Dr. Joseph Hugh Keffer, a devoted husband, father, physician, and man of faith, passed away peacefully on May 9, 2025, at the age of 89.
Born in Trenton, New Jersey, Joseph was the youngest of six children born to the late John Poist Keffer, Sr. and Elizabeth O’Hara Keffer. He graduated from Villanova University in 1957 and earned his medical degree from Georgetown University School of Medicine with Honors in 1961. Following medical school, he proudly served in the United States Air Force beginning in 1962, completing his service as a Lieutenant Colonel. After his military service, he then began a long and distinguished career in medicine as a pathologist. He practiced pathology for 33 years and was a former director of clinical laboratories at Parkland Hospital at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, Texas when he retired from clinical medicine.
Dr. Keffer was a nationally recognized pathologist who served as a past President of the American Society of Clinical Pathologists (ASCP). A lifelong learner, he remained deeply engaged with the medical community throughout his life, maintaining close professional relationships with physicians across the country. He was a voracious reader-especially of World War II history and medical journals—and committed himself to staying at the forefront of evolving medical knowledge.
Faith was central to Joseph’s life. A devout Catholic, he was a longtime and deeply involved member of Saint William Catholic Church. He served as a lector, sang in the church choir, and was a past president of the Men’s Club, where he remained actively involved in various activities. His dedication to his parish and his faith was unwavering. In addition to faith, Joe found joy in many things—travel, especially cruises, his loyal dogs, and good conversation. He was an avid sports fan and loved watching his Villanova Wildcats, especially in basketball.
He is survived by his wife, Marie Scantling Keffer; his four sons, Joseph H. Keffer, Jr., Michael B. Keffer, Dr. J. Reilly Keffer (Valerie), and Captain Jonathan Keffer, USN (Claudine); and Marie’s children, Liane Colley and Robert Colley; and ten grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister-in-law Susan Keffer.
He is predeceased by his brother, Dr. John P. Keffer, and his sisters, Elizabeth Wetzel, Rita Fitzpatrick, Rose Marie Leadem, and Louise Biemer.
Dr. Keffer’s life was marked by compassion, service, and intellectual curiosity. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by his family, friends, colleagues, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.
A Celebration of Life will be Friday, May 30, 2025 at 11:00 am at the Saint William Catholic Church with Father Michael Donovan officiating.
Townson-Rose Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
You may send tributes to the family at
www.townson-rose.com
Robert Kevin Russell 
