Dr. John Kiefer

After a long battle with cancer, Dr. John Kiefer,71, of Hermitage, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, in his home, surrounded by his loving family.

Dr. Kiefer was born on July 22, 1954, in Sharon. After earning his undergraduate Bachelor of Science degree from Penn State, he worked as a biophysicist. He then pursued further education and earned his doctorate in psychology from the University of Hartford. As a psychologist, he worked primarily in California. He was a true scientist in mind and heart.

Dr. Kiefer was a man of many interests. He loved to travel, especially to national parks. Yosemite was his favorite, and Yellowstone was a close second. He had a passion for photography and a talent for beautifully capturing waterfalls and trillions of stars in the sky. He won several photography contests for his work. He loved organic gardening and cooking - once winning a chili contest - and always looked forward to vacationing in Europe, Canada, and Australia.

He is survived by his wife of 31 years, Dr. Genevieve Monks (they were together for 36 years); his brother Bill Kiefer, and his wife, Patti; his sister, Mary Hoagland, and her husband, Bob; his nephew, Robert, and his wife, Kayleigh; and many cousins. He will be greatly missed.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be directed to the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, by mailing to the address: Medical and Health Sciences Foundation, Forbes Tower, Suite 8084, 3600 Forbes Ave. at Meyran Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15213, Attn: Gift Processing or online at: www.donate.upmc.com.

Calling hours will be 12:30 to 1 p.m. Saturday (04/11/2026) in J. Bradley McGonigle Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 1090 East State St., Sharon. 

A celebration of life will immediately follow at 1 p.m. Saturday, in the funeral home.