Fredrick P. Keifer, Sr., 86, of Burlington, CT, passed away on Monday, February 12, 2018, surrounded by his loving family. He was born in the Bronx, NY, on December 31, 1931, the last of four children of the late Theodore and Mamie (Heidlebach) Keifer.
Fred enlisted in the Navy in March of 1950, three months before the Korean War started. He was first aboard the Destroyer Fisk DD-842, serving in the Korean War. Later he served on the J.P. Kennedy, Jr., DD-850. He received numerous medals and certificates and was honorably discharged in December 1953. In 1964, when Fidel Castro cut off the main water supply to the U.S. base in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, Fred was hired by Burns and Roe with a handful of other workers to operate powerhouse equipment for the new desalinization plant being built. Under harsh conditions they worked 14 to 18 hours a day. Fred spent 4 ½ years at the plant, then left in 1969 as an Assistant Engineer and Control Operator.
When he returned home, he started work in the powerhouse at Pratt and Whitney in Southington, retiring in 1993 after 24 years of service. He worked for the ARC of the Farmington Valley as a driver from 2001 - 2014. Fred was a lifetime V.F.W. member and a member of the American Legion.
He is survived by his loving wife Joan, his children, Fredrick Keifer, Jr. of Torrington, Debra Keifer and her partner Jeffry Thibodeau of Winsted, Eric Keifer and his wife Jennifer of Danvers, MA, Daniel Keifer and his partner Brandin Pilmer of Burlington, and Brian Keifer and his partner Joseph Truong of Chicago, IL. He also leaves several grandchildren and great grandchildren.
There are no calling hours. Graveside service will be held on Friday, February 16th, at 11:00 AM at the Greenwood Cemetery, 640 Lovely Street in Avon. The Vincent Funeral Home of Canton is caring for the arrangements. Please visit Fred’s “Book of Memories” at www.vincentfuneralhome.com for online condolences.