Dr. Anton Franklin Kiehner

Dr. Kiehner, son of the late Mr. And Mrs. Franklin M. Kiehner, was born and raised in Schuylkill Haven, Pennsylvania. He held degrees from Lebanon Valley College, Temple University and the Philadelphia Conservatory of Music.

While serving in the United States Army he was Assistant Conductor of the United Nations Headquarters Band in Tokyo, Japan and French Hornist in the Japan-American Philharmonic Orchestra. He did television work with Arlene Francis in New York City, New York. He also performed with the Harrisburg Symphony of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.

In 1958 he was appointed Band and Orchestra Director at Conestoga Senior High School, Berwyn, Pennsylvania. While at Conestoga his bands traveled to the Indy 500, Kentucky Derby, EXPO 67, New York World’s Fair, Washington, D.C., New York City Parades, Atlanta, Memphis, Tulip Festival, Disney World, Cypress Gardens, and the Tournament of Roses in Pasadena, California. His symphonic bands and orchestras performed for four Pennsylvania Music Educator Conventions and three Music Educators National Conventions. His last eight years of teaching were spent at Valley Forge Middle School.

Dr. Kiehner was past president of District 12, P.M.E.A.; past president of the National Band Association for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, having received the “Citation of Excellence”; past president of Phi Beta Mu having received the “Outstanding Band Master of Pennsylvania.”

Tony was a devoted summer fixture in Ocean City, New Jersey. His porch at 602 12th Street was his stage for good-natured commentary while he entertained neighbors and tourists alike with his wit, “casual” attire, and a twinkle in his eye. He was a member of St. Peters United Methodist Church, the Masterworks Choir and the Male Chorus, and the Ocean City Tabernacle.

Pre-deceased by his wife of 62 years, Jane T. Kiehner, he is survived by his daughter Debra Benson of Sherrills Ford, NC and a son, A. Scott of Palm Coast, FL. He had four grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Private graveside services will be held in Cressona, Pennsylvania. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Conestoga High School Dr. Anton Kiehner scholarship fund.

Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.craigflaglerpalms.com