Jesse Edward Keyser Jr., 90

January 12, 2017

Jesse Edward Keyser Jr., 90 years old and a resident of Brethren Village in Lancaster, PA passed away peacefully and of natural causes at his home on Thursday January 12, 2017. He was born in Philadelphia, PA in 1926. He was the son of Hilda Angstadt Keyser and Jesse E. Keyser Sr. He grew up in Eddystone and Ridley Park, PA and spent most of his adult life living in Lancaster, PA. He graduated from Eddystone High School in 1944 and studied engineering at Penn State. In 1955 he married Marion Larkin Keyser and was happily married for over 62 years. Marion was by his side when he passed.

In addition to his wife Marion, he is survived by his four children and their spouses: daughter Janice Brown and her husband Henry Brown of Red Lion, PA; Brian Keyser and Jane Kogut Keyser of Newtown, PA; daughter Deborah Graver and her husband Keith Graver of Phoenixville, PA; and David Keyser of Columbus, OH. He is also survived by six grandchildren: Logan Brown of Sheboygan WI; Katie and Chet Kogut of Newtown, PA; and Bryce, Addison, and Owen Graver of Phoenixville, PA. Jesse had four brothers and four sisters. He is survived by his sisters Arlene McVickar of Oxford PA, Marilyn Smith of Naples, FL and multiple nieces and nephews. Jesse was predeceased by brothers William, Edgar, Robert, and Donald; and sisters Ruth Smith and Joan McCaffery.

In 1956 Jesse came to Lancaster to work as master tool and die maker for Schick Shaver Inc. in their R&D department where he designed and built prototypes of new products. Beginning in 1966 he was employed by Alumax (nee. Howmet). He retired from Alumax in 1990. He served as PFC in the US Army during the Korean War, assigned mainly to the 49th Gun Battalion in Fort Sheridan, IL. Although his Army occupation was technically small arms weapons mechanic, he also spent much of his time playing baseball for the 49th battalion baseball team. Reportedly the baseball team was a high priority for his commanding officers as beating up on other battalions supported the morale. His children were never fully convinced.

He was for many years a frequent patron at Billy Penn restaurant and a part of the “breakfast gang” there. He was an avid fan of the Phillies, Eagles and Penn State Football. He enjoyed his vegetable garden, playing bridge and pinochle, golf, and fishing. He loved to fish down the shore where with his family he vacationed annually. He participated in the PA senior games and won several state-wide senior games medals. He was most proud of his winning the 65+ punting competition.

In retirement, he enjoyed visits to the shore where he and his best friend Dan Deiter bought the smallest bay-going boat anyone ever saw and nick-named it “The Fishing Machine.” There were reportedly many very large flounder caught aboard that dinghy, but other than Dan and Jesse there were no other witnesses.

Friends will be received on Friday, January 20, 2017 from 10-11AM at the Charles F. Snyder Jr. Funeral Home & Crematory, 3110 Lititz Pike, Lititz, PA, with the Memorial Service to follow at 11AM. In lieu of flowers, please make contributions in Jesse’s memory to the Alzheimers Association, Greater PA Chapter, 2595 Interstate Dr., Suite 100, Harrisburg, PA 17110.