Richard M. Keefrider

Colonie - Richard "Spike" Keefrider,78, died peacefully at home on Wednesday, July 23, 2008, surrounded by his family after a courageous two-year battle with cancer. Born on May 9, 1930, son of Harry and Priscilla Keefrider, he grew up in Philadelphia, PA and graduated from West Catholic High School, Philadelphia, PA. '47. He was a proud member of the US Marines Corp from 1949 to 1956, serving in the Korean War from 1951 – 1953. He worked for Niagara Mohawk for 36 years, retiring in 1992. Spike left his Home of "Brotherly Love" and his family to marry Marilyn Mapes in 1951. They resided in Colonie for the past 40 years. Spike was a volunteer firefighter for the Fuller Road Fire Dept. from 1970 to 2008. He was a member of their 25 Year Club, Captain of the Fire Police for 24 years, and Outstanding Fireman of the Year in 2006. He was a past member of The Fire Police Assn. of Albany County. He also was a member of the Volunteer Fire Police Assn. of the State of New York.
An avid sports fan, Spike loved his Philadelphia Phillies, the fighting Irish of Notre Dame and playing golf at the Town of Colonie Golf Course. He was communicant at Our Lady of Mercy Church in Colonie where he was a church usher for over 20 years.
In addition to his wife, Marilyn, Spike is survived by his sons Michael (Lois) (Guilderland) and Dennis (Colonie) who was his housemate and primary care giver as his health deteriorated; grandchildren, Michael and Kristin (Beijing, China); his sister Priscilla McKee, brother Paul Keefrider; sister in-law, Helen Keefrider, brothers in-law, Bob Berens, Francis Dunbar, William, Richard and Phillip Mapes, mother in-law, Doris Mapes, uncle, Alan Boyce, and 31 nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, his siblings; Mary Dunbar, Harry Keefrider and Margaret Berens.
Everybody loved Spike. He was a great husband, dad, and family guy. Always a good listener, he was easy and fun to be around. For many years he worked 2 jobs so Marilyn could be a full-time mom.
Special thanks to Dr. David Shaffer and his staff from NYOH, everyone at Community Hospice, Helen Bruder, caregiver, and Spike's many friends at the Fuller Road Fire Dept., The Firkin & Fox and Grandma's Restaurant in Colonie, NY. He will miss them all. (Please visit these restaurants and "Tell 'em Spike sent you.")
Funeral services will be Monday morning at 9:15 at New Comer Cannon Funeral Home, 343 New Karner Rd. Colonie (Rt. 155-south of Central Ave) then to Our Lady of Mercy Church, Wilson Ave. Colonie at 10:00 where the Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Calling hours will be Sunday from 4 to 8 pm at the funeral home. Entombment will be in St. Agnes Cemetery, Menands.
At the request of the family, memorial contributions are suggested to the Fuller Road Fire Dept. 1342 Central Avenue, Albany, NY 12205.