Austin Kreeger, 78 of Kirkwood, passed away at his home on October 29, 2023. Born to the late Raymond Wilson and Annie Fishel Kreeger in York, PA, Austin attended Dallastown Area High School, Graduated Magna Cum Laude from Millersville State College with a Bachelors' Degree in Education and Psychology, in 1974, and a Master's in Psychology in 1979. He also received his administrative certificate from the University of Pennsylvania in 1979.

Early in his career, he worked in retail management in PA, New York, Delaware, and Texas from 1962-67 prior to being drafted into the U.S. Army. He served as a combat infantryman in Vietnam from 1967-68 and achieved the rank of Sergeant (SGT E5) in the US Army 25 Infantry Division Triple Deuce (2d Battalion, 22d infantry). During this time, he was awarded the Purple Heart for being wounded in action, as well as the Bronze Star.

Austin began his career in education as a teacher at Providence and a head teacher at Bart Colerain Elem. School in the Solanco School District. He went on to serve as a principal for 20 years at Fulton-Little Britain, Bart-Colerain, and Quarryville Elementary Schools also in the Solanco School District.

He was nominated three times for Pennsylvania's Principal of the Year, finishing as runner-up in 1997. During his time at Quarryville Elem., he studied with Johnson & Johnson at the Univ. of Minnesota and worked extensively with his staff to implement the Cooperative Learning initiative and received awards and recognition for his success.

He enjoyed spending time with his many dogs rescued (15 dogs in 43 years). He especially loved Beau, who died in February 2023 while Austin was in rehab. Austin found Beau through United Disability Services. A faithful and gentle companion, Beau showed his love by taking off Austin's shoes and socks when needed and always remaining by his side.

Austin also enjoyed landscaping and painting his 10-acre property. This included building 200 feet of dry-stone walls, establishing nature trails, and creating a koi pond. Falling blind later in life did not stop him from enjoying the slopes and he would take his family on ski vacations to New Hampshire. He also enjoyed collecting antiques and traveled with his wife to many Caribbean islands.

Austin belonged to the PA Council of the Blind, American Council of the Blind, and the Blinded Veterans Assoc. He belonged to many professional organizations including the PA Principals Association, Lancaster-Lebanon Principal's Assoc., American Assoc. of Curriculum Development. He also was a member of the Chi Gamma Iota and the Veteran's Fraternities while attending Millersville.

Left to treasure his memory is his beloved wife of 43 years, Beverly Kreeger; his daughter Danielle Kreeger and daughter in-law Karen Young Kreeger; grandson Austin William Kreeger all of Media PA; his siblings Michael Kreeger husband of Jenny of England, and Shirley Kreeger Beard of York PA; niece Christina Beard Stola wife of Joe of York, PA; nephews Kevin Kreeger and Corey Kreeger; grandnephew Tyler Howard; and his dogs Pete and Credo.

Family and friends are respectfully invited to Austin's memorial service Friday November 3, 2023, at Charles Snyder Funeral Home, 2421 Willow Street Pike, at 11am. The family will receive friends from 9am until the time of the service. A luncheon will be held following service at 12:30pm at Grace Community Church in Willow Street. In lieu of flowers, kindly consider a donation to the Dog Program at United Disabilities Service at https://udservices.org/service-dog-donation-store/.