John Keplinger Jr., 78

CAMBRIDGE - John Keplinger Jr., 78, of Cambridge, passed away at his home on Saturday, Nov. 15, 2008. He was born in Cambridge on Aug. 17, 1930, and was a son of the late John and Lydia Scherch Keplinger. John made his home in Cambridge for his entire life. He was the sixth of eight children and the only boy. He went to Peachblossom Elementary School, Upper Elementary School and graduated from Cambridge High School. After graduation he enlisted in the Army and was a medic for five years, serving in Germany. He then enrolled in the University of Maryland, where he earned his B.A. degree in English. He taught English for 15 years in various local high schools and was a beloved teacher. Many of his former students will remember him and be saddened by his passing. John, along with his sisters, took piano lessons from Agnes Hubbard for 12 years and had a great appreciation for classical music, especially Beethoven's symphonies and loved to play the Moonlight Sonata by memory. John was a member of Immanuel Evangelical and Reformed Church on Peachblossom Ave., where he was an active member of the choir for many years. He was baptized and confirmed there. Immanuel became U.C.C. and eventually built a new Church on Route 50. John maintained his membership and donated one of his pianos to the Church, but failing health eventually prevented him from driving. John was an avid reader of fine literature and the classics and enjoyed critiquing books with family members and colleagues. Surviving family are sisters and brothers-in-law, Martha Malkus and Milton Malkus Jr. of Cambridge, Joyce Mueller and Joe Mueller of Harmony, Zelma Garretson of Baltimore, Ruth Galbraith of Oxnard, Calif.; and many nieces and nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews. John was preceded in death by his parents, John and Lydia Keplinger of Cambridge; and sisters, Iris Fluharty of Trappe, Gloria Langrall of Cambridge, and Bertha Wright of East New Market; also brothers-in-law, Kenneth Fluharty, Ray Langrall and Thomas Wright of Cambridge, Jack Garretson-Butt of Baltimore and Glen Galbraith of Calif. John always made it clear that he wanted to live in his own home all of his life and die there. His sisters respected his wishes, and so he passed on in the home that he loved. He will be sorely missed by his family and friends. Arrangements are being made by Thomas Funeral Home in Cambridge. There will be a private burial. A celebration of his life (as he requested) will take place at a later date to be announced.