Walter Keiss, 65, of Mount Laurel died Feb. 15.
Born in Upper Darby, Pa., Keiss graduated from Monsignor Bonner High School and St. Francis University of Loretto, Pa., where he met his wife, Susan.
They were married in Avalon in 1968.
He served in the U.S. Navy on the U.S.S. Grand Canyon.
Keiss received his master’s degree from Glassboro (Rowan University) and then started his career in education at Hainesport School, where he taught social studies and served as principal.
After 24 years he moved into a superintendent’s position in the Tabernacle school system for six years and then served as Burlington County superintendent for seven years. Recently, he worked as an interim superintendent in the Springfield, Chesterfield, Mount Holly, Westampton, and Palmyra school districts.
He served on many educational and community boards including Burlington County Special Services, Burlington County Institute of Technology, Burlington County College trustee, Burlington County Council of Boy Scouts, Lester A. Drenk Behavioral Health Center, Catholic Charities Board of Directors, United Way, the Burlington County Freeholders Advisory Council on Women, Delran and Mount Laurel boards of education.
He was past president of Burlington County Education Association, Burlington County School Boards Association and on the Executive Committee of the New Jersey Association of School Administrators and the Board of Directors of the Educational Resource and Information Center (EIRC).
He also was commissioner and coach for Mount Laurel’s youth athletic programs.
Among the honors he received for his commitments to education and the community are the: Burlington County Volunteer Center’s Lloyd Ritter Volunteer of the Year Award in 2006, Joint Legislative Resolution from the New Jersey State Legislature for Educational Services to Burlington County in 2005, Honorary Commander of McGuire Air Force Base, Burlington County School Board Member of the Year in 2010 and the Elizabeth M. Richards Burlington County Education Association Award in 2003.
He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Susan Boyle Keiss, and his children Kevin, David and Brian; and grandchild Connor Keiss. He was the brother of Joan (Charlie) McGee, Sandy Keiss and Mary (Len) Jablonski; brother-in-law of Thomas Boyle, Helen (Barney) Dugan and Peg (Gene) Buechele. He was predeceased by his sister, Sister Isabelle Keiss, RSM, a Sister of Mercy, and brother and sister-in-law Thomas and Claire Boyle.
In lieu of flowers, donations, in his name, may be made to his sister in law’s foundation, Champs Achievers Foundation ATTN: Helen Boyle Dugan 3907 West 92nd St., Prarie Village Kansas 66207 or to Saint Francis University, Office of Advancement, P.O. Box 600, Loretto, Pa., 15940.
Arrangements were handled by Bradley Funeral Home, Marlton.
