George Kefeli, 90, of Vienna, West Virginia, passed away on October 5, 2026, at his residence. George Kefeli’s life began in Prague, Czechoslovakia. Along the way, he built a family he loved deeply and a career that reflected his remarkable intelligence and determination. Through all the changes in his life, his loyalty to family and his strong sense of fairness remained constant.
Born on August 8, 1936, to Michael and Elizabeth (Katyk) Kefeli, George spent his early childhood in Prague during the German occupation of World War II. After leaving Czechoslovakia, his family lived in displacement camps throughout Europe. In November 1949, they immigrated to the United States with sponsorship from the Tolstoy Foundation and settled in Nyack, New York. At thirteen, George was beginning again in a new country.
He graduated from Nyack High School in 1955 and went on to Stevens Institute of Technology, earning his Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1960. During college, he also discovered a love of photography while working for the student newspaper, The Stute, and the yearbook. Photography became an interest he would carry throughout his life.
While working for Chicago Pneumatic Tools in New Orleans, George met Joan Schurr, the lady who would become his wife. Their life together took them to Rochester, New York, and Franklin, Pennsylvania, before returning to New Orleans, where George began working for Kaiser Aluminum in Chalmette, Louisiana. They raised two children, Drew and Natasha, building a family that remained at the heart of George’s life as his career took them to new places.
His work in the aluminum industry later brought the family to Kentucky with Alcan Aluminum and, in 1989, to Ravenswood, West Virginia, with Century Aluminum as Plant Manager of Reduction Operations. George brought a keen mind, deep industry knowledge, and an unwavering work ethic to his profession. His contributions included consulting and helping the plant achieve many milestones under his leadership. After retiring, he and Joan lived in Thornville, Ohio. His work took him around the world and gave him opportunities to pursue his love of travel. Over his lifetime, he visited all seven continents.
Away from work, George enjoyed photography, collecting coins, and helping Joan with her love of Norwich Terriers and Collies. He was curious about the world and driven in the things he undertook. Those who knew him will remember his undeniable intelligence, his fairness, and the strength of his character. To his family, his devotion was the most enduring part of who he was. His children and the generations that followed were deeply loved, and his loyalty to them never wavered.
George is survived by his son, Drew Kefeli of Parkersburg, West Virginia; his daughter, Natasha Lattin of Pocatello, Idaho; his three grandchildren, Jenna Kefeli, Payton Lattin, and Talon Lattin; two beautiful great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Joan (Schurr) Kefeli; and his sisters, Helen Smirensky and Lisa Springer.
George lived a full life, with much to be proud of and a family who will carry his memory forward. He was the perfect example of the “American Dream.” He will be greatly missed and often remembered, with love and gratitude for the man he was.
The service will be Monday at 3:00 PM at the Leavitt Funeral Home in Parkersburg, with Robert Carr officiating. Interment will follow in Metairie, Louisiana, at a later date. Visitation will be from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM before the service at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be made in his name to the Stevens Institute of Technology at:
https://www.givecampus.com/campaigns/68402/donations/new?amt=100.00
Online condolences may be sent to the family @www.leavittfuneralhome.com
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