‘Weirdo’ dies at 76 after battling cancer

A man who had been a fixture in the Philadelphia department stores for decades died Tuesday, according to family members.

Richard A. “Dick” Kiefer, 76, had been in the department stores since the 1940s, when he began as a clerk and then as a cashier, according an obituary in the newspaper the Lad Bible.

Kiefer had been hospitalized in July after a bout of pneumonia, and his health was deteriorating, family members said.

The Lad Bible obit said he died at his home Tuesday evening, and a GoFundMe page was set up to help cover funeral expenses.

The site said the cause of death was complications from cancer.

In addition to being an active member of the department store community, Kiefers wife, Jeanette Kiefermans, said he had been involved in the local community for many years.

Kieler’s family said in a statement that they were shocked and saddened by the news.

They asked for privacy during this difficult time, and we are all praying for his wife, family, friends and colleagues who knew him and loved him.

He was a great worker who made a huge impact in the business and a huge influence in the community, they said.

Kieffer was born in West Point, N.Y., in 1937, the year the U.S. entered World War II.

He moved to the Philadelphia area and joined the Philadelphia Fire Department in 1943.

He was promoted to lieutenant in 1950, serving as commander of the Philadelphia Division of Fire until 1957.

The family described Kiefercs life as one of hard work, hard times and good times, and said he was proud to serve as an officer in the Fire Department.

A memorial service for Kieferman is planned for Nov. 19 at St. Francis Catholic Church in Philadelphia.