Joseph G. Pfister passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, June 14, 2012 with his family by his side. He was born on January 8, 1933 to the late Sebastian and Lena Traub Pfister. He attended Notre Dame High School of West Haven, there he was captain of the 1951 team bringing the first trophy to the school by playing in the private schools basketball tournament in Madison Square Garden as a preliminary game to the New York Knickerbackers. He was chosen athlete of the year. Mr. Pfister began college at Notre Dame University, South Bend, Indiana, and played three years of varsity basketball at St. Edwards University, Austin, Texas where he was awarded the most valuable player. He also played basketball for many years in both city and amateur circles. He earned a Masters Degree in Education from New Haven State Teachers College and a sixth year degree from Bridgeport University. He retired in 1992 after 36 years as an English teacher at West Haven High School where he also was a basketball coach and business advisor for the West Whims Magazine. He was honored as Teacher of the Year in 1992 by the West Haven Lodge of Elks. He had membership in the Elks and the Knights of Columbus, was past president of the Millbrook Association and a member of the Army Reserves. By hobby, he was an avid sailor. Mr. Pfister is survived by Judy Cascio, his wife of 43 years, his son Joseph and his son Marc and his wife Stephanie. He leaves his brother Albert and his wife Jane, of Norwalk, CT and his sister Anne and her husband, Ronald Kirchoff of Gaithersburg, Md. He was predeceased by a sister, Marie Birmingham and brothers, Paul and the Rev. Carl Pfister, O. Carm.
His funeral procession will leave the North Haven Funeral Home, 36 Washington Avenue, Tuesday morning at 10:30. A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated in Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church at 11:00. Interment will follow in All Saints Cemetery. The visiting hours will be Monday from 4 to 8 pm.
Marc I am very sorry to hear about your father.
Dearest Auntie Judy, Joey, Marc and Stephanie,
Uncle Joe was a wonderful man. Who could forget that infamous “hook shot” he used while playing basketball in Nana’s and Poppy’s backyard!
All our Love,
John and Jackie
30 yrs ago I had Mr. Pfister as an English teacher at WHHS. He was a wonderful person and teacher. I was so sorry to hear of his passing. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
He will be truly missed. The fond memories of Mr. Pfister playing with us while we were children will never be forgotten. During this time, please find peace knowing he is no longer suffering.
Dearest Judy,
Words cannot express how empty I feel. I have to console myself with the truly funny times (a certain little boy in the plumbing dept at Sears) and the great “war stories” (WHHS is built backwards). My thoughts and prayers are with you and the boys.
Love,
Sam
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Dear Marc and family, Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you during this time.
Judy
I was so sorry to read the notice about your husband. He sounds like a wonderful man and you were very fortunate to have had him all these years – and he was lucky to have had you by his side. My best wishes to you and your family at this sad time and you will all be in my prayers. Perhaps we can touch base and meet some time in the near future. I’m still at Raveis – in Milford these days. Would love to see you.
Judy, sorry to read of the passing of your Joe. I cannot make the wake today , because I just got out of the hospital. I had the pleasure of attending NDHS with Joe. I think I met you during the years, a couple times. My prayers are with you and Joe.
Dear Judy and Family,,so sorry for your loss, my prayers are with you..
I was very sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing. After reading the obituary, I can see that he certainly led a full life and made a significant contribution to society. I am sure you are very proud of him. My thoughts are with you and you family.
Marc –
You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time – memories will last a lifetime – they are our parents legacy.
In sympathy – Bobbi Siegel
Marc, I am very sorry for your loss. I read the obituary, your dad was quite the athlete. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Bags
Marc,
I am so, so sorry for your loss. I too know the loss of a parent (my mother) and it is a loss that is hard to take. That is for sure! ) : Know that our heart is with you here and that your dad is in a place where there is no more pain. That is what got me through my mom’s passing! Please accept my heartfelt sadness at this news you and your family are facing and know you are in my prayers for strength to get through this difficult time.
Tracy
Judy,
My thoughts and prayers and are with you and your boys.
Love You,
Jaime