Byron Peffer

Please share a memory of Byron to include in a keepsake book for family and friends.

View Tribute Book

BYRON “ZEKE” MERLE PEFFER, 69

Always referred to as Zeke, Byron Merle Peffer, 69, of Norvelt, passed away peacefully at home with his family on November 12, 2017, Born in Latrobe to Mary Jestene and Jacob E. Peffer, II, he was raised in Mammoth alongside his siblings and a group of close life-long friends.

Zeke is survived by his best friend, fraternity sweetheart and wife of 49 years, Joellen “Bunny” Peffer. He was extremely loving and proud of his four daughters, Bonnie Peffer (Rich Wilkins), of Las Vegas, Nevada; Jessica (Larry) Stormer of Ligonier; Nicole (Bob) Martin of Norvelt; and Amanda (Jeff) Raccor of Pleasant Unity. And, his seven grandchildren and true joys in his life including six granddaughters: Jenna Raccor, Kelsey Stormer, Emily Raccor, Lindsey Stormer, Rylee Martin, Haley Stormer, and his only grandson, Nathaniel Wilkins. He is also survived by his sister Avis Specht and her husband Wayne, of Latrobe; and his brother Eric Peffer and his wife Rochelle, of Mammoth; and his sister-in-law, Patti, of Springertown. Additionally, his numerous loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and club friends. Zeke is preceded in death by his parents and his beloved younger brother Jacob E. Peffer, III.

A former volunteer Kecksburg fireman, Zeke was a spirited and social man who enjoyed Western movies, had a love of ice cream and spending time with family and friends. For 35 years he worked as a salesman for Pepsi first in Kecksburg and then Youngwood, Pennsylvania, and served many years as the Union Steward for Teamsters Local 491. Zeke also held the office of Secretary-Treasurer of Teamsters Local 491 for three years. He was a former president and member of United Slovak Club as well as other various social clubs. After retirement he worked part-time as a bartender at Norvelt Fireman’s Club and Hecla Sportsman’s clubs. In his spare time he enjoyed golf in his two club leagues, shuffleboard, bar bingo with Bunny, playing scat with his grandchildren, and watching TV (especially Andy Griffith and Gunsmoke).

The family will celebrate his life and receive friends on Wednesday November 15, 2017 from 3-8pm at the Jay A. Hoffer Funeral Home, 2245 Mt Pleasant Road, Norvelt, Pennsylvania. Service to follow at the funeral home Thursday at 11am with Pastor David L. Greer officiating. Zeke will be laid to rest at Forty Martyr’s Cemetery, Trauger.