John Edgar Peifer, D. Ed.

John Edgar Peifer, D. Ed., 88, of New Cumberland died Sunday, January 31, 2021.

He was born December 14, 1932, in Danville to the late Verdine H. and Margaret M. (Graeber) Peifer and grew up in Shamokin. He was the widower of Marian (Romberger) Peifer, Ph.D.

He is survived by his daughter, Marian P. “Mimi” Clark (Thomas) of Mechanicsburg; son, James R. Peifer of New Cumberland; and granddaughter, Kathryn Clark Turner (Greydon) of Landisburg.

He was a 1950 graduate of Shamokin High School and later graduated from Penn State University in 1957 where he majored in Education and Biology. He later received a Doctorate of Education from Penn State in 1962. During his time at Penn State he met Marian Romberger and they married December 31, 1956. He was also an active member of the Chi Phi college fraternity at Penn State.

He retired from the Pennsylvania Department of Education in 1986 where he held several positions over 16 years including Senior Staff Associate; Chief, Division of Private Schools; Chief, Private Academic Schools; Coordinator for Special Projects; and Education Evaluation Advisor. From 1966 through 1969, he was an Assistant Professor of Education at the University of Delaware. He also served as an instructor of Developmental Reading at Cedar Cliff High School from 1961 to 1965.

Some of his professional organizations and honors include the American Educational Research Assn.; Assn. of Supervisors and Curriculum Development; International Reading Assn.; National Education Assn.; Pennsylvania State Education Assn; Phi Delta Kappa, Chairman of the Research Committee; Leaders in Education; Vice President of National Assn. of State Administrators and Supervisors of Private Schools. He was also a long-time member of the Harris Ferry Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution.

John was the consummate Penn State sports fan and he loved going to events and tailgating with family and friends. He held season tickets until his health prevented him from being able to attend games. He also enjoyed going fishing, bird watching and spending time at his summer home in Huntingdon County with family and friends.

Viewing will be from 1 to 2pm Thursday, February 4th at Parthemore Funeral Home followed by a graveside services at Paxtang Cemetery, Swatara Twp.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Foundation or Appalachian Audubon Society.