Melvin E. Mel" Peiffer

Melvin E. “Mel” Peiffer, 82, formerly of Manheim, died peacefully on Wednesday, June 4, 2014, at Oak Leaf Manor North, Landisville. Born in Manheim, he was the son of the late LeRoy J. and Helen M. Rauch Peiffer. Mel was the loving husband of Alice Taylor Peiffer, and they observed their 62nd wedding anniversary in December of last year. Retiring from Susquehanna Bank following 31 years of service as a Bank Officer in Manheim and Lititz, Mel was part of the transition as the bank grew from Manheim National Bank to Farmers First, before becoming Susquehanna Bank. He proudly served in the United States Air Force during the Korean War where he flew 55 combat missions as an aerial gunner and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and Air Medal with two oak leaf clusters. Mel was an active member of St. Thomas Episcopal Church, Lancaster. He was a former member of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Manheim, where he sang in the choir and served as a senior warden and on the vestry. Other memberships included: Manheim American Legion, Manheim VFW, and the Manheim Historical Society. Mel’s interests were spending time with family, hiking, fishing and hunting.

Surviving in addition to his wife Alice, are two daughters: A. Victoria, wife of Donald Freeseman of Poinciana, FL., Debra L., wife of Richard A. Tenny of Lynchburg, VA., a son, David A., husband of Olena Sidenko Peiffer of Manheim, four grandchildren: Kelly A. Dorval, Ryan R. Tenny, Kyle P. Tenny, and Mikhail D. Peiffer, and two great grandchildren: Zachary and Hailey Dorval. Preceding Mel in death are two sisters, Thelma M. Witmeyer and Bernice H. Peiffer, and two brothers: James L. and Alfred G. Peiffer.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend his memorial service at St. Thomas Episcopal Church, 301 St. Thomas Road, Lancaster, on Wednesday, June 18, 2014, at 11:00 AM. Friends may visit with the family at the church on Wednesday morning from 10:00 AM until the time of the service. Interment will be in Manheim Fairview Cemetery. Please omit flowers. Those desiring may send contributions in Mel’s memory to St. Thomas Episcopal Church Memorial Fund, 301 St. Thomas Road, Lancaster, PA 17601.