternal.

  9. Neil, so sorry to hear about the loss of your brother. May his memory and your life experiences together always bring a smile to your face.


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