Obituary of John M. Hepfer

John Maginnis Hepfer, Jr., age 88 died on January 29, 2016 at home in the presence of family and supported by hospice. Prior to his retirement, Jack served as campus minister at SUNY Cortland from 1961-1973. In that role, he led student work groups to Guatemala and Belize to assist local residents in the building of hurricane shelters. Jack was also a counselor at George Junior Republic and served as pastor of the Odessa Baptist Church in Odessa, NY. Jack was a graduate of Penn State where he was a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity. Jack received graduate theological degrees from Andover Newton Theological School and Colgate Rochester Divinity School. Jack loved his family, sailing, and anything connected with Penn State football. Jack was a skilled carpenter who built his own retirement home in Virgil. He is survived by his wife, Ellen Cober Hepfer, son Kevin Hepfer, daughter-in-law Shelly Tracy, and daughter Kathryn Hepfer. A public celebration of Jack's life will be held in the spring. Memorial contributions can be made in Jack's memory to Hospice and Palliative Care, 11 Kennedy Parkway, Cortland, NY 13045.