Paul Keefer Henneberger

Paul Keefer Henneberger, 73, of Morgantown, W.Va., died at Ruby Memorial Hospital on May 28, 2026. 

Paul was born in Hamilton, Ohio., on August 27, 1952, the son of Marc W. Henneberger and Mary K. Henneberger. He is survived by his wife, Linda Durfee, of Morgantown, and their daughter, Katherine Henneberger, of Brooklyn, N.Y.; his siblings, James Henneberger (Charlotte), of Tampa, Fla., and Nancy Riesgo (Tom), of Belfast, Me.; ten nieces and nephews; and three great-nieces. 

A 1974 graduate of Beloit College, Paul earned a Master of Public Health degree from Columbia University in 1980 and a Doctor of Science degree in Epidemiology and Occupational Health from Harvard University in 1988. Paul’s public health career began in New York City, where he worked first in infectious disease surveillance for the NYC Department of Health and later as an epidemiologist for the Mount Sinai School of Medicine. Following completion of his ScD, Paul spent four years as an Assistant Professor at the State University of New York (SUNY) Upstate Medical University in Syracuse, N.Y., teaching epidemiology to medical and nursing students and conducting research in occupational health, especially the respiratory health of pulp and paper workers. In 1993, he moved to Morgantown to work at the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), where he would spend the remainder of his career. 

During his 32 years at NIOSH, Paul became known worldwide for his contributions to the understanding of occupational respiratory disease, including work-related asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. In addition to being a prolific author in the field, Paul served as a peer reviewer for numerous professional journals, and he was a highly regarded presenter, moderator, and facilitator at professional conferences. Paul’s colleagues valued his expertise, thoughtful perspective, and talent for asking insightful questions that deepened scientific discussions. He was also known for mentoring early-career scientists, generously sharing his time and wisdom to encourage newcomers to the field. 

As a long-term member of the American Thoracic Society (ATS), Paul held multiple leadership positions within that society over the years, including serving a term as Environmental, Occupational and Population Health (EOPH) Assembly Chair and member of the ATS Board of Directors. In addition, he served for a number of years as a board member of the American Lung Association of West Virginia and the American Lung Association of the Mid-Atlantic, as well as of the Community Kitchen in Morgantown. 

Following his 2025 retirement, Paul still remained active professionally, staying on as a guest researcher at NIOSH, maintaining adjunct faculty status at West Virginia University, and continuing his collaborative work with international investigators. He shared his expertise with the community, working with local activists to highlight how recent administrative changes affect West Virginia health care. Driven by his passion to improve the lives of others, Paul also recently joined the Friday morning volunteer crew at the Community Kitchen.

An enthusiast of English country dancing, Paul met his beloved Linda at Pinewoods Camp. The couple married in 1994 and soon welcomed their daughter, Katherine, who became her father’s greatest source of joy and pride. Paul enjoyed traveling with his family, and two career opportunities offered them notable travel experiences: a ten-week collaborative research position in 2003 at the University of Gothenburg, Sweden, and a ten-month Visiting Scientist position in 2008 at the Centre for Research in Environmental Epidemiology in Barcelona, Spain. In retirement, Paul revived his interest in the German language, finding great satisfaction in improving his fluency through dedicated daily practice. Paul savored his early-morning neighborhood walks, relished every opportunity to cross-country ski, and loved hiking in the woods. He was a lifelong Episcopalian. 

A memorial service will take place at St. Thomas à Becket Episcopal Church, 75 Old Cheat Rd. Morgantown, on Saturday, August 29, at 10 am, with the Rev. Michael L. Delk officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations in Paul's memory may be made to the American Lung Association; Episcopal Relief & Development; Community Kitchen, Inc.; or Pinewoods Camp, Inc.

Hastings Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.hastingsfuneralhome.com