Obituaries

Lou Kiefer

October 31, 1932 - May 21, 2022

Burial Date May 21, 2022

Lou Kiefer

Mystic — Lou Kiefer, 89, labor organizer and writer, passed away May 21, 2022, in his home in Mystic, surrounded by family.
He was born Oct. 31, 1932, in Rochester, Pa., growing up in Aliquippa, a once burgeoning steel town on the banks of the upper Ohio River. Trained as a pharmacist, he ran his family’s drug store, where he met his beloved wife of 60 years, Jackie. After they married, he eventually left pharmacy in pursuit of nobler causes. A stint as an editor for a coal miners’ newsletter eventually led to years of gratifying work representing machinist and aerospace workers as a labor organizer. He also followed his passion for writing, publishing stirring political op-ed pieces in local papers, as well as poignant short stories.
His years fighting for workers’ rights both informed and reflected his outlook and ethos in everyday life. To him, the traditional U.S. motto “E Pluribus Unum” (“Out of many, one”) were words to live by, as he always looked for common ground and the greater good, not just in his professional life, but in all aspects of life.
In addition to the written word, his other passions included baseball, travel, politics, and above all, his wife Jackie and their family. Together Jackie and Lou raised three children in Glastonbury, before work took them to California, then Maryland. Eventually they retired in Hernando, Fla. for 20 years, before settling back in Connecticut to be closer to family. Over the years, Lou often combined his love for baseball and family by coaching his children’s teams and spending countless hours at ballparks cheering on his daughter, sons, and grandchildren.
Time spent with family was what Lou enjoyed most of all. Whether it was vacations with his brother, sisters and their spouses, or picnics at Harkness Park with Jackie, his children, their spouses, and grandchildren, Lou was happiest with those he loved. He showed that love through his sincere and enthusiastic support of any passion or interest a family member might have. Lou was always interested and curious about life and about people, and he never stopped learning or caring about either one.
He is survived by his wife Jacqueline; three children, Peter (Giovanna) Kiefer, Katheryn Sullivan, and Michael (Susan) Kiefer; four grandchildren, Kiefer Sullivan, Peter, Victoria and Roberto; and his three siblings, David (Shirley) Kiefer, Dorothy (Jim) McDivitt, and Mimzy (Bobby) Schaller; as well as his niece, four nephews, and seven grand-nieces and nephews.
He will be greatly missed, but we are grateful for the influence he had on everyone who was fortunate enough to know him.
Donations can be made in his honor to the United Way of Southeastern Connecticut.