Ronald Richard Keiper

The family of Ronald Richard Keiper, 83, is saddened to announce his death on Dec, 24th in Newtown, PA. Ronald Keiper, is the son of Marianna (née Meyers) and Richard Keiper. His sister, Dawn, and her spouse, Terry Lindermuth, reside in Allentown, PA. He is survived by two children, Eric Keiper, of Chambersburg, PA and daughter, Amy Keiper-Shaw, and son-in-law, Ryan Shaw, of Newtown, PA. Ron has two grandchildren, Kassidy Page and Peyton Keiper Shaw, who will carry forth the Keiper legacy. 

Ronald Keiper, holds a Ph D from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, and a Bachelors of Biology from Muhlenberg College, Allentown, PA. He was a Park Ranger for the National Park Service after graduation. Ronald worked with NASA at Wallups Island in VA. while at Penn State Mont Alto. Ron was a member of the Doctoral Committee, rose to the Director of Academic Affairs, and was a Distinguished Professor of Biology (Emeritus). Ron was a life long learner and valued higher education. Therefore, Ron and his second wife created the Ronald and Linda Keiper Student Scholarship for Excellence at the Penn State Mont Alto campus. Ronald was a professor for more than fifty years, his first 30 years at Penn State Mont Alto, then the remaining 20 years at Valencia Community College in Orlando, FL where he held the position of Dean of Sciences. He authored four books, Windy of Chincoteague, The Island Ponies, The Assateague Ponies, and Through Nature’s Window. He also received a Fulbright Scholarship to study the Przewalski horses in Germany. 

Ron loved spending his time outdoors gardening, cheering on his grandson playing baseball, traveling, listening to music, and watching the birds. He always had a multitude of animals, including numerous feral cats that he cared for in addition to his own pets. He will be greatly missed by his family, colleagues, friends, and caregivers.

Services will be held at the Lutheran Church of God’s Love, 791 Newtown Yardley Road, Newtown, PA on January 7th at 11:00am.